Editor,
The demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit is not something new. It has been raised from time to time, especially by our pressure groups. However, the recent move is a little alarming as it seems to be gathering support, especially from right wing elements in the State. In spite of the increased economic activity within the State, it appears that it has done little to assuage the frustration levels of the youth. To my mind, the reason is because the economic activity appears to be skewed in favour of those that already “have”. The “have nots” remain untouched by all the economic activity.
The recent attempts by the State Government, especially through the Basin Development Authority, to start an inclusive developmental growth will go a long way to address this problem. The Government is looking at building up the capacity of the ordinary youth to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them. They are looking to achieve this in a more focussed manner through the different Livelihood Improvement Missions of the different Line Departments. But, this will require a free and dynamic interaction with the markets, especially those outside the State that can absorb the increased production levels.
It is my fear that the introduction of the ILP will strangle this attempt by deterring the free interaction with the much required markets for our products and services. I would, therefore, request the Shillong Press Club, or even your newspaper, to organise a public debate on this ILP issue so that we can come up with a sustaining solution.
Let us not be in a hurry to cut off our own head as a cure for our headache.
Yours etc.,
R G Lyngdoh,
CEO, LIFCOM and Chairman, MTDF.
Shillong
Don Bosco drain
Editor
The ongoing construction of the drain at Don Bosco square which contributes to the present traffic jams has irked many citizens of Shillong. Questions as to the timing of the construction have been raised since it is not a matter of life and death that such work cannot wait for the school sessions to be over. If this hasty action is only to score a political point in the constituency before the coming Assembly elections at the cost of the general public then this is a selfish attitude of one who is responsible for this . It is unbecoming for one who is supposed to look after the affairs of the people of the State as a whole . Incidentally a news item in the front page of the Shillong Times (7th September 2012) relating to the announcement of the Urban Affairs Department to illuminate the city streets of Shillong which is supposed to be good news is unfortunately marred by bad news in the middle page of the issue of the newspaper of the same date relating to the report that the beautification project at Police Bazaar initiated by the same Department will be further delayed thereby expecting to cause unending woes to pedestrians. It is now not guaranteed that the Don Bosco drain works will not suffer the same fate . The question is how long will the people of the state suffer such thoughtless and selfish action and how long will they be taken for a ride by illusory announcements when no tangible results are visible.
Yours etc.,
Kynpham Syiem
Via email