Editor,
I join others in expressing the horror and despair I feel to learn of Vikash Nandwal’s death. Never ever did I expect this to happen in Shillong. My condolences to his family who remain dignified in grief. Therein lies a lesson for all of us.
What else needs to happen before compassion and fellow feeling replace the selfish myopic vision that is darkening our state? The ‘Them and Us’ mentality permeating the social, political and commercial life in the state has got to be urgently addressed if Meghalaya has any chance of regaining respect in the eyes of the world. ‘Now’s the time for your tears’.
Yours etc.,
Janet Moore Hujon
Cambridge, UK
To forgive!
Editor,
Two gruesome murders remain etched in my mind. Graham Staines’ and his two sons were burnt alive by a Hindu fanatic in Orissa in 1999. Dara Singh believed he was doing his community and the world at large a huge favour by this dastardly act. On the 26th of Oct 2013, Vikash Nandwal of Shillong succumbed to his burn injuries inflicted by criminals for reasons yet to be established .
As a Christian I was overwhelmed by Gladys Staines’ forgiveness of her husband’s murderer. It was Christianity as we were taught it should be, the most eloquent expression of Christ’s teachings. On Sunday the 27th October Shillong papers carried the stunning statement of JS Nandwal, the Shillong victim’s father , “They do not know what they have done. I hold no grudge against them and I forgive them”. His reaction to his son’s murderers!
There was no call for revenge. No hysterical outburst against the perpetrators of the crime. In it’s stead only a statement of universal love and understanding. What manner of man is this? Can the culprits ever get a good night’s sleep ever again? There can be no greater punishment for the perpetrators and their supporters, if any, than this simple statement of forgiveness? Can hatred exist when countered by love? What grudge can you hold against one who forgives? The statement also restored back to Shillong all that brotherly love we have always shared among ourselves. Mr Nandwal Sir, we salute you!
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Shillong-8
Time to unite
Editor,
Two Jews were about to be executed by a Nazi firing squad. One of them started shouting “I am innocent, I am innocent.” The other Jew turned around and told him “Hush. Keep quiet. Please don’t cause any trouble”. What more trouble could they, who are about to be executed, be getting into. Till now our attitude had been like that of the second Jew. Both tribals and non tribals have kept quiet whenever some organisations have sought to communalise issues. So it has been a welcome change to see a cross section of people come out and speak out against violence openly and without fear. First the rally against bandhs and then a candle light vigil to express solidarity with the late Vikash Nandwal. I think it is time to express our appreciation for ICARE and its leadership for showing great moral courage in holding the first rally on the day of the bandh. As also to those who attended it and spoke there! I am sure the candle light vigil was inspired by the first event. It is perhaps apt to recall the famous lines of Margaret Mead which say “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”.
I think credit must also go to The Shillong Times, which has allowed a range of people to express themselves on this issue both in the columns and through the letters to the editor. Sometimes when the paper reaches a little late at the newsstand I see a crowd of people patiently and eagerly waiting for it to arrive.
Let us hope that we will all shed our fears and no longer be pawns of some unscrupulous albeit shrewd politicians and “wanna be” leaders who will stop at nothing to achieve their personal ambitions. I also hope that all the people involved in committing the dastardly crime, including the people who planned it are punished as promised. Justice needs to be done (as also seen to be done)so that people think before attempting such barbaric atrocities. No end justifies such heinous means.
Yours etc.,
Paramjit Bakhshi,
Via email
No more bandhs
Editor,
The brutal act of the miscreants has seen the tragic end of an innocent soul. The candle light vigil has shown the solidarity of the people of Shillong from all walks of life irrespective of caste creed & religion. They showed their anguish against the nefarious designs of the evil doers. This unity of the people of Shillong should send a warning to the miscreants who are out to disturb the peace and communal harmony of our city. We also do not subscribe to the call of shutters down/bandh by certain organisations.
Yours etc.,
S.L. Singhania
Police Bazar