Editor,
My humble question to the so called secularists in India: Did not the Independent MLA Mr Engineer of Jammu & Kashmir hurt the sentiments of Hindu brethren by openly and intentionally throwing a Beef Party in the premises of J &K Assembly recently ? Doesn’t he deserve outright condemnation? It’s not a Hindu Muslim matter but a desperate attempt to bring chaos in the society. Let’s not fall prey to such elements. What followed in the aftermath is a natural outburst. Interestingly the ban on beef was imposed by the Hon’ble High Court of J&K. What if one throws a Pork party in similar way much to the amusement of Mr Engineer ? It’s a never ending process. Let’s stop it. Eating habit is a personal matter and none should interfere. Are we living in a civilised society ? Beef and pork is largely eaten in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh but we have never experienced such arrogance in these states as shown by Mr Engineer Rashid who crossed all limits recently. One hopes that better sense will prevail and such nuisance for cheap publicity will come to an end.
Yours etc.,
Himalayan Gaire,
Via email
Enough of fashion
Editor,
The news report about the arrest of a fly by night operator from Guwahati claims to be a promoter of North East fashion and even dared to forge the signature of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills is appalling. The question is who is colluding with these elements from other states in almost all functions hosted by the Art and Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya? Aren’t there enough young entrepreneurs in Meghalaya who are doing commendable work of promoting North Eastern fashion across the globe without much help from the Government? Why is the Government not keeping a list of such genuine fashion designers and promoters and using their talents constructively? Whenever Govt attempts or claims to do something for our youth here it always lands up in a scam. Isn’t there a single thing that Govt can do right? Daniel Syiem for instance is one credible fashion designer who has put Meghalaya and the North East on the global fashion map. More people know about us and our weaves and colours from Syiem’s international fashion shows. The State should be facilitating the growth of his company and making him a brand ambassador but it seems that Govt is not too eager to promote local entrepreneurs particularly those with no political strings. State Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma should take a call on this and ensure that the culture of consultants who frequent this state and see it as a honey comb is brought to an end. Meghalaya cannot afford to waste money on such worthless firms and individuals.
Yours etc.,
JS Kharkongor,
Via email
Shillong regains its harmonious tag
Editor,
The people of Shillong have come of age. They understand that peace is the foundation for tourism and allied activities. Hotels in Shillong are all booked until November end . Owners of guest houses and home- stays are doing brisk business and they are learning the tricks of the trade. The presence of the Rock On 2 crew in Shillong has also added colour to the city and its suburbs such as Umiam lake and its picturesque surroundings. Then the NH 7 is coming up and a whole lot of musicians will converge here. There is an air of celebration all around. This is what makes a city tick. The only thing that requires some amount of organisation is the garbage collection and disposal bit. This should be the Government’s priority. There is need for a scientific landfill for turning garbage into manure. Govt needs to use force if need be to get this going. We cannot have opposition to every project particularly those that address the common good. If the people of Meghalaya can get their act together and work with Government in facilitating garbage collection and disposal, tourism would boom and tourists will go back with happy memories.
As a resident of this city I am happy to witness the celebration of Durga Puja with such gaiety and abandon. May the Goddess Durga shower her blessings on this city.
Yours etc.,
A Ghosh,
Via email