Shillong, June 4: Frustration and anger were visible among commuters in Shillong on Thursday after traffic movement along the Polo road was halted ahead of the convoy movement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governors, and Chief Ministers from the Northeastern states attending the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at the State Convention Centre.
Several motorists and two-wheeler riders expressed their displeasure by continuously honking their vehicle horns while waiting for the road to be reopened.
According to eyewitnesses, police personnel assisted by magistrates had stopped traffic movement nearly an hour before the arrival of the VIP convoy. Vehicles approaching from both roads leading through Forest Colony were halted near the gate of the CRPF camp at Polo.
Many commuters claimed they had not received any prior information regarding the traffic restrictions on the Polo route. The prolonged road closure reportedly disrupted daily activities, with some people arriving late for work and others facing inconvenience in reaching their destinations.
The situation also led to heated exchanges between members of the public and security personnel, as several residents questioned the necessity of imposing restrictions so long before the arrival of the dignitaries.
Agitated commuters strongly criticised the district administration and police authorities, alleging that the traffic management measures caused unnecessary hardship to the public.
