Shillong, Feb 12: Mineral water is free but the cup for drinking that water costs Rs 100 thanks to Bookmyshow and E d Sheeran concert held at JN Stadium, Polo Grounds, on Wednesday.
As the organisers banned water bottles and even biscuits to be carried to the stadium, the vendors assigned by the organisers for selling water, food and beverages had a field day.
Exorbitant rate was a concern for those who could not afford, while the pre-paid system of payment resulted in loss to some customers.
In the recent international concerts in parts of the state since November last year, too much commercialization was witnessed with no price control mechanism.
Sanitiser, hair brushes, combs and lipsticks, small bags among others were not allowed inside but they were not returned to the owners by those who ‘confiscated’ them.
It was noticed after the event that they were thrown to the drain.
“Why sanitiser, this is not Covid time, was the foolish reply of a functionary.
Too many security layers and frisking beyond the need led to altercations.
Concerns of outside attendees
Concerns were also raised by the attendees from Assam and other Northeastern states as they were not allowed to bring their backpacks inside the venue.
“We came all the way from Assam, and now they are not allowing us to bring our backpacks inside? Where are we supposed to put our bags?” asked an attendee from Assam.
The attendees were also upset about the lack of facilities, including locker rooms, to store their belongings. “We paid round Rs 5000 for these tickets, and this is how we’re treated? It’s ridiculous,” said another attendee from Mizoram.
The situation turned ugly when security personnel confronted the attendees, leading to heated arguments and assaults at the GA gate. “You can’t bring your backpack inside, it’s not allowed. That’s not our problem, you should have thought of that before coming”, said a security person.
“We’re not asking for much, just a safe place to store our belongings. Is that too much to ask?” asked an attendee from Manipur.
The incident has raised questions about the organizers’ ability to provide basic facilities and ensure a smooth experience for attendees.
However, for many attendees, the damage has already been done. “I’ll think twice before attending any concert in Shillong again,” said an attendee identified as Biplap Saikia from Assam.
If the organisers can cover the natural turf with expensive materials, they can arrange a space for keeping things which cannot be taken inside by giving tokens so that the attendees can collect their belongings whenever they wish to return.
The incident has also sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for better organization and facilities at concerts in the region.
When asked a functionary of the Bookmyshow said that restricted materials were already announced through the website and hence the attendees should have adhered to that.
At a joint press conference with the East Khasi Hils district administration, the matter was communicated.
However, questions remain as to why essentials including sanitizers were not allowed.
