Editor,
Regarding the article in your paper, “Mawiong-Mawpdang Villagers Stage Protest” (ST 19-06-2012), it is shocking that the Sordar who is supposed to protect the land and his people is indulging in such selfish acts. Even if he has the power to sell off land under his jurisdiction, what about the people who depend on it for their livelihoods? Has the Sordar made any alternatives for them? Or are Sordars no more obliged to see to the welfare of their people? Just because one has the power, it does not mean that he/she has the right!
Secondly, where is the land going to and for what purpose? 100 acres of land is not a negligible amount. Should all our land be sold to businessmen? This having surfaced, it is possible that similar cases are happening in and around the area; especially with the hike effected by the plans for New Shillong. The villagers and NGOs need to be more vigilant to avoid adverse consequences. Sordars are supposed to be the guardians; but unfortunately, we have to guard the guards!
Yours etc.,
George S. Lyngkhoi,
Shillong – 08
II
Editor,
Apropos the news “Mawiong-Mawpdang Villagers stage protest” (ST 19 June 2012), it is shocking to hear that the Sordar of Shnat Raid Mawpdang, Raid Nongkrem can sell away the Raid land near Mawiong & Sohlaper Village measuring 100 acres. This act contravenes the Khasi Customary Law as Raid land are not saleable but our forefathers have specifically ear marked such land for the use of the community. If the news report is factual the members of the Khasi Students’ Union have rightly extended their support to the villagers of Mawiong-Mawpdang to prevent the unauthorised act of the Sordar Shnat Raid Mawpdang. I appeal to the respected Syiem of Hima Khyrim to take action against the Sordar if such an act has been carried out by him.
Yours etc.,
Freddy Lyngdoh,
Via email
Politicians and their flip-flop principles
Editor,
Last week it was reported in the media that Mr PA Sangma’s son, Conrad, had said that
Purno was a disciplined party man and had opposed the candidature of Late G.G Swell in 1992 on party compulsions. The PA Sangma of 1992 has now turned indisciplined because as per media reports, he has been warned by his party head for nominating himself as a candidate for the office of the President of India. Is an indisciplined party man fit for the office of the President of India, the highest office of the land, without resigning from his party before nominating himself? A tribal or a Christian belonging to any political party is bound by the codes of conduct of his party.
Yours etc
A. Pyrtuh
Shillong- 14