Shillong, June 16: Partial re-opening of Ïewduh, the biggest market place in Meghalaya will take place from June 22 with only 30 to 33 per cent shops allowed to re-open on rotational basis.

The decision to partially re-open shops at Ïewduh was taken during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday, after joint inspection of Ïewduh was carried out by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Health along with Health Minister, A L Hek and several senior officials in the presence of representatives of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Syiem of Hima Mylliem and Greater Association of Ïewduh.

The market is under the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem (traditional institution).

Tynsong said that out of 1,222 shops at Ïewduh entitled for re-opening, only 30 to 33 per cent would be allowed to open on rotational basis from June 22.

He said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols have to be adhered to in totality while re-opening up of shops at Ïewduh.

However fish market, meat market, book stalls, betel nut and betel leaf market, vegetable market and hawkers will continue to remain shut at Ïewduh.

“We are finding out ways and means for hawkers too, and the Deputy Commissioner has been asked to work out the modalities,” the Deputy Chief Minister informed.

Tynsong informed that weekly markets throughout the state would also re-open from June 29, but border haats along the India-Bangladesh border, and weekly markets along the Meghalaya-Assam border will remain closed till further order.

All Deputy Commissioners would hold consultations with the stakeholders for re-opening up of these weekly markets.

Shops at Ïewduh have been closed ever since the lockdown was imposed in March. Although all markets have slowly re-opened up in a phased manner, Ïewduh remained shut because the market has a high density of shops, congested and narrow lanes.