Editor,
View points on the issue of influx has been dominating the print media for the past few weeks. I would express my view point only on the influx of “illegal migrants”. It is a fact that Influx of illegal migrants from across neighboring countries bordering our State is on the rise and this has led to an alarming demographic imbalance in the State. To prevent illegal migrants infiltrating into our country the Union Government has made all out efforts to fence the international border and strengthen the BSF to patrol the borders. But being so porous, there are still many aliens who manage to infiltrate and merge themselves with the local populace and over the years become permanent settlers. So how do we identify these illegal migrants and deport them? Compulsory registration of Indian citizens as mandated by the Citizenship (Registration of citizen and issue of National Identity card) Rules of 2003, establishing and, maintaining “State and Local Register of Indian citizen “ once implemented may hold the answer and can be one of the mechanisms by which illegal migrants can be detected and deported.
Yours etc.,
S Lyngdoh,
Shillong-2
ILP beyond economic perception
Editor,
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, of 1873, which was implemented to tackle the problem of influx, is still effective in few states. Surprisingly, our state government intends to create a new mechanism, when ILP, a legal, readymade mechanism is already approved by both the central and few state governments. In the North-Eastern region, the past intellectuals were aware the of the problems of influx. The present young generation in Meghalaya finds it wise to inherit things from our neighbours and interpret them anew from the modern worldviews. Literally the logic behind the ILP is to protect the microscopic minority, to maintain the beauty of rich Indian culture and traditions in the future generations. The ILP issue can be genuine if one examines it with an unbiased knowledge rather than employing superficial tools of economic developments such as tourism. Being preoccupied with economic interests, people attempt to perceive everything from the economic point of view. This can be a dangerous task. It leads to absolute rejection, when economic is not the core issue of ILP. Practically, ILP does not hinder tourism or other economic development in Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, then why it is considered to be a hindrance in Meghalaya? If this had been a reality, the people would have been overjoyed when the central government decided to scrap ILP from their states. However, the people strongly protested against the decision. Why did our state government overlook its advantages, which included land protection, influx control, cultural identity, unemployment, etc? I am not claiming any finality on the issue nor am I against economic developments, but one should realize that these are not the only legitimate yardsticks in interpreting ILP. We have to look beyond the economics and focus on people, land, identity and use socio-religious, cultural and political yardsticks.
Yours etc.,
Batskhem Mawlein,
Via email
Use of lane as public toilet
Editor,
Through your esteemed newspaper I would like to reach out to the local authority, Municipality, MLA & Urban Affairs Department of the Government of Meghalaya, I pass through a lane in Oxford Hill behind the Hatath Colony Puja Mandap and I am surprised to see the condition of the lane. It is dirty and filthy, full of garbage, torn clothes, liquor bottles & human waste! I believe that the Municipality is there to clean the locality everyday. Where are they? What happened to the local authority which is supposed to look after their own area? I was shocked to see that some people treat the lane as a public toilet an defecate in broad daylight. They have no civic sense at all! The residents have to walk-by the lane which is in such a horrible state. At night due to the absence of street lights, many illicit activities also take place. The residents said that they have complained several times to the Rangbah Dong & Rangbah Shnong, but no attention was paid.
The Urban Affairs Dept is trying to modernise the town; new constructions are coming up here and there. But it seems they have forgotten to maintain the cleanliness of the city which is a primary responsibility. This area is within the supervisory area of the Urban Affairs Department. Many VIPs also reside within this area, yet this particular locality is neglected!
I request the concerned authorities to take note of the grievances put forth by the residents. This is not the first time that such a complaint has been made. I hope that this time stern action will be taken.
Yours etc.,
R Dhar
Kenches Trace
NEHU going to seed?
Editor,
As a morning jogger in the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus it is distressing to note that the university campus though beautiful is now unkempt and seems to be crying out for maintenance. Why is such a beautiful place not cared for by the administration? I wonder if NEHU has its own staff to clear the bushes in and around the campus. I wonder if there is any gardener to tend to the gardens along the side of the beautiful road criss-crossing the campus. As of now, the wild flowers and thick grass has overgrown the beautiful spots of NEHU. The small and beautiful lake dug up a couple of years ago is also outgrown with grass. I request the authorities to kindly see that this beautiful University and its compound and free spaces are diligently maintained. Surely NEHU has the resources for that!
Yours etc.
Reward Rymbai,
Via email