Editor,
The Grand Old Man (GOM) of Khasi & Jaintia Hills politics has decided (?) to throw in his lot with Dr. Mukul Sangma (“HSPDP all set to support Congress-led Govt.” – ST MAR 8, 2013). We are waiting with bated breath to hear the final word! Considering the fact that the Congress does not need any more support than what it already has to enable it to sail comfortably home through the coming five years, it may be debatable as to who sought whom in this drama. From the news report it seems the die is cast! However, as if by wiles, there is an escape hole to wriggle out of the mess provided by the stated condition that support is subject to Dr. Mukul Sangma’s “assurance that he would try to resolve the inter-State boundary dispute with Assam at the earliest” (italics mine).
The word “try”, however, provides an escape route for the CM to latch on to the word, like a drowning man to a straw, at some future date, if necessary, to prop up his credibility. To remove all doubts and to plug up any embarrassing hole which may crop up later, it would be wise to be specific about problems party leaders may have in mind. Surely, the boundary dispute with Assam is not the only problem we have now! The GOM and the party should be explicit rather than being implicit when defining their stand on any issue. It is hoped that all political parties will be as explicit as possible in their pronouncements in the future to help the aam admi understand what is meant; at first reading of any political statements.
Yours etc.,
Morning Star Sumer
Shillong – 2
Get on with governance!
Editor,
The elections are over and now the need is to prioritize the basic needs of the community and plug in the deficiencies that are affecting the delivery system. The government should initiate the formation of a Constituency Development Council in different constituencies empanelled by local experts so that various community needs are addressed and achieved where the benefits are given to the rightful beneficiaries. An MLA will not be able to oversee the various implications or impacts felt but the establishment of such a council where the government comes closer to the people, is empowered to monitor, implement and deliver at the grassroots level.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Women – culturally correct
Editor
Most of the women legislators took oath in their tribal ethnic attire. Why could not any of the male legislators do the same ? We find some of the NGOs trying out diktats every now and then that women should wear only their own ethnic attire. Are they biased ? Completely! It would have been good to see the rippling muscles of some of the legislators who claimed to have walked miles during canvassing.
Yours etc.,
Nesfield B Sangma
Via email