Editor,
When we sit before the idiot box we never know how many times we have to squirm because of the shocking news that endlessly booms out of 24×7 TV channels. We are informed of all those spine-chilling facts that often prompt us to live in paranoia.
The mushrooming TV channels that are on the lookout for sensational news are a big threat, as rightly pointed out by seasoned journalist, Patricia Mukhim, (‘Time for media to obey Lakshman Rekha’) (ST, 11th Aug). The aberration is noticed even in the national channels. They have amazing expertise to piece together the sleazy details and cunningly spice them up to serve us. Such rapacious channels hardly bother to be considerate about the repercussions that the stories could have on the viewers.
They often pounce upon any celebrity, personality, political leaders, et al. Even the cheesiest tid-bits of a celebrity are held as substantial news to grab and dish out hot, while ignoring the socially crucial instances and events. How absurd, they even help create the instances for the hot news. Sometimes the news might turn out to be so hot that it instantly works up public fury resulting in frenzied demonstrations on the streets. As a result, vandalism, arson, murder and bloodbath are spread across the country, apart from the rising heat of derision, contempt, vindictiveness, distrust and confusion. A good example is the recent abetment of a creepy crime by a TV journalist in Guwahati. The recorded footage aired across the country only boiled up the cauldron of emotion and hatred.
One often wonders how the greed for sensational news has got the TV journalism to the gutter. Is it not time for the media to exercise self-restraint and restore its punctured public credibility? The public has had enough of media misdeeds and mischief.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong -2
Cop’s inhuman behaviour!
Editor,
Your news paper had reported a very inhuman behaviour by the police training instructor who allegedly forced two constables to drink urine. The incident trespasses all civilised norms of society and is appalling. Another question is, how come whenever vacancies in the state police are advertised it seems the composition in the force is more of outsiders than the locals? And guess what? The regular wireless communication is more in Assamese than in English or the local language. Does the reservation policy play any role in all this, or is it that entry into the police force has to be bought by the highest bidder? The rest is for us to judge.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Election masala
Editor,
Meghalaya is in election mode and some of the aspirants are lobbying hard to get tickets. Some of them have reached the door step of Party president of the UDP for the Nongthymmai Constituency. Well, Dr Jemino Mawthoh a gentleman by nature but he will be remembered for his exit and entry points. Known to be close to another working president of the party, Dr Jemino will heavily depend on him. Another UDP aspirant from Mawthadraishan, JC Diengngan has gone one step further. He has taken the Presbyterian pastors to the Party Working President, Bindo M. Lanong’s residence to influence the Party leadership that he is the right choice. In some constituencies the UDP has no problems in allotting tickets, like in Mylliem where Hamlet Dohling will face the might of the sitting MLA RV Lyngdoh and Teilinia Thangkhiew MDC. As for now no one can predict which of the three will win the cup, but if people want a change, indeed it will go the UDP way. As for now I don’t see much change in how the electorate will elect their representatives and our aspirations to get a good leader who will lead the state forward could remain a pipe dream. Money power will still play an important role in this election. Most candidates in this coming election are being sponsored by the coal fraternity. That’s the problem ahead. Elections may come and go, but who gains? Langpih is the central focus in this coming election but there are many burning issues that our leaders are yet to address. One day I saw a news report captioned, “Dy. Chief Minister, Rowell Lyngdoh distributes mosquito nets.” It’s very disturbing the way our leaders function. Is this why we elect MLAs? Nevertheless let’s hope a little change will happen.
Yours etc.,
Golden Katrai,
Via email