Editor,
I hope no one misunderstands that ILP is how to protect our small “Jaitbynriew” from being drowned in the uncontrollable influx from the majority non-tribal population. This problem appears to have been well understood by leaders of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, etc., as they are intelligent enough to see the lessons from Assam which in spite of the Assam Tenancy Act, Assam Urban Areas Tenancy Act, etc. indigenous people of Assam have become a minority in their own land. It is ill advised to say that Tenancy Act will protect the state from influx. Some social activist have even wrongly suggested that influx can be put to an end by equitable distribution of ancestral and self acquired properties in Khasi-Jaintia Hills. This will in fact create more problems and more influx.
It is high time for the government of Meghalaya to send teams of officers and politicians separately to Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, etc., to study how they implement their ILP there, and we can improve it if need be. The Government should be serious to protect the Jait bynriew. I also assure that other “Jaitbynriew” (non tribals) in Meghalaya who have been born and brought up here and having valid proofs would not be affected at all by the ILP.
Yours etc.,
C.K.Marbaniang
Shillong -11
Need for introspection
Editor,
As a student of philosophy I reached Shillong in the 2002 a time when it was dawning towards normalcy. I felt well accepted and admired the hospitality of the Khasi people and was enriched by certain values of this community. Thanks to Bah R.G. Lyngdoh the then Home Minister because of whose initiatives we could come out openly and celebrate the National days such as Independence Day, bandhs and road blocks became things of the past. Gradually we were able to catch up with the rest of the country in establishing institutions such as NEIGRIHMS and IIM. My second coming in 2010 as a student of theology witnessed tremendous growth of this region with new infrastructure and the inflow of tourists increasing day by day. Khasi people remained as simple as ever with warm hearted hospitality. Now as the time has come for me to leave Shillong I am disturbed by the recent happenings. My questions to the custodians of Khasi people: i) As a common man I cannot understand the nuances of the proposed ILP. How many citizens do really know what ILP is? Can we not have a forum to discuss the details of it? Is it not our duty to include the youth to decide the future of the State? ii) Can anyone remove the misconceptions of the ILP clearly? – It is not “anti-dkhar” as it is perceived but a mechanism to curb the influx of illegal immigrants. iii) What do we really need? Is it another licence for authentic Indian citizens or a strong measure against illegal immigration? iv) Are we sure that the proposed ILP in the present form will achieve its objective? v) Lastly and mostly importantly, can a society progress if the government machinery is obstructed continually and day to day social and business activities come to a standstill because of office-picketing, bandhs and road blocks? Who is responsible for the children and youth who are affected by this agitation?
I humbly request the custodians of this society, the Government, NGOs and the Student Union to come forward to dialogue. There is a challenge to go ahead, progress and prosper. It is our duty to safeguard this land and the rights of the indigenous people. It can be achieved only through dialogue and understanding. The state has shown positive signs of growth with lot of potential for tourism and other fields. Some of us are promoting it through social forums and inviting people to visit. I cannot repay the love this people have shown but my prayer is that the people live in peace and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Let us give our children the best future possible.
Having said all this, I am aware that when I visit Shillong after my ordination I may need to apply for an ILP. Thank you Shillong, I’ll miss you.
Yours etc.,
Johnson, SDS,
Via email
Will someone break the impasse?
Editor,
The ongoing agitation on two demands seems to be bereft of ‘enlightened leadership’ by the two confronting sides. Its ironical when the NGOs claim it’s their democratic right to demand and agitate while they trample upon the basic rights of fellow citizens as is evident by the arson attacks and assaults on people and property in Nongpoh, Nongstoin and Shillong. Here in Tura we have had less madness, except the attack on the DC’s office last week which was condemned by all.
What has come about is actually a stalemate with no real scope to move forward to negotiate because of the rigid stand taken the government and the warring groups who claim that only with the implementation of the ILP will Paradise be restored in Meghalaya. The government can easily seek the mediation of a Meghalayan who is respected by both sides for her\his depth of knowledge and integrity to come to a win-win solution for Meghalaya instead of all of us committing harakiri.
So far it’s been just a sheer waste of lakhs of man hours lost, a terrible loss to the student community and more grinding poverty to the poor daily wage earners and a paid holiday to the government employees. All of us have realised that a bandh is an exercise in futility , then why is it doggedly brought upon the people of Meghalaya at the drop of a hat? An enlightened leadership will always strive to address the challenge democratically. The media too ( I read the Shillong Times and I am not aware of the vernacular press) ought to report the naked truth. Barring a few editorials and some excellent write ups by prominent columnists, a couple of stories have not been reported honestly .One gets the impression that fuel is being added to the fire Now , I believe is the opportunity for soul searching by all sides, be it the government, the Judases , the opposition , the NGOs , the media and we the people who have borne the brunt of people who seem to be sabotaging the future of the younger generation in order to settle petty scores. I sincerely pray that we all get blessed with a little more grey matter and find light at the end of the tunnel.
Yours etc.,
Tyrone D’Brass
Tura.