Editor,
Of late, members of the public are genuinely perplexed by the accusations and counter accusations emerging from the proposed acquisition of land by Govt for development of the New Shillong Township (NST). The public needs to understand the larger issues involved before taking sides in this whole controversy. For this to happen, the issue must be seen from two different perspectives. Firstly from the perspective of feelings and concern for the indigenous community ( Jingsngew namar ka jaitbynriew). Secondly, from the perspective of the Law of the land.
The controversy in its present form springs from suspicion, doubt and apprehension over the intentions of the Government to acquire land for implementing the New Shillong Township. There is this feeling (jingsngew) that Government has no business in acquiring Tribal Land for whatever purpose. That planned urban development, or management, in whatever form, as it involves land acquisition by Govt is culturally inappropriate, theoretically dangerous and automatically bad and therefore should be stopped. The feeling is perpetuated that because of this, the NST must be stopped in its track.
It must be admitted that the above feeling is prompted by deep concerns over the fate of the community (sngewkhia eh namar ka jaitbynriew). The implied accusation is that elected Govt is anti-tribal and cannot be trusted and only Traditional Institutions however outdated, torpid, inward looking and irrelevant they maybe are the sole saviours of tribal culture and interest. The inert ki hima, ki myntri, ki lyngdoh have been quick to react to this windfall. In a recent press conference there was a seeming consensus on the demand that a venal State Govt should first obtain NOCs from ki Syiem, whenever it seeks to implement development. In all of this there is the tacit understanding that since everything is based solely on feelings and wishful thinking the best way to enforce such feelings is through public pressure, demonstrations and street agitations.
The second perspective is the law of the land which recognises that in the real world, Govt and individuals are both capable of good as well as evil. To prevent evil, to enforce justice and to protect the rights of the citizen, tribal or otherwise, there is the Judiciary. The judicial system in its endeavour to ensure justice is solely dependent on provisions of the law; on facts and on evidence as they prevail. Unfortunately, feelings, good intentions, deep concern and suspicion alone, are not legally tenable unless backed by proof and evidence! This is perhaps (emphasis on the perhaps) the main reason why till date no one has challenged the Govt in a court of law on its alleged evil and nefarious designs on Tribal land at the NST.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Shillong-8
Why oppose the Aadhar scheme?
Editor,
KSU’s diktat to put the Aadhaar scheme on hold seems very strange when other states are clamouring to introduce it. Several schemes introduced by Govt of India will be routed through this Unique Identification (UID) Card such as the transfer of subsidies directly to bank accounts. People will ultimately benefit. The usual bogey of locals or tribals getting swamped by immigrants is resurrected time and again and Govt doesn’t seem to have the have the will or cerebral wherewithal to counter this age old redundant argument. Hopefully KSU’s strategy will not be enforced in Garo Hills. In fact Aadhaar is the best way to combat illegal immigrants if KSU’s USP is this. Look at the benefits of the Aadhaar scheme. Since one Aadhaar number is allotted to only one person, it enables a computer to verify one’s identity universally. Aadhaar will allow deprived and needy people in accessing services like banking facilities. Since Aadhaar is based on the demographic and biometric information of an individual, it eliminates the threat of any fraud and bogus activity. Aadhaar will provide its possessor with the universal single source identification.
Aadhaar can be used at multiple places to prove one’s identity. A person’s Aadhaar number can be used while opening a bank account, booking tickets online, applying for passport, and at many other places where there is a need to give the proof of identity. Aadhaar will give migrants mobility of their identity. The government can now provide services and facilities to people especially belonging to the rural areas in a more effective manner. Aadhaar will help the poor to avail the facilities provided to them by the Govt which they could not access earlier. We hope KSU will study the Aadhaar seriously and reconsider its action for the good of the people.
Yours etc.,
Nesfield Sangma