SHILLONG : The Ri Bhoi district administration has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent disruption of essential commodity movement amid the ongoing blockade along the Byrnihat-Jorabat route.
An order issued by District Magistrate Dr Abhishek Saini, IAS, on August 20 covers the transport, loading, unloading, distribution and sale of essential goods, including food, petroleum products, LPG, medicines and other civil supplies.
The order warns of criminal action against anyone involved in illegally stopping essential goods movement. It also empowers police to arrest without warrant people reasonably suspected of violating ESMA or obstructing essential commodity transport.
The administration has further directed that vehicles carrying essential commodities be allowed unhindered passage 24 hours a day.
The order comes as transport operators from Assam and Meghalaya remain involved in a standoff following attacks on vehicles during Wednesday’s violence in Shillong.
A separate public advisory issued by the Ri Bhoi administration on August 21 said the Byrnihat-Jorabat road is currently blocked from both sides and advised commuters and travellers to avoid the route until further notice.
Those travelling for medical treatment, airport, railway and other essential purposes have been asked to use alternative routes, including Byrnihat-Pillingkata-Killing and Nongpoh-Patharkhmah-Rani.
The administration urged travellers to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with authorities to ensure the movement of essential traffic.
