Editor
A few facts and observations can be summed up about the recent spate of violence in Meghalaya which has so far culminated in the murders of two innocent citizens – Vikas Nandwal and Vidya Devi Chokhani:
1) The ILP movement is another Pogrom against non-indigenous Indians in Meghalaya. The Bangladeshi “illegal immigrant” does not even figure in the equation. The real targets are non-tribal people (Indians) living in Meghalaya. This is similar to past pogroms against non-tribals in the eighties spearheaded by the Khasi Students Union. The Pro-ILP NGOs are using their cadres to unleash murder and mayhem on mainland Indians living in Meghalaya in the name of ILP.
2) The attempt to make the administration “look bad” has been partially successful due to the casual approach of the local administration and failure of police intelligence. Danger signs like the Khasi Re-Awakening Day violence were conveniently ignored. Police were totally unprepared for the outbreak of violence, even though any fool should have seen it coming since April 2013. So far there has not been a single conviction even though there are 50 plus arrests (as claimed by police). For some strange reason, police have not arrested a single NGO leader save FKJGP’s Eldie N Lyngdoh under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act. Fast track courts have not been set up to try these cases as promised. While Govt. has taken a few steps to curb the violence (like slapping a Rs. 31 crore lawsuit on the NGOs), it seems strangely reluctant to convict NGOs for violent crimes. Political considerations seem to be at play and non-tribals have become the sacrificial lambs for both sides. History is repeating itself in Meghalaya.
3) The objective of the Pro-ILP group is two-fold. The prime objective seems to be to bring down Chief Minister Mukul Sangma. ILP is the weapon of choice of the anti-Mukul faction (NGOs and politicians) to bring him down. The CM himself has shared similar conviction regarding the true motive of the pro-ILP groups. The secondary objective is to terrorise the mainland Indians in Meghalaya to such an extent that they leave the state of their own accord. This is similar to the KSU pogroms of the 1980s.
4) The majority of the population are against ILP. They have condemned the Pro-ILP group for causing hardship and distress to the people with violent bandhs and road blockades. They also recognize the glaring weaknesses in the ILP system which would effectively close all doors and bring to a standstill tourism and development. Nobody wants that. It would also turn Meghalaya into one large Concentration Camp with non-tribals as Inmates and locals as Guards. This is modern day slavery, very similar to how the Nazis treated the Jews in Hitler’s Germany.
5) The most disturbing fact to emerge from the present unrest has been society’s apathy and unwillingness to “get involved”. Protests against NGO violence is made in hushed tones behind closed doors (except the ICARE event, but that was against the HNLC bandh). None are prepared to take the risk of offending the almighty NGOs for fear of being singled out and punished. Society is gripped by terror (35 years, and still counting) and has become spineless. Unlike the rest of the country where communal violence, murders or rapes would have resulted in widespread protests and cries for justice, the citizens of Shillong are happy to keep their eyes and mouths firmly shut while human beings are burnt alive at their doorstep. And only because they are non-tribals!. The murders of Nandwal and Chokhani did not elicit any response from social and religious organizations as expected. Of late the Church has come under severe criticism for its double standards in shying away from condemning violence against non-Christians and non-tribals in this Christian majority State. Some prominent persons have come out openly in the media and lambasted the Church for being solely concerned with profiteering (through education), while sidestepping burning social issues. This has damaged the image and reputation of the Church immensely.
6) As things spiral out of control in Meghalaya, the rest of the country is slowly waking up to the communal violence and discrimination happening here. People are shocked and disgusted. It is logical to think that this is bound to result in retaliation at some point of time somewhere.
Yours etc.,
Vinay Kashyap
Saket, New Delhi
Christian duties
Editor,
I congratulate the writer of the article, “Wake up Christians” (ST October 17, 2013) for actually calling a spade, a spade.
My friends, relatives and I have been discussing about the prevailing inhuman acts in the State and we are astounded that our church leaders are lying low and seem to have turned a blind eye, keeping their silence as mute spectators.
To reiterate the point raised by the writer, I would like to quote one small verse from the Bible for us Christians to ponder upon. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God” Matt.5:9. It is now time for introspection for all of us – ‘Do we really believe in Christ and try to follow his teachings?’ If we are, then aren’t we supposed to rise above the current situation and be those peacemakers? My fellow Christians, let us start practicing our faith – what we have learnt from the church in general and the Bible in particular.
I think it is also high time for our religious leaders to lead by example and speak through actions. I do hope that we could inspire them to take action and perhaps, they could organize a Peace Rally to spread the fragrance of divine love and peace to all.
Finally, I pray that peace will again prevail in our beautiful State.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Rom.12:18
Yours etc
Phyllis Rani,
Shillong-4