Editor
When people try to accessorise what they say with references to prominent Leftist thinkers or democrats it does not necessarily make them Leftists or democratic. At best, it is piggyback riding ideologies. There is no greater harm done to the Left than to strip it of its Internationalism and this is what is done when people over garnish their statements with references to Leftist personalities and concepts while supporting calls that seek to restrict and suppress masses, including labour, and enhance particularism.
At this juncture, one needs to understand what it really means when groups claim to represent the “people”. The “people”, in such instances, refer to a fragmented collective, divided by socio-economic status, stripped of commonality. Therefore, it appears, the only reason the term is introduced in this form is to make the interests of the community’s elite appear to be interest of the entire community.
A democratic system ensures space for dissent and plurality of opinion, from the Left, Right and Centre and every shade should be given an opportunity for expression. However, mischievous disguising and piggy-backing of ideologies can confuse and mislead the people. In our situation, those who present themselves as leftists while diluting their thoughts of Internationalism and hailing a parochial nationalistic and chauvinistic cause should decorously be termed as Pseudo Leftists or, more appropriately, Nationalist Socialists, an educated term for toddler Nazis, so as to avoid confusion.
Yours etc.,
Obadiah Lamshwa Lamare,
Via email
A ghastly act
Editor,
The attempted murder by burning a non-tribal alive in broad day light in Motphran on 9th is horrifying. It must be condemned by one and all. The pro-ILP pressure groups are turning Shillong into a lawless capital. Bandhs, night blockages, office picketing, the daily affair arson attacks, the setting of government/police vehicles and BNSL warehouse ablaze, and now burning of a human being alive! Havoc, mayhem, anarchy and violence are beginning to be associated with thes once calm hill station nick named ‘Scotland of the East’. They have brought disrepute and disgrace to the city. It’s shame, shame and more shame.
In their misplaced enthusiasm for the two century old British Law called ILP, the pressure groups are becoming inhuman and brutal, heartless and headless. They have crossed all limits. The perpetrators may be dismissed as miscreants but the fact is that the agitating ‘NGOs’ have created a conducive atmosphere for anti-social elements to thrive and exploit. The pro-ILP hardliners are solely responsible.
We hang our heads in shame and ask for forgiveness from B Nandarwal, his relative and community for the appalling crime. Hope the premeditated incident is only a stray one and not a part of a larger design. In any case, the culprits are only a handful and do not, in any way, represent the Khasi Community. They should be tracked down and punished per provisions of law. We pray for the 50% burned victim’s speedy recovery!
Yours,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal, North Garo Hills
Wake up Christians!
Editor,
It’s been a month since the pro-ILP agitation has held more than just the attention of every inhabitant of this state. Differences in ideology and political dissension are admissible in our democratic nation; these being part and parcel of even the most civilized societies. This, I assume, is one of the valid reasons that till today no non-governmental organization has made a clear, strong stand against the pro-ILP groups or incidences involving torching of property. However, last week Meghalayans witnessed the absolutely barbaric act of miscreants setting on fire at Motphran – a HUMAN BEING. Shockingly, there has been no loud call for solidarity against perpetrators of this violent and inhuman act. Shockingly again, Meghalaya claims to be a Christian state with 70% Christian population. Are we the followers of the same Christ who till his death upheld the principle of loving one’s neighbour as oneself?
The pro-ILP groups or/and miscreants taking advantage of this state of unrest definitely have more goon power than any single individual in Meghalaya. Therefore, mass mobilization against immoral forces is the need of the hour. In a Christian state it is the Church heads and leaders who hold the greatest power and biggest platform to mass mobilize. Yet they have remained mute spectators. This gives the impression that the Church is an institution that is only interested in an increased head count in this tribal belt of India. Church leaders are bookish theologians who prefer to seclude themselves in their now comfortable pastoral houses. Their only aim is the adulation of their Christian brethren on Sundays; the present moral status or path taken by the community they lead is of no relevance whatsoever.
In this context, my most earnest appeal to all Christian (of all denominations) Church leaders in Meghalaya is to form a consolidated, apolitical union that raises its voice against any unchristian development. Knowing the respect and mass following they already command, many believers (including myself) will undoubtedly support them in measures that immediately seek to thwart malicious elements and to prevent forming of a vicious circle. Such reconciliatory steps are important because we live in an electronic age where propaganda and rumour move at millisecond rates. Finally, my most earnest appeal to my fellow ‘Christians’ of this ‘Christian’-state: please let us learn to disagree without being guilty of murder. (Attempted) Murder of a person of another ethnic group still is murder. Pray we muster enough courage to form a peaceful, formidable force that (without political inclinations) stands against ANY unchristian and inhuman acts in Meghalaya in the future. Else, we will time and again commit the sin of omission and Meghalaya’s fate may just turn out like that of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Yours etc.,
A saddened and troubled Khasi Christian
(Name withheld on request)