Cabinet Minister in the MDA Government and NPP legislator from East Shillong, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, has made it clear that the state government will not indulge in theatrics over the relocation of hawkers from Laitumkhrah. She stressed the need for a planned and cautious approach, expressing her aspiration to see the streets of Laitumkhrah reflect the organised and decongested look of Khyndailad.
Addressing the issue head-on, Lyngdoh confirmed that the government has a comprehensive strategy in motion. “The state government has a plan of action. The Government is considering this huge annoying presence that we find in every part of the city, not just in Laitumkhrah. We need to have a very calculated, targeted, focused solution of the problem.”
She made it clear that while the administration acknowledges the sensitivities involved, there will be no theatrics or public confrontation. “I do not want to rub words with vendors. I have nothing to say at this point of time, but we need to fix it and people are looking towards the government to fix it,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the complexities at play, calling into question the very framework of obligation and enforcement. “How do we fix this problem? Is it an obligation? What are these obligations? What are the extents of these obligations? Who’s telling us to be obligated to what? How do we evaluate who becomes eligible to face obligatory action by government? Very complex matter.”
Calling for patience, Lyngdoh was emphatic about the need to avoid speculation and premature disclosure. “As a responsible citizen, I will not indulge and divulge information which is premature in nature. When will we move them? How will we move them? Why should we move them? And where will we move them? Just have to be patient,” she said.
Acknowledging the emotional undercurrents surrounding the issue, she warned against escalation and sensationalism. “We’re dealing with human lives and in our efforts to deal with problems which are related to livelihood, we have to be cautious. And yes, Paul Lyngdoh is correct. It is another reading on the wall. We have to sort it out.”
She was unyielding in her resolve to keep matters under control. “But I cannot assure you. The government is sympathetic to the largest decree. We are not going to be engaging in drama because drama is not the way out in these situations. I can understand feelings will go out of hand. People can say whatever they want. Hurt somebody, take out weapons—this, that—we’ve seen those dramas. That drama is not going to happen in my turf.”
On the path ahead, Lyngdoh called for collective effort. “I am working sincerely to ensure that whatever plan we bring before whoever is going to be, you know, part of this decision-taking… and yes, we are working hard. I cannot do this alone. I need the public to participate.”
She concluded with a strong reminder about institutional oversight and the importance of due diligence. “My durbar is very much in line. Durbar is also preparing a plan of action, and the government needs to remember that judicial intervention is a stone’s throw distance away from every citizen. We will handle this cautiously with all care. We will study situations and I hope that we will once again be positive, and I hope that we will soon see a Police Bazaar-Khyndailad look in the streets of Laitumkhrah.”
