Biggest market in Meghalaya reopens

SHILLONG: Iewduh (Barabazar) — the biggest marketplace in the state — re-opened on Monday after over three months, but received a lukewarm response with many shoppers staying away on day one.
About 413 of the 1,222 stalls, which were allowed to re-open, according to the decision of the East Khasi Hills district administration in consultation with the chief executive member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Syiem of Mylliem.
Earlier, chief minister Conrad K Sangma had specified that 22-30% of the total number of shops would be reopened on a rotational basis.
However, fish, meat and vegetable markets, stalls selling books, betel nuts and betel leaves and hawkers are not allowed to function in the market, as these are already being sold outside.
Last week, an inspection of Ïewduh was conducted by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, along with health minister, A L Hek, urban affairs minister Hamletson Dohling, director of health Services, Dr Aman War, and East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri, along with representatives of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Syiem of Hima Mylliem and Greater Association of Ïewduh Market.
Meanwhile, security personnel were seen instructing the market-goers on safety protocols, even as they poured sanitisers into the hands of the shoppers, all of whom had to mandatorily wear face masks.
Water tanks with soap were kept near the entry/exit point to the market.
“Very few people came today, but we are happy that the market has partially opened,” said the owner of a barber’s shop, who was wearing self-made hand gloves, even as he was sanitizing his accessories, including combs and scissors in water mixed with antiseptic solution.