Editor,
Power rules the world ! What is power ? Money is power. Influence is power. Crookedness is power. The order (disorder) of the day seems to run parallel to all this. Rights are denied. Dignity is not respected. Freedom is not valued. Truths are hidden. Facts are twisted. The innocent suffer, the guilty are not punished. Nobody who looks at the world today with an objective mind and a clear conscience can deny this fact. A vast majority of the people are aware of the daily events -thanks to the media which throws light on all scams instantly. Unfortunately, the vast majority are helpless to take any action on account of several reasons. First, they do not have the so-called power, money, might, influence etc. Secondly, they are more conscious of the repercussions such as threat to their own lives and that of their dear ones, abduction, punishment, violence and constantly living in fear of revenge. Thirdly, the evil around is so overwhelming that people have become more immune to the system and sadly, they too become part of that very system of injustice. Freedom from the shackles of injustice, corruption and violence seems to be a distant dream. Amidst the complexities of problems, we justify matters by saying, “I am only an individual”. That is true. But all those who made some difference in the history of the world too were individuals. Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see.” Therefore, know that you, the individual you can make a difference in this world if you wish to !
Yours etc.,
NF Diengdoh,
Pdengshnong, Sohra.
ILP or 3-tier ID Card: who decide(s)
Editor,
The front paged news report headline “Panel moots ILP, 3-tier card system” (ST November 16, 2012), has drawn the ire of many readers, most of whom are among my friends and well-wishers, who have personally expressed their serious concern because they perceive it as a U-turn in my stance on the still nebulous proposed 3-tier card system offered by some as a mechanism for combating influx of migrants into Meghalaya. It is, therefore, considered prudent to throw some light on the facts which were the seeds of the headline and to explain away my part in it and reassure them that I have not changed my stance on any issue(s) that I had written about. Regarding the 3-tier card system, I had responded to Mr. Toki Blah’s call for a debate on the 3-tier card system by a write-up titled “The 3-tier ID Card debate” (ST. SEPT 20, 2012) but no other person or NGO leader had responded. Readers may please refer to that article for analyzing my views on the subject. I have not changed those views and will never do.
To reassure the concerned readers it is necessary to throw some light on what was discussed at the 3rd and 4th meetings of the High Level Committee, chaired by Dy. CM, Mr. Bindo M Lanong. At the 3rd meeting it was resolved to go for the ILP as a mechanism for containing influx and further suggestions were called for. I had offered my suggestions as published in the ST of November 1, 2012(Breathing life into the ILP) and 15Nov. 2012(Making sense of the ILP)all of which I had placed before the HLC chaired by Dy CM, Mr. Bindo M. Lanong. At the 4th meeting of the Committee, at which I was privileged to be present, Mr. Toki Blah presented his proposal for a 3-tier card system but no discussion took place. My suggestion and recommendation presented in the write-ups mentioned above were neither read nor discussed. The majority of those present, after discussion of ILP in general, agreed to have the ILP introduced in the state. When the meeting was about to end, the KSU President, Daniel Khyriem, sprang a surprise by proposing that the 3-tier card system should also be included in the recommendation to be forwarded to the government. Perhaps, sensing the inappropriate timing of the proposal and for lack of time for discussion, the Chair ruled that the draft report shall be placed to be read by, or to, the members at the 5th meeting to be held on Dec.4, 2012 and the members would then have the opportunity to agree or disagree with it. That was the position when the 4th meeting of the HLC ended.
It should be realized that it would be anomalous to recommend two mechanisms which are diametrically opposed to each other in intent. Another incongruity is that one (ILP) is already existent while the other (3-tier card system) still nebulous and non-existent. How can a soldier make suitable choice between weapons (solid sword and a nebulous one)?
Yours etc.,
Morning Star Sumer,
Shillong – 2
Ampareen’s weak defence
Editor
Ampareen Lyngdoh made a rather weak attempt at defending herself in yesterday’s press conference. Her defence consisted of the usual rhetoric blaming the usual suspects, viz her ‘detractors’ and former director turned approver, J.D. Sangma. Unfortunately for her, the audience was far from convinced. Kong Ampareen kept referring to the ‘uncorroborated’ statement of J.D. Sangma given to the CBI which, according to her, was unreliable. But Mr. Sangma was not some lowly official in the Education Dept. A statement given by a person holding the rank of Director needs to be treated with the proper measure of respect. The CBI has done exactly that. Moreover the former director’s statement has been extremely detailed, leaving little or no room for the imagination right down to the ubiquitous ‘white fluid’ and the two mystery men, supporters of the education minister, who helped Sangma explore the magical properties of correction fluid. Sangma has also backed up his statement with data; a file containing the list received by the minister from different persons/ MLAs/ Ministers recommending the names of the candidates was handed over by him to the CBI.
In my humble opinion, Ampareen Lyngdoh need not have bothered calling a press conference as it was a complete waste of everybody’s time! My advice to her would be to go away quietly, into the night.
Yours truly,
Daisy Kharkongor
Shillong