Editor,
The sudden order by certain groups to close down shops for few hours this morning took us by surprise. We were told that the reason is because some students’ bodies wanted to express their concern at the death of two Khasi men in Garo Hills, allegedly shot by militant(s) of the ANVC-B group. While our concern is similar to that of the students, we are perturbed with the fact that there is a call by the KSU General Secretary, Mr. Jywra saying … “The government should make sure that enough security is given to our people failing which, the government will have to transfer all the Khasis serving in Garo Hills back to Khasi Hills.”
The statement mentioned above seems is intended to evoke emotions that unfortunately have a communal tinge. This is serious because there will be a slow but definite step towards ethnic violence in a State that cannot afford to do so since Meghalaya is a growing economy with various communities co-existing harmoniously. Having said this we do agree that the government needs to strengthen the security of its citizens and employees. The media and responsible groups should perhaps be alert while disseminating news on the subject. Right now our aim should be to ensure peace through better communication, especially since elections are around the corner.
Yours etc.,
Balarisha Lyngdoh &
Lahun Dashisha Rumnong.
Shillong -14
Church and elections
Editor,
In “Election Snippets” (ST 4th Feb 2013) , you have reported that the Deputy Commissioner West Garo Hills District has roped in the churches to spread the message of conscience vote aimed at ethical selection of candidates. This must probably come in the wake of K L Tariang’ letter ” Voting Well , a tall order” published by your daily where the writer has pinned his hopes on the leaders of all religions to exhort their followers of the need to exercise their right to vote as a divine duty to be performed with honesty. Recently in an article “How Christians can influence the political process”(ST 4th Feb 2013) Matseng Kimbri Kongkal wrote that the Church should not be solely concerned with the spiritual world because if Christianity is confined to the private sphere, its radical message of redemption and love may not only become inoffensive but also largely irrelevant and meaningless. According to him, it has never been so important for Christians to be involved in the political process and as an integral part of their mission’s call to demonstrate love in action , to fight for civil liberties and social justice . He also wrote that Christians engagement in the political system can help bring integrity and service back to the heart of democracy and if the chance to vote is just the tip of the iceberg it is to be understood that it is a tiny but important part of a much more holistic approach to our contemporary world. In his letter “Let’s give voters a choice” Donald Shanpru informed about the proactive role played by the Mizoram Churches to influence both candidates and voters to desist from undesirable practices during elections in the state of Mizoram .This information is worthy of note and since almost 75% of voters in our state especially those in the rural areas are Christians and the majority of our candidates also being Christians, perhaps our churches can also do likewise. With their reach in every nook and corner of the state and with such a massive following, the churches will be the best channels to carry forth the right message for a conscience vote . Personally, I am not very acquainted with the style of functioning of the churches but I am aware that the churches do organise special programmes of “jingiaseng ialap”(special preachings) everywhere during certain periods every year. Would this not be the right time and the right occasion then ?
Yours etc.,
Donbok Syiemlieh,
Shillong-14
Voters’ wisdom
Editor,
In his article, “Selection of the Gods and the perpetuation of servitude” (ST 29th Jan 2013) Phrangsngi Pyrtuh pointed to the dilemma of the electorate of a particular constituency who have to choose between a candidate embroiled in the education scam (meaning Ampareen Lyngdoh) and the other one who is credited with a destructive mining policy and non-functionality ( Bindo Lanong). Pyrtuh”s opinion needs to be analysed critically. As far as his reference to the insolence of Lanong towards the environment and child labour in mining areas is concerned , let us not overlook that this is a policy decision and a result of collective decision making in the cabinet. Hence if the policy falls short of public expectations and invites criticism because it fails to address issues of environmental concern, that too is the result of collective responsibility. But this is not a unique case or the first instance of poor policy making of a government. Successive governments in the country as well have not been able to project sound policies on other pressing matters. Non functionality on the other hand is a shortcoming which most of our Ministers have and one can conclude that evidently Ampareen Lyngdoh as Urban Affairs Mister has not really functioned as expected. Ultimately if Bindo Lanong is to be blamed in the first instance for his failure to initiate a suitable policy and also on non functionality, it does not directly reflect depravity on his part. The education scam on the contrary if proven to be a scam as reported and therefore a crime, would reflect the lack of integrity of the individual who is alleged to be embroiled in it. Who knows what more will emerge later. Its a Catch- 22 situation particularly for the informed and educated voters of the constituency .But then election is election and if there is no choice , it is up to these voters to determine who is the lesser evil. We must leave it to the wisdom of these voters to decide..
Yours etc.,
R. Sawkmie