Editor,
Apropos the denial by GNLA about seeking donation from me as appeared in your esteemed daily, I would like to clarify that the GNLA did not ask for donation but it was pure extortion. I have a proof of the language used in the note and the reproduced text messages are already with the media.
I had been served with demand notes on different occasions as mentioned below for evidence:
i) Rs 10 lakhs on May, 2012; demand note available with me.
ii) Rs 50 lakhs on October, 2012; demand note available.
iii) Rs 7 lakhs during last General Assembly Elections demanded over phone.
iv) Rs 5 lakhs through text message which is the latest.
Coming to the point of the GNLA denial that the demand might be the handiwork of some criminal, it is a contradiction in terms since GNLA claims that Rangdat is their cadre but not the Area Commander. It is clear that the demand is from GNLA not from criminals whoever their collector might be. In a recent visit to my Constituency, many villagers complained of harassment by the different outfits operating in the area. They have to live in fear both from the underground outfit and the law enforcing agency as they are accused of supporting the underground outfits.
I was also apprised that some of the villagers who purchased new vehicles or built a new house or do economically viable plantations, are served with demand notes in the name of GNLA and ANVC (B). Even the Presidents and Secretaries of the VECs are not spared. I therefore appeal to above mentioned outfits to stop harassing the general public. Coming to the point of blaming all legislators as corrupt and that corruption starts with MLAs, I would state that corruption starts from the grassroots level. Does GNLA/ANVC think that MLA candidates or MLAs win their election without spending money during election? I too wish to eradicate corruption from the State. But how and in which way? So can all the underground outfits convince the general public not to take money from candidates during elections? This will automatically bring development. Allegations of corruption against all MLAS is totally incorrect and baseless.
Before becoming an MLA, I was also NGO leader like GSU and FKJGP and fought for eradicating corruption at all levels. When I became MLA for the first time, representing Tikkrikila Constituency, I had implemented all the area development schemes successfully. Hence I was re-elected as MLA representing Raksamgre Constituency and the people will testify to this.
Apart from the MLA schemes, the work which have been completed by me in my last tenure from different developmental schemes/ departments are i) Construction of Mini Stadium at Rabugong ii) Setting up Police Outpost at Pedaldoba, iii) Construction of Model School at Bondukmali for which the tender has already been floated iv) Upgradation of Tikkrikila Police outpost to Police Station v) Upgradation of Tikkrikila PHC to CHC; the work which will be started very soon vi) A total length of 27.5 kms of road for blacktopping, PMGSY roads and many RCC bridges etc., were constructed at my initiative vii) Raksamgre W.S.S worth Rs. 9.5 crores, the biggest project ever in the area to name a few.
Besides the above I have also contributed my own hard earned money: Rs. 2.5 Lakhs for construction of Church Building at Khamari ii) 3 (three) bighas of land for 3 NGOs – GSU, FKJGP and TRASWA for construction of office building. iii) Construction of Memorial RCC Church building at Boldampitbari which will cost approximately Rs 15 lakhs was contributed by me. This contribution of tithe (one- tenth) is purely from my monthly salary as MLA.
I also refute the statement by Bikdot Nikjang that the recent kidnapping of officials is to teach them a lesson and not for ransom. Every morning the newspapers report of kidnappings, killing of innocent people, businessmen, and Government officials by alleging corruption. I refute all these claims and consider it pure and simple extortion. How can the innocent, weak and poor people who are killed be called corrupt?
Some weekly markets in my area are shut down for weeks and months due to fear of extortion. Shop keepers and businessmen from other places fear to come to buy and sell local products thus making our own local people suffer. On May 15 last two non tribals had been kidnapped from Chisikgri village near Pedaldoba. The next day one school Secretary was robbed of Rs. 30,000, which belongs to the school. Such incidents are taking place almost every day and are not reported to the media or police. Many people are facing untold miseries even in their own home or even in their own village, which they do not disclose out of fear.
Therefore, I appeal to all the underground outfits to stop these anti-people activities and help to bring everlasting peace in our once God fearing, Garo hills in particular and the State as a whole so that all round development, peace and tranquility returns to our State.
Yours etc.,
Limison D Sangma,
MLA, Raksamgre,
West Garo Hills
Agriculture – a dangerous trend
Editor,
The decline in the agricultural workforce is an extremely worrying and dangerous trend. Lack of rural development while an important cause, cannot be the sole reason for it. Socio-economic changes in the rural areas over the past few years might account for some of it. Migration to the cities is caused by several factors, not least by the increase in educational levels among rural people and the desire for job security. Rise in income levels and alternative means of livelihood could be another factor. Another reason could be due to farmers selling off lands to meet contingencies, and there being no dearth of buyers especially from the cash-rich Jaintia Hills. The situation is made worse by Government apathy, corruption in BDO offices, and lack of planning and continuity of the various schemes. Most rural schemes are mere publicity stunts by the government in power. There is no proper planning, execution or follow up. Financial institutions therefore tend to withdraw support to most government schemes due to their impractical nature. The reasons therefore need to be thoroughly investigated. For once, the right steps must be taken to address the problem before it hits us where it hurts.
Yours etc.,
David Syiem,
Ri Bhoi District
RG capable of bigger things
Editor,
I would be disappointed but not surprised if RG Lyngdoh opts to rejoin the Congress party which has been pursuing him actively of late. But that would mean making those same compromises which he was unwilling to make earlier. The man with the rock-star personality is capable of bigger things, if he sets his mind to it. Rather than be marginalized within the corrupt and predictable Congress or the dangerously unpredictable UDP, he should look at forming a new political party with a fresh agenda. I advise him to explore this option seriously before committing to the Congress party.
Yours etc.,
Daisy Kharkongor
Shillong
Water water everywhere…
Editor,
Every morning I drive my kids to school via Loreto convent – Lachumiere. Driving down the road it pains me to see water flowing down the drains enough to fill huge tanks within minutes. I ponder at this colossal waste of water only to realize that I am dirving through VIP area. There should not be any shortage of water supply in this area even if other localities like ours do not get even two buckets a day. I have to buy water at least twice a week which costs me Rs 680. In a month I have to shell out rupees three thousand for water which really pinches my pocket. But then who cares for the common man? In my humble understanding I feel there should not be water scarcity in Shillong if the distribution is regulated. But alas! We are talking about our Public Health Engineering Department, a household name popular for constructing water tanks without water supply. The tanks in our locality remains dry almost through the year. Then suddenly on Sunday we were supplied with milky water! What a paradox indeed. After 41 years of statehood we do not even get sufficient water but the PHED is pumped with money every year. Wonder where it disappears. Perhaps it is siphoned off to some football clubs. Time to do an RTI on PHED!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request