Editor,
In The Shillong Times (27th March 2012), there is an interesting analysis on “The curious case of the three-headed snake…,” in the page -Your neighbourhood. In the write up eye witnesses are very sensibly called ‘rumour mongers’ and the common sense of the public is questioned. It is also taken for granted that the picture is digitally manipulated. However the reasoning could have been this way also: First, Meghalaya is tribal dominated but a cosmopolitan State. Besides this, hundreds of tourists are seen in groups throughout the year. So what is the justification of reading the picture as fake? Judging on the basis of the dress worn by the people and coming to a conclusion that they do not belong to the State is illogical.
Second , if the inbox of the esteemed daily The Shillong Times was flooded with mails sent by some of the readers of the paper who claimed to have encountered with the three-headed snake -will it be wise to call ‘some readers’ of this daily as rumour mongers?
Third, if it is accepted that animals including snakes are indeed sometimes born with more than one head i.e. ,polycephaly ,then why and how do we turn down this picture as not genuine For instance, should the people of Bhutan not believe in Takin- the National animal which is a rare combination of a goat’s head in a cow’s body. Exceptions do take place. This case may be of interest to Wildlife scientists and environmental scientists .Environmental research will be highly appreciated. This blessed snake may place Meghalaya in the world map, under the category “rare species found”.
Fourth, how do we believe an eye witness? First hand information is authentic to the informer only. Then it becomes a second or third hand information .The case under discussion can neither be repeated nor cross checked as there are no witnesses. So the problem remains. We either believe or don’t believe. As ‘to believe’ needs proper justification similarly ‘not to believe also needs to be authenticated. Without belief there cannot be any religion too. History is written by a man who was not there.
Fifth, the beautiful Jewish proverb says “What you don’t see with your eyes don’t witness with your mouth.” Such words of wisdom uttered by noble souls had a context and a situation, especially when it is related to a community. It may not explain every situation.
To control the spread of rumour is the duty of every citizen in a civilised society. However, only a proper reasoning will satisfy the so-called rumour mongers. There are proverbs with universal application which cut across caste, creed or regional boundary. For e.g., “The pen is mightier than the sword.” So please keep writing, we enjoy reading.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Saifun Nessa,
St Mary’s College,
Shillong