Editor,
Apropos Rev. Barnes Mawrie’s article, “The Cult of Nongshohnoh” (ST Aug 28, 2013) while it is interesting to read there are however several discrepancies which have led to mistaken perceptions on his part. He mentions the Laws of Hammurabi. But the Codes of Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC) were applied to the Babylonian state and not to Egypt. The false accusation of Joan of Arc (1412-1431) as a sorceress was political in intent as she was tried by the English after her capture by the Burgundians during the Hundred Years’ War (she was canonized in 1920). Even the Khasi concept of “Sotti Juk” (Age of Isolation) is part of the Khasi origin myth. Does not this term smack of Influence of Hindu mythology, which talks of “Satya Yuga?” It is true that the Jaintia Kingdom was annexed in 1835 on ground of sacrifice of British subjects from Bengal. But in no way was it connected to the defeat of U Kiang Nongbah who actually fought against the British in the 1860s.
The snake worship had prehistoric roots. It might have been connected with fertility rites which also meant a ritual for prosperity. From an anthropological point of view, it was incorporated in popular Hinduism in the form of the Behula-Lakhinder story and associated worship of the snake goddess Monosa. It was never connected with the Vaishnavite worship as Mawrie says. I cannot agree with his interpretation that it is not superstition, but the work of the Devil. Even many Christian converts believe in it. Historically, early Christianity had to adjust with esoteric local cults in the world. The instance of the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea would suffice. His prescription that acceptance of Christianity by the Khasis would help in eradicating this evil cult is simply amusing. I am not defending this type of superstitious practice though.
Yours etc,
Abhijit Choudhury
Shillong-!
Smit incident
Editor,
The whole world would has read about the shameful incident at Smit. It is a savagery that we wouldn’t like to discuss ever again in any domain. Many from several quarters have condemned it, be it the Catholic Church or the public at large. The letters that followed in your space have denounced the incident. Now what is left of all that has ensued? At this opportune moment the Sordar of Smit village has managed to pop up in almost all the front pages of the local dailies with the caption “Sordar of Smit village, Kynsai Manik Syiem urging the State government to empower the local Dorbar with “police and magisterial powers.” According to him the proposed move would go a long way in assisting the district administration in maintaining law and order besides preventing recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Is he serious with such a statement? The Chief Minister in the photograph may have welcomed all of them as a mere gesture of good will, but the public and law abiding citizens of a civilized society would not buy that argument at all. The Sordar has very slyly made such a move to dodge away from all his responsibilities. He even came up with another statement that outsiders who need to enter the Shnong of Smit must go through the Dorbar. That is not understood. If the Dorbar has so much power over outsiders from the state then it is not clear how such a heinous crime can take place inside the Shnong with the Dorbar in place?…
The Sordar after coming up with so many suggestions has not spoken about bringing any of the perpetrators to book, nor has he claimed to assist the investigation and depose before the law. When he has dictated to the government machinery about how to armour itself in such situations then he should be able to tell us what his accountability is insofar as the Dorbar is concerned vic-a-vis the lynching at Smit. The Sordar must be reminded that the law cannot be weakened or diluted before any person let alone the Dorbar Shnong. This is nothing but a pure eyewash.
The Dorbar is already empowered by the district administration in many spheres. The No parking signs, the Warning signs, the Public Announcements , the limited entry of outsiders after certain hours to the shnong and most importantly the land and estate deals within their jurisdiction which bears the signature and authority of the Sordar and Rangbah Shnong are all signs of authority. It is clear that the Dorbar works as per its convenience. I believe that if an iota of accountability comes from the Sordar and the Rangbah Shnong then that would complete the magic of living in a free and safe world for all the law abiding citizens. Let the law take it’s own course and let the police do its own job with no meddling from any side.
Yours etc,
S.Nongkynrih,
Via email