Editor,
Apropos the highly ‘opinionated’ letter, “The New Assembly Building” by W C Manners (ST May 2, 2013), while I respect the points raised by Manners, what I find disconcerting is the continuous use of terms like “non locals, ” and ” non tribals ” in the letter. Manners assumes that vested interests want the existing Assembly plot to be converted into a Shopping complex , parking lot etc., which will have shops by ‘non tribals.’ For how long should the ‘non tribal’ card be played ? Is it not time we had a level playing field with merit as the sole criterion instead of race/religion/place of birth? If a shopping complex is opened, let there be a transparent bidding process for procuring shops therein. That is the proper solution to a problem, not the dismissal of the opening of the complex just because someone like Manners fears that ‘non tribals’ will get to open shops there. Also it is appalling how someone can blatantly instigate the use of ‘political will’ to procure land owned by a Trust where the City Hut Dhaba is located, just because it is run by ‘non locals!’ To suggest political bullying to oust out non-tribals doing just and fair business is illegal and undemocratic.
The writer says that the beautiful four -storied Assembly complex to be constructed at the sites suggested requires funds of about Rs 70-80 crore. These funds, he says will come from the central government. In other words it means tax-payers money paid by non-tribals. If people like Manners find it conducive to enjoy the benefits of the tax payers’ money in a free, fair democratic nation then he should remember that the democratic ethos must be upheld in the State of Meghalaya as well. It is imperative to understand that we are all ‘ Indians’ first and tribal or non-tribal later. Let us not, through our words divide the community on the basis of caste, creed race or place of birth. Unity is won through mutual respect and appreciation. This alone can help Meghalaya progress.
Yours etc.,
Rahul Bajaj,
Via email
Preposterous suggestion made in bad taste
Editor,
Apropos the letter by W.C. Manners “Meghalaya Assembly Building” (May 2, 2013), I found it to be both impractical and in bad taste. The impracticality lies in the choice of location (site of the gutted Assembly building) which will not only make the area thoroughly congested but also create a hellish traffic jam in the heart of the city. Manners insists he is against constructing the building in the suburbs because he wants to save time and money on behalf of our elected representatives. He also says that a budget of Rs 70 to 80 crore is more than sufficient for the Assembly Complex. How has he arrived at these figures, if one may ask? Has he conducted some study or survey to back his claims?
I also mentioned in the beginning that his letter was in bad taste. This is because of such remarks as ‘most of the shops will be grabbed by non-tribal traders’ and urging the state govt to dispossess the ‘non-locals’ to acquire Earle Sanatorium. These sort of remarks are what stir up trouble between communities. I wonder how Manners would feel if he was the victim of similar attacks because he belonged to a different community. My guess is he would be singing a different tune if that happened! In short, the author of the letter has not provided any sound basis for his arguments but merely goes on to air his biases against non-locals. Such behaviour is unacceptable in a modern society and deserves to be condemned.
Yours etc.,
T. Edward Lyngdoh,
Shillong -1