Editor,
Through your daily I would like to bring to the notice of all readers that Sunday July 3, 2011 is “International Plastic Bag Free Day.” As such it is my humble appeal to all citizens not to use plastic bags on that day and join the rest of the world to “Get the bag out of your head and hand.” Since its weekly Church day for many, stewardship of the earth may be a theme for all to reflect.
A rough calculation: an average family by conservative estimates uses 560 carry bags a year and 460 snack plastic covers. A total of 7 kg @ 400 per kg totals Rs. 2,800. Multiply by the number of households in Shillong and you understand why the plastic lobby is so strong. We need to protect the environment from the onslaught of plastic.
Yours etc.,
Carmo Noronha
Via email
Untrammelled police action
Editor,
The unprovoked police brutality on a simpleton at 7th Mile Upper Shillong, as reported in your daily recently, is highly condemnable. Time and again such incidents have been highlighted by the media whether it be in Meghalaya, Manipur, Bihar or any other state. I hope we remember the death of a poor farmer sometime back in Puriang after being brutally beaten up inside the lockup. The recent incident needs to be investigated according to due process of law and cannot just be hushed up just because the police officer concerned has high connections. We often hear many law enforcers saying that no one is above the law, then what right does it give a bunch of local low rank constables to beat up anyone at any place they feel like? Though the incident has died down, it is likely to recur if no steps are taken to punish the guilty cops. But who will bell the cat?
Yours etc.,
Dominic S Wankhar
Shillong-3
Unsafe highway
Editor,
This is to draw the attention of the Government on the horrifying incidents one has to undergo while travelling by night bus to Shillong via Guwahati. There are many instances where stones are pelted on buses along this highway between Dudhnoi and Boko. Being a victim of this myself I still recall that horrifying journey which took place just after crossing Dudhnoi on the way to Guwahati. The front glass of the vehicle on which I was travelling totally broken and those glass pieces were sprayed all over my body. Two cabin passengers were injured and blood oozed out from their faces. Kudos to the drivers, who managed to get us through that highway without further harm. The latest incident took place last week where again the front glass was totally smashed due to stone pelting my miscreants, resulting in injuries to some passengers. Its Almighty God who is keeping our journey safe so far. However, we cannot remain mute spectators if such incidents happen once or twice every month. It’s high time for the State Government to wake up and speed up the construction of the Williamnagar-Nongstoin-Shillong road. Hope you are listening to us Dr.Mukul Sangma!
Yours etc…
Firstborn C Marak,
Williamnagar