Editor,
One more bandh has passed off. Even after that, there is no plan to address the problem which led to the calling of the bandh on 9th October. During all bandhs educational institutions remain closed, examinations and interviews stand cancelled and postponed thereby causing mental stress and agony to the concerned. Do our politicians ever think that the state exchequer is bound to suffer heavy losses? It is high time a law is enacted to ban these bandhs.
In this regard I am impressed with the keen efforts made by people and NGOs in encouraging our otherwise rusting grey matter to think constructively for a change. Change is inevitable and an essential key to progress. In the context of Meghalaya the change needs to be big. Meghalaya needs a complete makeover, be it in politics, education or the attitude of the people. Politics has become grotesque as is evident from the events in the recent past. (For example, three bandhs in a month, a total loss to the state).
To improve the present situation in Meghalaya, ‘Constructive politics’ is a prerequisite. Young minds should be trained to use politics for the betterment of the state.
Yours etc.,
Bivan Rodriques Mukhim
Shillong – 22
Mining policy anti-environment
Editor,
The pace of finalising and approving the mining policy after a series of reprimands by the High Court just shows how critical matters that are important to be debated and resolved can be brushed inside the carpet in the interest of the coal mining lobby. When other states are reeling under the recent coal block scandal here we are reeling under a different scam called environmental cleansing. To term that there would be a conflict in the coal belt areas if rat hole mining is banned holds no water. Funnily most parts of Shillong area have been bought over by this lobby so where does the argument of conflict stand if there is a complete ban in rat hole mining? The government was quick to approve foreign direct investment in line with the Central Government, why does it not invite FDI for creating employment and upliftment of the rural areas which are of greater concern and important? This is something the political leadership of our state should ponder.
Your etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar,
Shillong-3
Eye-wash policy
Editor,
The pace of finalising and approving the mining policy after a series of reprimands by the High Court just shows how critical matters that are important to be debated and resolved can be brushed inside the carpet at the interest of the coal mining lobby. When other states are reeling under the recent coal block scandal here we are reeling under a different scam called environmental cleansing. To term that there would be a conflict in the coal belt areas if rat hole mining is banned holds no water. Funnily most parts of Shillong area have been bought over by this lobby so where does the argument of conflict happening stand if there is a complete ban in rat hole mining? The government was quick to approve foreign direct investment in line with the Central Government, why does it not invite FDI for creating employment and upliftment of the rural areas which are of greater concern and importance This is something the political leadership of our state should ponder upon.
Dominic S Wankhar
Shillong-3
Pathetic condition of the 2nd ground, Polo
Editor,
Football is no doubt the number one sport in Meghalaya. After the recent successes of certain local clubs in the national scene, it is quite absurd to see local players with great potential not being able to showcase their talent as they are being made to play in pathetic ground conditions. This in particular is directed at the 2nd ground in Polo. All the matches of the 2nd and 3rd Division Football League of the SSA (Shillong Sports Association) are being played on this ground. The 2nd and 3rd Division Football Leagues are the main sources for big clubs to spot footballers with raw talent. On such a ground, players with potential cannot showcase their talents because of the pathetic ground condition. The ground does not have proper drainage system which makes it difficult for players to play during rainy seasons; there is literally no grass on the pitch; some parts of the ground have holes and certain parts of the ground are uneven. Players having a bright future, but playing on this ground can sometimes be injured and it could end the career of the player before it even starts.
SSA says it wants more of the local players to fill up the spots on the local teams which have been doing very well in the national level but with this kind of negligence, the question of the hour is, can the local players get a chance to reach their peak? My personal suggestions are that the Government should give some attention to improving the 2nd ground, create a proper drainage system for the ground, have a proper grass turf and invest in proper maintenance of this ground.
Your’s etc.,
Fabian.R Thangkhiew
Upper Shillong