Editor,
The Telangana statehood demand has shaken the nation. From west to east, north to south different language groups have started their demands which could divide the nation on linguistic basis. After attainment of status as a full-fledged nation, the law makers of India had in 1956 amended the Constitution and thereafter, defined territorial boundaries of different regions in the country on linguistic lines. Within the purview of the Constitution and with an aim for good governance at the time 14 divisions (called as ‘States of India’) were carved out and kept under the control of a Governor for each division. Similarly 6 regions were brought under Union Territory status under the direct control of President of India. In the present circumstances, carving out of a portion of Andhra Pradesh and calling it ‘Telangana State’ is practically not on linguistic basis. Under the present circumstances the time chosen by the Union Government to form the new state within an existing state is only adding fuel to the fire.
It cannot be denied that certain ethnic groups have grown in numbers. Under the present circumstances, keeping in view the State Re-organisation Act of 1956, and with respect to the present numerical strength of ethnic/language groups, the demand raised by some of them for formation of new state within a state on linguistic basis cannot be rejected outright by the Government of India. There is ample scope for an ethnic group to project the demand for statehood within the parameters of the Constitution in a manner which is not harmful to the nation as whole and the general public in particular.
The entire nation cannot be fragmented in order to retain the identity of each ethnic group. Refraining from such approach, every Indian, irrespective of class, language, ethnicity, race, religion etc needs to recapitulate the efforts made by the leaders of the Independence Movement immediately after the partition of this country. The consolidation of 562 princely states under one umbrella, before framing the Indian Constitution was a painful process and cannot be disregarded. To honour the efforts made by then political leaders, it is at this juncture a time to remain united and raise the slogan ‘United We Stand – Divided We Fall’. I, personally believe that this will be the only solution to save India from external aggression.
Yours etc.,
PB Das,
Shillong-3
Hoi Polloi problem!
Editor,
I would like to draw attention to the urgent need for deploying diligent traffic cops in many places of Tura town as the public face tremendous problems during the rush hour of school and college timings. On Wednesday August 14, at around 8:00-9:00 am, when I was driving to a particular destination and was crossing a busy junction not a single traffic police personnel was present at this crucial site nor in every other junction to manage the chaotic situation. After reaching my destination at the Hawakhana junction I was relieved to see a traffic cop who quickly appeared out of nowhere but I realised later that he was there to clear the road for VIP movement and to allow smooth flow for the red beaconed VIP vehicles. Is traffic police posted to take care only of VIP movement? What if a serious accident happens that involves loss of life of a student at a busy junction? Who should take the blame and be held accountable?
The step motherly treatment by the police towards the citizen of Tura Town clearly shows that we the public cannot rely on the police traffic department. Their failure to curb unregulated flow of heavy vehicles (trucks) into the municipal area without prior permission from the competent authority has also resulted in traffic congestion and aggravates the present situation. At present, the whole system of maintaining vehicular traffic movement in the urban areas of Tura Town by the traffic police department has further deteriorated due to their reluctant to tackle the problem with enthusiasm and civility.
Yours etc.,
Shoshon Sangma,
Tura