Stop stigmatizing the returnees

Editor,

The news caption in your esteemed daily, “What happens now that people have returned?” Buzzword in city (ST May 16, 2020), is really disheartening. If this is the peoples’ perception about those stranded citizens who have returned home from different parts of the country, it is very unfortunate. These returnees have eagerly waited for nearly two months return to their homes to be with their family members. Why this paranoia about the returnees?  The Government of Meghalaya has allowed them to come back with proper testing facilities at various entry points and also with specified SOPs to be followed. These returnees are students, migrant labourers, working professionals and some patients who belongs to our state. It pains me to hear this sort of selfish thoughts.

Just imagine the anxiety, fear, uncertainty and the desperation they are going through by being far away from their near and dear ones at this time of crisis.  I can truly understand their agony as I am also a working professional, working outside of Meghalaya for the past four years. Hence, I appeal to the public to be empathetic and not to be unduly fearful or to discriminate against or stigmatize these returnees.

Yours etc.,

Mangkara Hynniewta

    Shillong-10

Oily substances on potable water

Editor,

Sometime back we have widely read in these columns of the patent visibility of oily layers on the surface of our potable water drawn from the PHE sources through our piped-water connection. Thus, I’m afraid, this water contamination may pose grave health hazards-becoming a predictor to terminal debilitation like cancer, kidney and other water borne diseases. Such apprehensions were vehemently aired a few years ago and allegations flew thick and fast that this oily mess from our piped water was owing to the unhindered washing of all types of vehicles along parts of the rivers which feed our water supply scheme from Mawphlang managed by the state’s PHE. Such washing of vehicles which allows seepage of oily liquids contaminates the water and should be deemed illegal by the State Pollution Control Board. Post those public resonances the quality of our tapped water had changed for the better perhaps due to action taken by the concerned authorities.

However lately, I have noticed that boiled water from my tapped connection kept overnight in a vessel has an invariably thin layer of oily substance. Hence, as a conscious citizen caring for overall public wellness I have a justified foreboding that such water-quality loaded with oily-elements may cause irreparable harm to our personal health regimes. I hope those at the helm and the minister in charge PHE are listening to this public angst.

Yours etc.,

J K Diengdoh

Shillong-2

Well deserved recognition

Editor,

The state government’s initiative to legalize the local wine industry which I would call a small sector unit is a positive and a welcome step after many years of waiting. This was an initiative which the previous Congress governments couldn’t achieve. This recognition is well deserved and the efforts of individuals like Michael Syiem, Mr Mawklot from Mairang and others engaged in local wine industry should be applauded. This will have a strong impact on the horticulture sector with a more robust policy in place, thereby adding a value chain to the existing wine industry. This will also provide better avenues for local farmers engaged in horticulture. This industry has ready market linkages provided it can give quality assurance, better and more creative branding and a diversified portfolio of the local industry. It should be also noted that since there is an institution like the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship and other agencies, to provide the necessary hand-holding to upcoming entrepreneurs to  upscale what has been up to this point a cottage industry.

Yours etc.,

Dominic S. Wankhar

Shillong

Cyber crimes a red light for India

Editor,

The Bois Locker Room case has given rise to a series of questions in my mind about the increasing rate of cyber crimes in India. Internet has become a part of our day to day lives. With the advancement in technology, we are becoming more and more dependent on the internet. But, this has also led to some serious consequences. With each and every person from teenager to adult now having access to the internet, it has also led to the growth of cyber crimes like cyber stalking which is seen in social media platforms. Other crimes include unauthorized access to another person’s account or hacking. According to a report published by the National Crime Records Bureau, Maharashtra has emerged as the center of cyber crime with maximum number of incidence of registered cases under cyber crimes. Accordingly, most of the offenders arrested for cyber crimes were in the age group of 18-30 years. This raises the question as to whether there should be strict restrictions on internet use depending on the age of the user. As there are no practical restrictions on the internet anyone can access to anything through the web.

This has become a serious issue in our country in recent times as people have been falling victims to cyber crimes at a alarming rate, resulting in disastrous outcomes like suicides, abuses etc, mostly among the teenagers. I feel that the Indian government should set up agencies for combating cyber crimes, just like the United States has done by establishing the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security(DHS). Only then, we can hope for some positive outcomes. Internet is a tool built for the good of mankind but it’s misuse can lead to chaos in society.

Yours etc.,

Dibyajyoti Brahma

Cotton University, Assam

Corrigendum

Editor,

Apropos the article “Are Traditional Institutions Equipped for Disasters? A Case Study of the Covid-19 Pandemic” (ST May 20, 2020) where it was mentioned that Mawlangwir is in West Khasi Hills District, we wish to apologise for the oversight. Mawlangwir is in fact under South West Khasi Hills District. The error was unintentional. The authors take full responsibility for the error and tender their unconditional apology.

Yours etc.,

Marbabiang Syiemlieh,

MangchaTouthang

& NaoremArunibala

Via email