Editor,
How many quick U-turns can one make without leaving the undeniable impression of a dog chasing its own tail? That is the question the honorable Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M. Lanong should ask himself. Too many controversial decisions and subsequent U-turns give the impression of a thoughtless man lacking confidence who is quick to capitulate and reverse decisions at the drop of a hat.
In the latest U-turn incident, Bah Lanong has remained true to character and reversed his earlier stand on FDI in Mining. He now says that FDI in mining will be allowed “only if it benefits the State”. Which is neither here nor there, but a highly controversial statement nonetheless since it contradicts Central Govt’s policy on FDI! In the same breath the minister goes on to defend the ‘customary practice’ of rat-hole mining which is ‘practised by the poor’. According to him, a ban on rat-hole mining will impact only the poor and not the rich mine owners! One can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of Lanong’s statements wherein he is always contradicting himself in the worst possible manner. Unfortunately, the people have to bear the brunt of these bad jokes and pay the price. Its time to hold our politicians accountable for the promises they make and not allow them to wriggle out of them at their own convenience. If a person has a long history of bad decisions and U-turns, then he should be removed from all positions of authority immediately before he self-destructs and takes us down with him.
Yours etc.,
Peter Syiemiong,
Jowai
Alcohol 24 x 7
Editor,
Lines of women selling liquor followed by lines of police patrolling the area and yet the road looks serene because illegal selling of liquor is legal in the Scotland of the East. Come 8 pm on Monday to Saturday and the whole of Sunday when the wine stores are closed and Polo is bustling with scores of women lining up the road to sell liquor, yet police personnel seem indifferent and turn a blind eye to what is happening right in front of their eyes. I was awe struck to see this eye sore activity happening in my city but this does happen only in India. What are the police patrolling the area for? Aren’t they supposed to nab any individual for any illegal action or is the law different for different sets of people? Why is the administration silent and not taking any action against these women and restaurants selling liquor illegally? If they wanted more revenue, why not allow the wine stores to open 24 hours. Maybe these women and restaurants owner have the backing of some politician or maybe the government will argue that this is one of their schemes for providing employment. What about our ever active and vigilant NGO’s? Can’t they pressurize the government to stop this eyesore and illegal activity? Almost every household in Meghalaya has an alcoholic and yet the government turns a blind eye to this disease. Hope the administration stops this activity because inaction and silence means they are part and parcel of the trade. And please, people want a permanent solution and not just one day media publicity where next day the trade starts again as usual.
Yours etc.,
Patrick M Syiem
Via email