Editor,
As a former student, teacher and a Principal of the Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School, Jowai I am aghast at the terrible incident that happened in the school campus recently where 9 bullets were placed near the Principal’s room (as reported in a vernacular daily). Now why should an educational institution be involved with the ILP issue? Those responsible for this incident do not understand the sanctity of the school premises. This is the oldest school with the largest enrolment in Jaintia Hills. It has produced many good scholars who became doctors, engineers, political leaders and other eminent persons.
The school does not deserve such a punishment in the name of ILP. Students who witnessed this would imbibe the meaning of terrorism early in life despite the fact that they are not aware of the meaning of the word ILP. Those responsible could have placed the 9 bullets anywhere else but a school campus.
The school itself has no full-fledged Principal ever since I retired. Do the NGO’s like the Students’ Union ever lend their helping hand to the School to ensure that a full-fledged Principal is appointed at the earliest? Or are they concerned only with the ILP? If they were to agitate for the real needs of the School I am sure all the residents of Jaintia Hills and Jowai in particular would be on their side. There is also no full-fledged DSEO and no Vice Principal in the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, yet the two schools managed to run well. The DSEO now holds four posts. One cannot expect that Education in Jaintia Hills to run smoothly in these circumstances. I would appeal to the NGOs of Jaintia Hills to see the immediate needs of the region rather than agitate or concentrate only on the ILP. Further, I appeal to Pro-ILP agitators, not to commit violence and to respect human lives. I have yet to see NGO’s condemning the violent acts of cowardice of the miscreants.
Due to NGO pressure the Government stopped mining of Uranium, laying of railway lines, construction of New Shillong etc. Are we happy with the decisions? Now because of the issue of ILP demand many private and government properties have suffered major losses. The ILP agitation has caused much uncertainty for the poor and needy who live hand to mouth existence. Bandhs are a direct infringement on the fundamental rights of citizens. If the NGOs genuinely feel for the Jaidbynriew, why not agitate against inflation, exploitation of women and above all of corruption? Moreover, agitationists could ‘fast unto death’ so that we can produce heroes like Tirot Singh and Kiang Nangbah. Now the question that comes to mind is whether the NGO’s are doing all this for political mileage. Many student leaders have joined politics in the past and others are planning to enter politics in the future. If politics is the motive then I am afraid that the agitation is not for the cause of ‘The Jaid Bynriew’ but for self-interest.
Any school teaches only the best curriculum and also every teacher wants to inculcate in the minds of the young only good moral principles. Bullets are not part of the School Curriculum. Students not get carried away or be alarmed by the 9 bullets but instead be diligent in their studies and bring glory to themselves, their parents, their school their state as a whole.
Your etc.,
EO Laloo
Retired Principal Govt. Boys Hr Sec. School, Jowai
The time has come
Editor,
The people of Meghalaya especially those of Shillong retire every night in hope while every morning brings home that feeling of utter despair when these hopes fail to materialise. Everyone wishes that the present standoff over the ILP would come to an end. Everyone wishes for normalcy to return. Any political standoff anywhere, violent or otherwise, brings nothing but misery and pain. The recent US shutdown, without even a single stone being thrown, nearly brought the mighty United States to its knees. Point is, the first victim of any such crisis is the economy, and for an underdeveloped state like Meghalaya, the welfare of the common man; the man on the street is our economy. A fact many people often overlook.
The irony of the situation should not be lost on any of us. Both parties contributing to the face-off, are avid advocates of the welfare of the state and its people. The Govt is composed by representatives elected by the people. The NGOs, composed of youths who are gaining the support of the people. Why the two cannot meet; cannot sit down and talk; cannot bring about a breakthrough in the current stalemate is a question on everybody’s lips. A solution to the present crisis is obvious to everyone – it can come about only if a climate for talks; negotiations and compromise from both sides comes about. So why can’t this happen?
There can be no two doubts about the superiority of Government from power constitutionally vested upon it. With power might come the arrogance to impose but power accompanied with benevolence has charm and grace behind it. In the present context, for the Government to offer unconditional talks, would not be seen as loss of authority or a weakness but instead as magnanimity of the wise ruler. For the agitating NGOs to accept an offer for such unconditional talks will only help raise their stature as entities whose sole objective is the interest and welfare of the people. The time has come for a win-win situation for all. The hope is for takers on this call.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Why is our Government passive?
Editor,
I believe our Chief Minister and his Ministers understand the significance of ILP as a strong mechanism to protect the indigenous people in the state. If that is the case, then why is it not implemented? Why is the government so obstinate? I assume the decision whether or not to implement ILP is not in their hands. But have the people of the state not given them the remote control to change the channel every time according to the wishes of the viewers (the people of the state). It is fascinating to learn that in Meghalaya, the CM and his Ministers have taken this privilege as a turning point. Instead of becoming the holders of power they have turned themselves into remote controls in the hands of some selfish, influential people of the State and some central dictators. I feel our CM and his Ministers should have requested those who hold the remote control to meet Gujarat’s CM ( Narendra Modi), UP’s CM (Akhilesh Yadav) West Bengal’s CM (Mamata Banerjee), Bihar’s CM (Nitish Kumar) and ask them to interfere, dictate and manipulate the same as they have done in Meghalaya. Would it be possible? Are they bold enough even to suggest something to these CMs? No way. Forget about influencing, dictating, manipulating and dominating! I feel it is the duty of the Government both state and central to protect the microscopic minority from the influx of big communities in our big Nation and from Outsiders. It is done everywhere to protect the beauty, multiplicity and the unity of the nation. It is lawful in India and in every part of the world where big communities become a threat to small communities. But here the CM and his Ministers directly refused the demand of the Jaitbynriew. It is sad to learn that they have to compromise and remain silent in front of the invisible influential and hidden central dominions. The best and easy way for them is to step down. Let those who are bold takes up the remote control and not allow themselves to be used by others. We should remember that the remote control is simply an object lying out there to be controlled by the holders according to their wishes.
Yours etc.,
Batskhem Mawlein
Shillong-793002