Shillong, Nov 4: Traffic has officially resumed from Motphran to Mawlong Market and Them Iewmawlong in Shillong, following a six-year closure due to unrest after an altercation in Harijan Colony near Ïewduh. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah announced on October 30 that Them Metor Road, connecting Mawlonghat to Bimola, would reopen from November 4, with traffic permitted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
While the reopening has been welcomed by many, particularly bus operators and market vendors, some pressure groups and political parties have voiced concerns. Groups like the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the Khasi Students Union argue that the road should not open until the Kharmetor community is relocated, maintaining that relocation should be prioritized.
Among political parties, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and the Voice of the People Party have also opposed the decision. Adelbert Nongrum, the VPP MLA for North Shillong, criticized the government, saying it has used the road closure to deflect attention from relocation issues. KHNAM working president Thomas Passah expressed concerns that reopening the route might delay the proposed relocation of 342 families from the area.
Despite these objections, Deputy Commissioner Kurbah stated that lifting the “No Entry” restriction aims to ease traffic congestion around the area. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the need for better traffic flow and calls for community relocation.
