Editor,
Apropos Cerilla Khonglah’s letter (ST Aug 4, 2011) regarding the plus points of constructing the new assembly at the old site, I would like to inform her and other people who think likewise about the rumour going around that there is a strong move amongst certain quarters in the government to construct a big shopping mall at the old site. If true then another concrete monstrosity is in waiting to add to the death throes of our city. If the government refuses to construct the assembly at the old site then perhaps a grass laden park with flowering shrubs, flowers, kiosks for coffee/tea, a poet and speaker’s corner would be preferable to a concrete and glass shopping mall.
Yours etc.,
DM. Pariat,
Shillong -3
Punish ticket-less travelers!
Editor,
The introduction of JNNURM buses in Shlllong city is a big step forward towards the modernisation of the city and its transportation system. But, it’s a shame to read that passengers are traveling without valid tickets and indulge in acts of vandalism. When are we going to learn lessons? It seems to be deeply embedded in our culture to not have any sense of responsibility towards public property. Culture is not about celebrating festivals and traditions but also about how we follow the rules and regulations and have a respect for public property, each other and society as a whole. The public buses here in the UK do not have conductors traveling in the bus to check ticket-less travelers but still almost everybody makes sure that they have a valid ticket to travel. One can’t say that they are educated and well informed but such things are deeply rooted in their culture. I am sure people who travel ticket-less in JNNURM buses are educated but I feel they derive a kind of pride by not purchasing a ticket. It is against their ego may be, to travel with a valid ticket! What we need right now is a strict imposition of fine and punishment against such shameless travelers. We may have a double or triple digit growth every year but everything will go down the drain if we don’t have self discipline and respect for each other.
Yours etc.,
Rajesh Swarnakar
Southampton, UK