Editor,
While agreeing that witchcraft, black magic, evil spirits are universal phenomena which some believe in even today, one fails to understand few conjectures of Barnes Marie in his article dated Aug 28 in this paper. From time immemorial, the word menshohnoh has no connection with the Pnars of Jaintia Hills. A menshohnoh is associated with an individual or family which supposedly rears U Thlen which the Pnars of Jaintia Hills do not subscribe to. The legend of Dain Thlen that narrates the story of how the people tried to eliminate U Thlen is in Sohra (East Khasi Hills District). Never in the history of the Khasi Pnar has menshohnoh been associated with the Pnars. Of course the Pnars believe in ka Taro, Ka Bih, U Kynbad even to this date though, like U Thlen there has been no proof to establish the authenticity of their existence scientifically. These are superstitions which may or may not exist.
Secondly, Mawrie wrote that human sacrifices were carried out to Goddess Kupli. This is absolutely incorrect and false. For the general information of all, Kupli’s real name was Weipun Bor Kupli who is the Seinjait of the Passah clan. There has never ever been any human sacrifice for her. As a Pnar, I am appalled at the insensitivity and lack of knowledge of Mawrie. The believers of Naimtre do not have any connection with mainland Hinduism. On what basis does Mawrie claim that Kupli is the reincarnation of Goddess Durga? My great grandmother used to tell me stories of human sacrifices performed by the King of Jaintiapur (now in Bangladesh). He was not a Pnar though he happened to be the King of the Jaintias through his victory in the war. The human sacrifice performed was certainly not done as offerings for Weipun Kupli as written by Mawrie.
Thirdly, as was told by our ancestresses , the Khasi Pnars during the age of Sotti Juk led a life of purity and divinity and never knew the existence of evil, leave alone menshohnoh. They lived in paradise and co-existed and co-habited with every living being on earth. Their’s was an era where even animals, stones, trees etc also spoke. The Hynniew Trep had the pleasure of meeting their counterparts, the Khyndai Trep who lived with God, through the golden bridge, U Lum Sohpet Bneng. It was only after the bridge was broken due to the sins committed by U Hynniew Trep that humans had to fend for themselves here on earth. That was the end of the era of Sotti Juk and the beginning of Kali Juk or the era of evil. Probably with this era the multiple witchcrafts like memshohnoh, thlen, taro, shwar etc. emerged.
Fourthly, I am a Pnar who clings to my indigenous faith, ‘Ka Niamtre’ because I believe that God Almighty who is the supreme power taught us to cling to our own roots and faith while at the same time we are taught to respect the beliefs and religions of other people. Believers of Niamtre are not a backward, savage, uncivilised lot as Mawrie perceives us to be. We are literate, down to earth and civilised and do not need any outside influence to bring us to our shores. As for embracing Christianity en-mass I am of the opinion that Mawrie can never give us the assurance that Christianity is the perfect tool to get rid of superstitions and black magic once and for all. To be free of all these evils is a herculean task and to prevent the loss of innocent lives we need a societal reform. NGOs, public leaders, the police and the law must work together. It is important to create awareness amongst the people that this is the 21st century and no one is above the law. The law should take its course as it does not subscribe to any crime being committed without any proof and evidence.
Yours etc.,
Jennifer Dkhar,
Shillong-4
Who wants and who needs ILP?
Editor,
Who wants ILP in Meghalaya? Is it the civil society or the people? Or is it the people through the civil society? It is understood that ILP is believed to be the mechanism to solve the problem of influx in Meghalaya but whether it will be or not, God alone knows. Influx is one of the many problems that Meghalaya is facing and to solve it is the genuine need of the people. In a democracy the government must do what the people need but whether the people of Meghalaya want ILP as a tool to achieve this need or not is yet to be established beyond a doubt. As I could follow from different write-ups/talks either through the media or other forum conducted on ILP, I gather that the people of the state are divided on this matter. If the civil society who demand the implementation of ILP in the state claim that they are doing so for the people then the government must make a proper examination of this. Since civil society is an unelected representative of the people then it may be advised that the government seeks the will and consensus of the people on the implementation of ILP. Though the government is an elected body of representatives mandated by the people yet it cannot undermine the civil society which is equally important for the success of democracy. Therefore, if the people in Meghalaya really want and need the ILP, then the government must make necessary arrangements to implement it at least on trial basis.
Yours etc.,
Airpeace Rani,
Shillong-4
Meghalaya House, Kolkata
Editor,
The announcement that the State Government has taken over the Meghalaya House at 10-Russel Street Calcutta is indeed welcome news. It is a new structure located at the prime address of the city hence, it requires proper maintenance both inside as well as outside. The foot-path outside the building has been occupied by hawkers and vendors. As a result, entering and leaving the House is hindered because of left over garbage that not only hurt the eyes but, is hygienically unviable. I remember the sprawling and well-maintained compound of the old building and it will be a pleasure and pride if the present concerned autho-rities keep it that way.
Yours etc
H.P. Massar
Calcutta