Editor,
It’s always good to talk and discuss. Discussion captures the essence of controversy by its appraisal of alternatives, presentation of pros and cons and review of practice and experiment. That is the best way to discover truth through interplay of viewpoints and exchange of information which only discussions can supply. Agreeing to talk would not tantamount to a climb down for the Chief Minister but on the contrary, would boost up his image as the Leader of Government. I would like to remind the Hon’ble Chief Minister of one significant point – the alternative to talking is fighting.
I am personally hopeful that our Hon’ble Chief Minister would eventually agree to talking, as I am equally optimistic that the NGOs would respond enthusiastically. It is the duty of both sides to explore every new ideas with open minds. The fact that the present interests of these two sides are in some ways the opposite, is not the reason not to talk. A number of prominent personalities in the state have expressed in their respective articles published in the local dailies offering divergent views, but talking is often essential. Sometimes this can lead to a sudden breakthrough. It would be lovely if that should happen.
One state legislator observed that if we are prepared to talk with Assam on boundary issue, time and again, why can’t we talk, talk and talk on influx? India and Pakistan keep on talking, America and the Soviet Union talked constantly during the Cold War. It is reported of Nelson Mandela that his ability to listen and bring people together was instrumental in putting an end to violence between the African National Congress (ANC) and the opposition. President Woodrow Wilson, in order to avoid a conflict displayed long suffering patience in negotiations.
In the event the ILP, in its present form, is difficult to implement, there can always be a watered-down version of the proposal. A few leaders from amongst the NGOs have already hummed this tune.
Yours etc.,
S D Khongwir
Shillong – 8
Long lost humanity
Editor,
I was filled with disgust at the news that miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a house of a Nepali family in Mawlai Mawiong. This incident has taken place in less than a week’s time after the death of Vikash Nandwal. The news of the attempt to burn down the household came as a big jolt for almost everyone in the city. Whose house will it be next is the big question. Citizens are just recovering from the shock of Vikash Nandwal’s death and now this! Nandwal succumbed to his burnt injuries after being set ablaze by miscreants who had poured petrol on him at his shop in Motphran on 9th October in the city. This incident is part of the pro-ILP protest that has been going in the state of Meghalaya for quite some time now. A candle-light vigil to condemn the death of this innocent victim was organized by the people of the city at Khyndailad on October 26. But the biggest question that haunts the minds of every individual is whether this vigil alone will bring justice to the victim and his family. Or will this march too like many other protests for justice fade from public memory? Will the Government now at least break the silence and take bold steps towards the protection of the innocent people of the State? Will the Government take initiatives to stop the violence from escalating after the miscreants’ second attempt to create panic in the state after Nandwal’s death? We live in a democratic society where such barbaric acts should not be tolerated by the Government. We don’t need another human sacrifice before such violence is stopped. Today in Meghalaya the word ‘humanity’ is just an abstract. At this time of crisis, my heartfelt condolences go to the people who have fallen prey in the hands of miscreants. I hope someday we will be able to live with freedom and dignity in this society
Yours etc.,
Brinda Das
Shillong -6 .
A lasting solution?
Editor,
With all and sundry offering their suggestion and arguments on ILP, Tenancy Act, and a host of other issues, my suggestion to the government is that it should send a VERY HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE (VHLC) on a study mission to various countries like Israel, North America, Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia and such other places which have recently been ravaged by ethnic problems/violence. The time is ripe. Christmas is approaching and Christians like nothing better than Christmas Presents. Why not gift the resident Meghalayans a Christmas Gift by offering a NEW modified act that has worked in these much vaunted western countries that might satisfy the entire population of Meghalaya ?
Yours etc.,
Nesfield Sangma,
Via email