Editor,
The magisterial probe into the April 4 violence in the city has established the role of members of the Khasi Students Union in spite of their denial earlier. It is interesting to note that as per the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act those responsible will have to compensate for the damage caused to the properties and face minimum imprisonment of up to three years if found guilty. At this juncture I only hope that the guilty are arrested for the crime committed by them at the earliest. After all what took place on that day has embarrassed the entire Khasi community. Till date it is disheartening when friends from far off question Khasi tradition and practices altogether. Some mockingly remark: “It is not the abode of clouds but the abode of goons”. For a Khasi, the traditional attire is respected and treasured. We cherish our roots our customs, our traditions and even our attire. It is painful and demeaning that
the student members have wrongly made use of what we cherish and what we are so proud of. At the same time it is important that such acts of hooliganism be brought to book so that it acts as a deterrent in future. One is hopeful and looks forward to a speedy action from the police and for the law to take its course without any undue influence from any quarter.
Your etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Shillong -4
Quaint ruling of Speaker
Editor,
The new Speaker seems to be treading on new grounds with his new rulings. Now parliamentary secretaries are barred from debates. This seems alien to democratic traditions as even in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha each and every member does take part in discussions. We have in fact seen them hurling chairs, documents and microphones at each other or the officials during debates etc. As reported, at times the Speaker has taken on the task of replying to members queries when the relevant member was not able to. The Speaker is supposed to be neutral. Perhaps as is being done for new MPs, Speakers should also be sent for some familiarisation courses on their powers and responsibility. In fact, since each member is deemed fit to be a speaker or a deputy speaker, all the members of the legislature should be made familiar with such responsibilities.
Yours etc.,
Nesfield B Sangma