Shopkeepers at Mawlonghat staged a protest against the proposed relocation of bus services, expressing concern that the move could affect their businesses and disrupt their livelihoods.
The protest comes amid an ongoing strike by bus drivers since Wednesday over the government’s reported plan to shift bus services to another location. The shopkeepers said their businesses depended heavily on the daily movement of buses and passengers, with shopkeepers and bus operators working alongside each other.
Speaking during the protest, a shopkeeper said the proposed relocation would create difficulties for traders who rely on the bus stand and its passengers for their daily business. He pointed out that any shift in bus operations could affect the local commercial activity and cause hardship to shopkeepers.
Taking a dig at the political leadership, the protester also remarked that while most MLAs were enjoying the scenic beauty of Europe, people in Shillong were struggling with everyday difficulties.
The shopkeepers maintained that the proposed relocation would have a direct impact on their livelihoods, adding to the concerns already raised by bus drivers over the government’s plan.