Editor,
Of late , there have been several comments either in favour of or against the movement led by Ardent Basaiawmoit or what it is known as the Clean Politics Campaign (CPC ). But what’s important is not who supports whom or the timing of this movement and its coincidence with the movement led by the Gandhian, Anna Hazare. Of course both Anna & Ardent claim to fight against the evils of corruption but the difference between the two is that the former fights to make a law of the proposed Lokpal Bill which will help bring transparency and accountability in the government and its organs in day to day transactions, whereas the latter attempts to change the mindset of the electorate and create awareness on electing the right representatives without succumbing to money power. The clean politics campaign movement if successful will have a lasting impact on our society. It is wrong to equate this movement with the social and political events that have happened and also not been very successful and in some cases diverted from the real objectives. But it is very important to encourage individuals like Ardent as in a democracy a change in decision making means empowerment of the people and will go a long way in helping to achieve our social, political and economic objectives. Therefore it is essential for every right thinking citizen especially members of the youth fraternity not to throw cold water at the CPC movement at this stage but to lend their support in every possible way and help groom it into a mass movement because this is not only the opportunity but our last hope to save our society. Be the Agents of Change.
Yours etc.,
R. Lyngdoh & others
Shillong -2
Benefits of college teachers
Editor,
I would like to congratulate Ibanri Kharkongor on her short but insightful comment on Dr RC Laloo’s stand with regard to the retirement age of college teachers and the impending arrears. What perplexes me is the MCTA’s stand on this. After a series of agitations held last year, one would have thought that certain issues would have at least been addressed. Let us look at two main demands made by them: They had demanded for their allowances which has been stopped for many years now. They had also demanded that the State should revise the retirement age of the teachers to 65 otherwise UGC will not release the remaining 80% arrears. What did the teachers get after a prolonged agitation? 20% of the arrears (which was never part of their demand in the first place!). What did the MCTA do? Back down, obviously because teachers are not supposed to agitate and also because 20% is good enough to keep teachers happy for a very long time! What about the rights of teachers? Are they not entitled to their own money? Don’t they need retirement benefits and medical allowances and other benefits which are rightfully due to them? The State which boasts of being the ‘Educational Hub’ has a fine way of showing appreciation to people who’ve earned them this distinction. Are we still guessing why the State is in the mess that it is in? For every demand the people make the answer is “we’re cash-strapped” or “if we agree to your demand, it might spark similar demands from others.” It’s about time our leaders thought of more innovative/imaginative/ creative/ and believable answers to keep people quiet. Till then, the educated populace will keep a watchful eye on the antics of our leaders!
Yours etc.,
J Pyngrope,
Via email
Jailbreak and SCAMOD
Editor,
In the last few days there have been media reports casting aspersions on my character and alleging that I am acting at the behest of Mr Thomas Nongtdu. I would like to clarify that ever since the jailbreak of 31st May 2009 my sole interest has been to find out the truth. I am not concerned about the personalities involved in this murky episode. They could be powerful politicians, bureaucrats, police officials and jail officials, Thomas Nongtdu or others. As far as I am concerned I have not given a clean chit to anyone nor do I have the authority to do so, and nor am I under any obligation to any individual either in my personal capacity, or as CSWO or as a member of the SCAMOD.
I wish to clarify that I have neither individually nor as president of the CSWO accepted any money from any person to derail or stop the jailbreak. The jailbreak episode is very murky and the people of the state have a right to know the truth, whether it be from me or from others. The police have not done their investigation in the way that it should have been done as it involves big people in the Government and from the police and also businessmen.
I would like to reiterate that I am under no obligation to Thomas Nongtdu or to anyone else and my hands are clean. I have been working hard to the best of my ability to dig out the truth and am thankful to my anonymous friends who have helped me in this quest for the truth. The reason behind my quest is not for fame or money but so that the society, especially, women do not have to dread another Fullmoon and also that the youth do not succumb to becoming hired killers for politicians, and get gunned down by the police who work at the behest of such politicians.
I appeal to all, including the media to bring any more facts about the jailbreak and the fake encounter to my knowledge, so that the complete truth comes out before the people of the State.
Yours etc.,
Agnes Kharshiing
President CSWO