Meghalaya Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh urges government to extend lockdown

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh has urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to extend the lockdown period till the end of the month, citing rising cases of COVID-19 across the country.

In a letter submitted to the Chief Minister on Thursday, the Speaker suggested various measures to ensure that Meghalaya remains a COVID-19-free State.

He suggested the extension of the lockdown period till the end of this month.

Secondly, Lyngdoh suggested closing big markets like Ïewduh at Shillong, Jowai and Tura markets and others for the time being.

“Only small local markets where social distance can be maintained may be allowed to start functioning,” he stated.

The Speaker also asked the government to completely close down all markets at Inter-States and International borders during this period.

“All entry and exit points of the State with the neighbouring States and Country to remain closed with regulation of inter-Districts movements,” he added.

On the issue of private vehicle movement, Lyngdoh suggested using the odd-even system.

He also asked the Chief Minister to advise the Government of India to stop movements of large numbers of troops to the State in transfer and posting of Central and Armed Forces for the time being as a precautionary measure.

He emphasized on the need for spraying of disinfectants, sanitizer, and more for all vehicles at the entry point carrying essential commodities and said that it should be made mandatory.

The Speaker also urged the Chief Minister to make additional logistics other than 1917iTEAMS available, for transporting of agricultural products of farmers from the State.

Further, he also said that strict vigilance should be imposed on price rise of essential commodities especially Rice, Dal and other essential items.

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