Editor,
I refer to the letter “Clarification from DC, WGH” in ST dated 25.2.13. I would like to remind the DC that criticism is part and parcel of a high profile job such as the one he holds. All criticism should be welcomed and used in a constructive manner to prevent future recurrences. Even if one has the very best of intentions and an exemplary record, one cannot escape criticism from sections of society that may be genuinely aggrieved. While some criticism may arise due to personal vendetta like he suggests, this percentage would be quite small and insignificant. The whole point is, the DC should look at every bit of criticism objectively and not merely assign it to personal vendetta. He should be looking at ways and means of improving his administration continuously instead of lashing out at his critics. Mr, Bakhsi’s response has been anything but mature for an IAS Officer and quite disappointing for the general public. By all means, let him fight his personal battles with his detractors if he deems it fit to do so without denigrating the office he holds. But at the same time, let him respond to criticism in a positive and constructive manner, by assuring the public that his office is taking steps to prevent a recurrence of those mishaps which invited criticism in the first place! The DC needs to be reminded that he is a public servant and therefore his actions are under public scrutiny. He is the one who is answerable to the public and not the other way round.
Yours etc.,
James Pariat
Shillong
D-Day over, we await the Judgment day
Editor,
The D-Day – February 23, 2013 is over. The day that political parties and individuals were preparing for over a year is now past. However, on it hinges the future of Meghalaya. It was a day when the citizens of the state chose their 60 representatives from among the 345. It was a day when the “voters ‘boycotted’ the HNLC” to boldly come out in large numbers to record a high 88 percent turnout.
It was a day when the government gave ‘empty promises’ to the people of Shillong as there were few buses and maxis taxis on the street contrary to the earlier pledge by the Government to ply over 100 vehicles for public use at no cost. As seen and reported only vehicles ‘On Election Duty’ were on the roads. Is this a prelude of the things to come?
It was a day when even on voting day some voters were ‘undecided’ whom to cast their votes. This tells the story of the lack of promising candidates who meet people’s expectations. They are imposed on us. We did not put them up. Unfortunately, provisions to reject our candidates is absent in our voting system. The dissatisfied lot for this lack of options are the progressive youth who want to see a sea change in administration and governance.
It was a day when the ‘old EVMs malfunctioned delaying polling’ and earning the Election Commission criticisms. It was a day when we witnessed inefficiency even in the much acclaimed Election Commission of India. 16 and 19 EVMs replaced before and after polling, many technically faulted EVMs were used. Reports also appeared of inability of officials to proceed with elections besides unfit officials who had to be replaced at the last moment.
We hold our breath as the all-important day – the counting day approaches. It will be the day when we will definitely know the lucky/deserving 60 who will make it to the Legislative Assembly. It will be a day of rejoicing and weeping as the case may be. We sit on the edge as we await the judgment day!
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal, North Garo Hills
Lessons not learnt !
Editor,
Last Thursday’s twin bomb blast that claimed 16 lives in Hyderabad have delivered yet another stern message not just to Andhra Pradesh but to the Central and all state governments. Unfortunately, no lessons seem to have been learnt from the past. It was on the 18th May 2007 that the Mecca Masjid in the old city of Hyderabad witnessed a provocative act of terrorism. Within three months, the city had seen a repeat, that time with so much devastation (25th August 2007 at Lumbini Park, Hyderabad) in which 40 people lost their lives. Last week’s twin bomb blast has raised another question of how safe is India?
As a traumatized Hyderabad mourns its dead, a hard look at the terrorist strikes and the question whether the intelligence Bureau’s warning was acted upon are relevant not so much for fixing the blame as for the pointers they throw up for the corrective action required. The focus must shift to ways of preventing such tragedies and, should they occur, responding to them. The latest bombings have exposed not only the lack of local intelligence, but also the woeful inadequacy of the mechanism, if one exists at all, to handle tragedies and disasters on so massive a scale.
The threat perception level remains very high not only in Andhra Pradesh but other states of India including North Eastern States. This needs to be watched, monitored and analysed thoroughly if dastardly terrorist attacks are to be prevented. A greater coordination among various wings of the state police and regular exchange of information and intelligence with the Central agencies acquire importance in this exercise. To meet the challenge of terrorism successfully, these issues need to be addressed with a sense of urgency.
Yours etc.,
Bivan R. Mukhim
Shillong – 22