Editor,
The recent killing of four people in Khasi Hills on pure suspicion of practicing black magic must be condemned by all right thinking citizens. This is totally unacceptable. It is barbaric, savage and uncivilised. That the incident/s happened just 20 km from the educational ‘hub’ of the North East speak/s for itself. Real education is still to take place. Only one religious head has condemned the ghastly act. Where are others? Leaders – political, religious, ‘NGOs’, academic – where? Whom do common people look up to in times when reason is tested? Do we want superstitions to perpetuate? Does the majority want to take the law in their own hands? One word on the social network users! Could I make an allegation? We are insensitive to and perhaps ignorant about social issues. Facebook and other social media are an excellent platform for expressing our thought on issues of common concerns. But, alas we are satisfied with posting pictures and offer our ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ on light and trivial matters. On the issue in question too not much space was found in the social networking sites. Issues that matter must be expressed without hesitation. In this ‘modern’ age you can do it wherever, whenever and from anywhere you wish. Possibilities are manifold. Miss not the chance to change and make a difference!
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal
North Garo Hills- 2
No siren OK! Please!
Editor,
We, the common public of India are grateful for a “Thinking” and “Reasonable” Supreme Court of India since it has recently passed a direction to the Centre and states to remove sirens and red beacons from vehicles of VIPs. It has rightly observed that use of the sirens and red beacons as “reflection of the British Raj”. It is sincerely hoped that the Government of Meghalaya strictly implements and act on the Supreme Court of India directions. All those persons who use sirens and red beacons even on their private vehicles should be charged with contempt of Court and prosecuted. Further, Shillong is not covered under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), however, vehicles of the army and even paramilitary forces zoom on the road blazing to glory their sirens and with gun-toting sepoys as if they are on their way to the battlefield. Whereas in big cities like Mumbai and Delhi, it’s so funny to see even “Three Star” vehicles meekly toeing the traffic lanes.
Yours etc.,
R Syiem,
Via email
Independence Day programme
Editor,
Apropos the letter ‘ Independence Day Flop Show’ pertaining to the official Independence Day function held at Polo Grounds, Shillong I fully agree with the views of the writer. I would also like to add that not only was the programme badly organized but it was not even properly timed. Considering that the parade of the various contingents would take more than half an hour followed by a 45-minute speech by our Honourable Chief Minister, the cultural programme should have been well-timed so that it would end before 11:00 A.M. Instead our government officials try to fit in nearly a dozen cultural items .The result was that half-way through the programme our respected invitees stood up on the dot at 11:00 to attend another more important function at Raj Bhavan oblivious to the fact that the other items were still being performed. It was a most pitiable sight to see our young school children trying to put on their best show after so much effort to an almost empty audience and a faint applause. Thanks to the downright insult meted out to them! I request our government officials not to repeat this in future.
Yours etc.,
A disappointed member of the audience
Name withheld on request
Independence Day celebration- Another view
Editor,
I congratulate the MTDC for organising such a beautiful event in Khyndailad. The sound system was excellent and clear. Tourists from Bangladesh, West Bengal, Assam, Bangalore and even from Italy were speechless listening to the entertainment of a gifted compere speaking in English, Hindi, Khasi and Bengali. I am talking about Bah Manik ( Hei ka Pla). An enthusiastic crowd filled Khyndailad and all participants in the event not to name anyone were talented. They really entertained us. I would like to suggest to the organisers to make the stage bigger and more colourful next year. The evening show in U Soso Tham auditorium was another wonderful evening. The Serenity Choir, Nala Rympei and many solo artists sang beautifully. The hall was jam packed and the DC, Mr Sanjay Goyal was kind enough to allow ordinary people like us to sit in the extra plastic chairs in front of the VIP quotas arranged efficiently by the organisers. The compere, a beautiful lady dressed in green added to the quality of the show. Her speech clearly said that she was well prepared to host the show. Both the comperes deserve a big applause and we hope to see them next year. After a bad experience last year, I refused to take my children to Polo Ground. The annual programme in Polo Ground is mainly for the VIPs and not for ordinary people. Last year when I took my children to Polo Ground, they were very happy and excited. We arrived very early to get a good view but as soon as the VIPs arrived in their VIP cars, their body guards and police personnel stood like a the Great Wall of China blocking out our view. This year was no better. For such a big event, the District Administration should have arranged a place where everybody could have a clear view, but who cares for ordinary people?
Yours etc.,
FA Pariat
Shillong 3