Defence authorities clarify bridge blockade, Shillong

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The defence authorities on Sunday clarified that they blocked a bridge on the outskirts of Shillong used by locals for the safety of those using it.

"The 150 years old bridge at Umkhen river is damaged and the support structure is broken causing Army to block it for safety of civilians. A nearby causeway is available for use for both civilians and army personnel," the PRO Defence Meghalaya stated in a tweet. It may mentioned that there were news reports that the residents of Jyntah on the outskirts of Shillong accusing the Indian Army's Assam Regiment of harassment after the defence authorities blocked two bridges with barb wires forcing locals to walk across the river Wah Umkhen.

The said bridge was constructed during the British era. Another old concrete bridge, which belongs to the army but was also used by the public, was also blocked a week ago. The river divides Happy Valley that falls under Nongkrem constituency and Jyntah that falls under Mawrynkneng constituency.

Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, Member of District Council (MDC) of Mawryngkneng, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, East Khasi Hills district authorities led by a magistrate, Mardondor Tongper along with members of the Khasi Student's Union (KSU), went to the area to take first hand information.

During the inspection of the said bridge, the KSU members, the magistrate and the MDC met the army authorities at the site. According to the KSU, the union managed to convince the army authorities to once again allow civilians to use the bridge.