Editor,
I am really amazed at how strong this word Menshohnoh is and how it has impacted our society. Apparently, it’s a sort of label used to frame a person so as to cover up personal issues and grudges. Humans are known to misunderstand each other and to bicker. The bestial murder case in Smit which apparently is the result of the vindictive attitude of certain groups has been committed in the name of “mynshohnoh”. There is no space for law and justice against such a mob mentality. This illicit act reeks of anarchy. It is evident that what happened on August 16 had already been plotted in the minds of the perpetrators. Hooligans don’t think or reason and in this case hooliganism has replaced understanding. The mob has always got away with murder and they believe they will escape the hands of the law this time too. What a shame that this is happening in 21st century Meghalaya.
To cut to the chase, let’s just stick to the fact that police should seize villains involved in these crimes. But should we be content with the arrest or should we start from scratch and ask ourselves the right questions. There must be societal discourses on these matters instead of living in denial. If we are to solve a dispute or calm a situation down, should we talk first or execute an action, like some people say “kill first, talk later”? Such a method for resolving issues seems to recur in this society time and again despite our claims to be living in a civilized world. There is a real need to communicate with each other and respect the views and thoughts of others. From what appears in the media it seems that the three people who have been slaughtered actually wanted to talk reason and to rid the atmosphere of any false alarm. But no one paid heed to them. Whether we accept it or not, things can’t just happen in the blink of an eye. There is plotting and planning. It is hard to believe that we still believe that some people kill for pleasure or for becoming rich. We all wonder. Who’s the ‘menshohnoh’now? The three who were done to death or those who killed them!
Disorder and maladjustment can happen in a society. Should we live by a set of archaic beliefs and turn a blind eye to the enlightened laws? Or are we ready to set up standard protocols to eliminate the pain that creeps into our bloodstream? After this incident we live in fear lest anyone labels us a ‘menshohnoh’ and kills us because we have no defence against a mob. Should the government and elected representatives play politics at the cost of the people’s safety and welfare?
Yours etc.,
Stefferson Malngiang,
Via email
Citizens’ Conclave on Witchcraft
Editor,
I was part of the Citizens’ Conclave on superstition held on 24 August 2013 at the Khasi National Durbar Hall. I congratulate and thank iCARE and the Shillong Press Club for bringing together an impressive gathering of representatives of diverse organizations that inclusively can make a major contribution to the evolution of a Meghalaya of our dreams. Let us continue this dialogue and public awareness initiative.
Belief in witchcraft is a widespread phenomenon in many geographically and culturally separated countries and regions. Traditionally, it presents a framework to explain the emergence of otherwise random misfortunes or perceived prosperity in a given family or clan. It is a serious social issue when it leads to accusations and acts of persecution, psychological, emotional and physical abuses or killings. Witchcraft has been extensively researched and in May 2009, Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extra judicial and summary execution made it a priority in his Report.
I did not notice any representative from NEHU and its affiliated Colleges. To me, the periodic outbreak of witchcraft raises social, anthropological and human rights questions. It is often a sign of a periodic break down of our society and our social capital. It is also a serious breakdown of our collective obligations to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of all, particularly the human rights of the elderly, women and young people who globally tend to be the main victims of these witch craft killings.
I think we need a more proactive social research work by our educational institutions into these real social problems of our communities so that the public can have a deeper and more informed dialogue on this real and simmering problem of today.
I was pleased to see that the Catholic Church had sent its representative who spoke on behalf of the Catholic Church. Similarly the Seng Khasi too gave their statement. I saw the presence of a representative of the Unitarian Church. As a Presbyterian, I was dismayed that there was none to represent my denomination. Pastor Khongwir of the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church came but made a statement in his personal capacity. Where were our Pastors, Ki Tymmen Basan and Rangbah Balang when we were all called upon to ponder on this dehumanizing issue that is creating, for many, a hell here on earth?
Yours etc.,
Phrang Roy,
Via email