Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to bring to the notice of the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) that a ‘No Right Turn’ signboard a few metres away from the ‘No Entry’ signboard at Rhino Point clearly prohibits entry and right turn. Yet we often see especially the law makers, flouting these rules. Ironically the traffic police would salute rather than prohibit them for breaking rules. This is not the only junction where law makers turn law breakers. The ‘No Right Turn’ signboard a few meters from Rhino Point is something that very few drivers adhere to. This is a very busy junction as vehicles come from Anjalee Petrol Point and move towards Civil Hospital and Kench’s Trace. Also vehicles coming from Nethralaya which may either be moving towards Anjalee Petrol Point or towards Civil Hospital and Kench’s Trace. What is problematic, chaotic and even dangerous is when vehicles from Kench’s Trace prefer to ignore the ‘No Right Turn’ signboard and conveniently turn their vehicles at this junction without any consideration for traffic jams, accident risks as well as for breaking the rules. If the STP stations a traffic policeman at this junction it would be of great help because the presence of a man in uniform usually acts as a deterrent to law breakers. One feels that if rules are broken violators should be penalised. Therefore a policeman should be posted at that particular point on a regular basis in order to facilitate smooth flow of traffic and act as a deterrent for those in the habit of violating rules and regulations. Sadly though, government and military vehicles do not fall under the purview of violators and none of their acts of violation are scrutinised even by the custodians of law.
Yours etc.,
Dr Jenniefer Dkhar,
Shillong- 4
Meghalaya missed the bus
Editor,
Somewhere in the early seventies Meghalaya lost track; she was stranded on the I-road without a growth map. Meghalaya, unlike her neighbours has wasted four decades of Independence. Leaf through the success stories of Assam, Tripura, Manipur and West Bengal to fathom our loss. But Meghalaya remained the same, embracing the rhetoric of radicalism. Meghalaya is the only state where social revolution preceded the industrial revolution. We were stuck in a make-believe world of a welfare state. In the present, the welfare state belongs to the alcoholic and the policy makers.
Meghalaya is struggling to find answers to several issues, to be at the threshold of joining the ranks of some developed states. Meghalaya is a major victim of insurgency. Corruption ia hindering the state’s progress. The border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam is a major concern. To our distress, the politicians have not been able to devise alternatives on how to counter the bandh culture. But when will we wake up? For the 75th anniversary? Sorry, can’t even give a clue.
Yours etc.,
Bivan R. Mukhim,
Via email
Power failure for over 24 hrs
Editor,
Is it fair that we in Nongpoh and practically all the villages from Damsite downwards are penalized with power shut down for more than 24 hours on Aug 10? Is there any reason for cutting power supply to this part of the State? We were plunged into total darkness and our students could not even write their assignments because by 6 pm they had to sleep for they cannot read in the moon light. Its high time for MeECL to reconsider their worth or else give it to someone who can handle the matter efficiently so as to avoid such embarrassing situations.
Yours etc.,
Fr. Michael Makri sdb,
Via email