Editor,
We have always been told that the law is same and equal for everyone in India but this is not how it works in Meghalaya. The classic case is about the Supreme Court’s notification on banning tinted glasses on vehicles. There was a sudden enforcement of the SC directive on January 11, 2013 by the traffic police near IGP point and vehicles with tinted glasses were dealt with very sternly. But the same traffic police had a different approach towards vehicles belonging to certain influential people. They were allowed to move on in spite of their having tinted glasses, which is against the law. Only vehicles belonging to ordinary citizens were subjected to the rule of law. Aren’t law enforcers expected to deal with every citizen using the same yardstick? There cannot be two sets of laws in this country or two classes of citizens. The law is equal for all. Sadly this selective use of the law has been happening in our state under the very eyes of the law enforcers. No DGP has so far had the gumption to tell his men to deal sternly with every law breaker, no matter how highly placed he/she is. This is what we citizens want to see in Meghalaya. The police should have some self respect and do their duties without fear or favour and their superiors should protect then for upholding the rule of law.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
So it’s all in the family!
Editor,
It is shocking that the post of Chairperson, Meghalaya State Women’s Commission should go to Theilin Phanbuh, the sister-in-law of the previous incumbent, Ms Roshan Warjri. Are there no women of substance in Meghalaya? Several women with a track record of public service come to mind but politicians are too afraid of having them at the helm. They want “Yes women” who will not be dissident. Women of substance don’t stand a chance in this country because they do not have political leanings or political clout. It is a shame for Meghalaya. It is also a matter of regret that the Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma should play politics with this very important and influential position because the incumbent can do a lot to better the plight of women in this State. So far the SWC has not shown extraordinary or exemplary performance.
It has been the sad experience of women that successive chief ministers have played politics with this post. DD Lapang appointed Dr Biloris Lyndem who was never known to be a woman activist. Dr Donkupar Roy too dithered and was pushed into a corner before he appointed someone. But at least he put in place a search and selection committee. Dr Mukul Sangma has arbitrarily done away with the search and selection committee and thereby undermined the very notion of a State Commission for Women. Yet he dares to speak of women’s empowerment! Big deal!
There are people like Dr MPR Lyngdoh, Angela Rangad, Dr Rica Lamar and several other capable women but they have all been by-passed. Shame on this MUA Government! Even on the last leg of its journey it wants to control every democratic institution!
Yours etc.,
AR Dkhar,
Shillong-3