Meghalaya Cabinet to decide today to partially open main markets in State

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government will take a final call on Monday on whether to partially open the main markets like Ïewduh and Khyndai Lad. Ïewduh, the biggest market in the State, and Khyndai Lad (Police Bazaar) remained have remained closed since March 21 as a preventive measure to combat the possible spread of coronavirus in the State.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held a review meeting with his Cabinet colleagues and senior government officials following requests from various stakeholders to open the markets. "The need to reopen markets including Ïewduh was discussed and the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district was asked to work out the modalities along with the Chief Secretary M.S.Rao and come back on Monday for taking decision accordingly," Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said. Opposition Congress legislator Mohendro Rapsang had raised the matter during the reassembled budget of the State Assembly, urging the State government to partially open 15 per cent of the markets. "The closure of shops in Ïewduh for two months has badly affected the livelihood of the people. At least 15 per cent of shops dealing with farming and other sectors should be allowed to open in Ïewduh," Rapsang said. The West Shillong legislator said that due to the closure of Ïewduh, cottage industries — which depends on the market for selling their wares — have been adversely affected.