Editor,
It is noted that whenever Government thinks of a project for Khyndailad they also speak of a car/vehicle free zone. It is strange that the officials without going into the ground realities make such statements. Khyndailad has been a residential cum commercial area from time immemorial and residents need to ferry their children and the elderly at any point of time. Vehicles carrying goods for the shops also have to come for delivery. Denying entry of vehicles belonging to residents will lead to violation of human rights. This is a commercial area not a garden or a park where vehicles cannot enter. It is not a wide avenue where trees can be planted and seating arrangements made. Whenever I have met the officials and Minister In-Charge Urban and Municipal affairs, I have been assured that the permission for vehicles belonging to the residents would be issued. It is therefore not for fair for some department to make statements that create panic among the residents.
The Urban Affairs department should come out with a clear statement to allay the fears of the residents and shopkeepers of Khyndailad.
Yours etc.,
S. L Singhania
Headman
Police Bazar Ward
Shabas – Urban Affairs Dept!
Editor,
Apropos the news items in your esteemed daily on the objections raised by some headmen against the building, byelaws enacted by the state government, as a responsible citizen of the state having read and fully understood the contents of the building bye laws, I feel they are appropriate to our present circumstances. The bye-laws have to be strictly implemented to ensure proper growth of the town and to protect lives and properties from disaster. We all know Shillong is located in Zone V of seismic location which is vulnerable to earthquakes. Look at Gangtok where rampant construction was allowed. The devastation after the recent earth quake was catastrophic. So many people were killed and buildings cracked. I feel we the citizens of Shillong are no longer ignorant, unless we are made ignorant by narrow minded traditional leaders who would not mind if citizens suffer as long as the outdated tradition is maintained. We should cope up with the demands of the time and choose what is best for our safety and suitability. All constructions need to be regulated and land use should be properly planned so that we do not produce only slums. Shillong being a tourist spot, one should maintain the geographical structure. In fact the government should make all efforts to create avenues for tourist attraction. The bye-laws are a must to stop rampant constructions and growth of slums.
John Kharshiing’s criticisms of the bye-laws are unfounded. Either he has not understood the objectives of the bye-law or is using the criticism as a populist tool, thereby confusing the citizens on the issue. I would not like to live in an unsafe dwelling and I would also feel threatened if my neighbour’s house is not safe. It is a hypocrisy of the highest order for John Kharshiing who has been enjoying all the perks from the MUA government as member of the State Planning Board, to criticize the policy of the same government. If John Kharshiing despises this government or is against its policies, he should immediately quit the position he is holding and ask the UDP to walk out of the MUA. I am sure other UDP members will not give importance to him. In that case he should quit the UDP as well.
Yours etc.,
Boney F Lyngdoh
Shillong-8
Misplaced directive
Editor,
The tinted glasses in vehicles are like the curtains in our homes. Crime and immorality do not arise from vehicles with tinted glasses so why is the new DGP gung-ho about their removal? If banning tinted glasses could eliminate crime in the state, things would be so simple. The reason why tinted glasses are used is to prevent people from seeing what’s inside the vehicles since we sometimes leave our laptops and other valuables behind. Let the DG take stock of rape cases and follow them up so that rapists are convicted. If the DG wants to bring about a climate of safety then he could begin by addressing crime and extortions taking place in the nooks and corners of the state. Let him control militancy in Garo Hills with an iron hand. Women driving alone in the highways in the evening need tinted glasses for safety. Air conditioned vehicles require tinted glasses to resist the sun rays and give the green house effect inside of the vehicle. Can the DGP provide personal security for all women drivers? Will tinted vehicles prevent crimes committed by high profile personalities like ministers etc. So may we ask the DGP not to be obsessed with tinted glasses? We want a people friendly police not a dictator DGP.
Yours etc.,
Montana Carlos
Secretary
Meghalaya Forward Movement
Vodafone worst service provider
Editor,
We the customers of the Vodafone network in Shillong are facing tremendous problems with the services provided by the company. The worst affected are post paid subscribers as their net work services have gone from bad to worse during 2010-2011 onwards. Though we have made several complaints about poor network especially in the evenings no effort is made to attend to our complaints. Areas like Nongthymmai, Malki Laban, Lumparing, Upper Shillong etc suffer the most.
What surprises us is the attitude of the Vodafone authorities. Despite the poor services they are prompt at collecting substantial monthly bills. Can someone please advise us how to tackle these irresponsible service providers?
Yours etc.,
Abbejeet Lyngdoh, James Mason K. Kongor etc.
Shillong