Editor,
Patricia Mukhim has neatly summed up the rapid disintegration of societal values in the article “Time to break this conspiracy of silence”. Those vital organs of civilized society – the Police, Civil Society and the Church – are today mute witnesses to atrocities being committed every single day before their very eyes. Even people being burned alive fail to arouse any reaction from them. They just make murmuring noises and continue with their daily business. There is no condemnation of violence against non-tribal people by either civil society or Church. The less said of Meghalaya Police, the better. This is the lowest that society can sink to. Most people would call it a return to barbarism without being far off the mark. I used to be proud of Shillong and its culture but today I am ashamed to be called a Shillongite.
Yours etc.,
Rajeev Talukdar
Langford Town,
Bangalore.
Targeted violence in the name of ILP
Editor,
The recent spate of violence against the non-tribal community proves that this is no longer a peaceful crusade for ILP, but a deliberate attempt to push out the entire non-tribal community from Meghalaya. This is the ulterior motive behind the ongoing violence. It also proves that certain sections of the so called indigenous community are still barbaric by nature. The recent incident, where a person was set ablaze after pouring petrol on him is an atrocious and cowardly act. Such a sadistic act of burning people alive is condemnable. Is this the culture of the indigenous people and the teaching they receive every Sunday when they go to Church?
There is no doubt that the perpetrators of this heinous crime belong to the pro-ILP pressure groups. And if this is the case, such pressure groups and NGOs should be declared as banned organizations by the Indian Government because there is no difference between them and terrorist organizations. People who resort to such savagery are a threat to the nation and to the society. It they think they can get away with such obnoxious acts and that the rest of India will stay silent, then they are wrong. Today there are many from the indigenous community of Meghalaya in different parts of the country. Their security is compromised by such insensible acts. The so- called agitation for ILP and all the violence will end before Christmas for reasons best known to all. The State Government has failed miserably to protect the life and property of its citizens time and again. It is high time that President’s rule be implemented in Meghalaya due to the breakdown of law and order instead of invoking it only when there is a political stalemate. I would like each and every citizen of India to read about this incident so that they should know that barbarism and anarchy is rampant in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Biplab Chakravarty,
Via email
Wanted stringent laws in our streets
Editor,
The incident of a school boy driving a VIP vehicle during peak school hours has not only angered the general public but also raised questions on the wrong use of government vehicles by government officials. Often we see government vehicles being misused for dropping children to school and for other non-official duties even on Sundays and holidays. The incident has brought to light that everything and anything is allowed in Meghalaya. The VIP and his driver should be taken to task and the offenders given severe punishment. If not then everyone will take the law into their hands and abuse their offices.
I appreciate the police officer who ‘dared’ to stop the vehicle and booked the offender. We require such people with valour and courage to bring order in our society. It would have been a disaster had the police officer closed an eye and allowed the VIP vehicle to pass through the jam-packed street. In this regard I request the state government and the police to implement stringent laws with regard to traffic so that we inculcate a strong civic sense and respect for everyone travelling in the streets of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Bivan R. Mukhim
Shillong 22
On HNLC threats
Editor,
The threat to R.G. Lyngdoh by HNLC for speaking out against terrorism shows this banned organization has been in cahoots with pro-ILP groups all along. Their heated defence of the arrested FKJGP leader exposes the link between NGOs and HNLC. It is perhaps clear to all except our efficient police department that they are one and the same. They opt to wear the NGO hat or the terrorist hat depending on the situation. If things get too hot, they revert to being “innocent” NGOs. Will our Home Minister please wake up from her deep slumber and take necessary action?
How many more Motphran-like incidents are needed for her to make up her mind? The people are waiting to see what action will be taken against Pro-ILP groups calling bandhs. Will Home minister act, or will she again chicken out?
Yours etc.,
Robert Taylor Chyne
Shillong-1