Editor,
“If you play with fire you get burned” is an adage. Today the youths of our state are playing with fire. Throwing of petrol bombs has resulted in grievous hurt and loss of innocent lives. Right now the petrol bomb culture seems to have gripped us. But we should all be concerned at the outcome of these heinous acts. If burning of humans at the drop of a hat does not stop, might it not happen that Shillong city might witness the explosion of a real RDX bomb sooner than later? Are we prepared and ready for this catastrophe? Can we imagine the loss of lives and properties if such a thing takes place?
At this juncture we all feel terribly insecure. Anything can happen to anyone at any time and place. Since the agitations began two and a half months ago, the state has been witnessing several forms of protests that have disrupted normal life and tranquility. Besides the destruction of government property, innocent people have died. It is wrong to assume that the series of arson cases are due to personal vendetta. And mind you the fear is not only amongst the non-tribals. It always takes two hands to clap. So, one fears for Meghalayans studying or working outside the state. Many families have their children working outside and sustaining their family back home. If this selective targeting of non-tribals goes on I shudder to think what would happen to those outside the State. Of course the pressure groups don’t think that far. No matter how much the pro-ILP groups may deny their involvement they cannot wash their hands and shy away from claiming responsibility. After all, the turmoil was triggered by the ILP agitations.
I also want to add here that Agnes Kharshiing has made a very bold assumption that the petrol bomb hurled at the owner of Babua Tea Stall, Bishnupur is an outcome of a personal vendetta. How could she be so sure? Or does the woman have a high profile investigating team to come to such definite conclusions? The pro-ILP groups are talking of intensifying their fight once the school and college examinations are over. Is this the right approach? Does this have the sanction of all of us? If their demand is for the good of the people why not listen to all and hear what people really want? The voice of a few cannot be taken as the voice of all. There has to be an end to this tussle through proper deliberations about what the state really needs. We cannot live in isolation in this age and time. We have to co-habit and co-exist to bring about progress and change for the better.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Shillong-4
Of church and state!
Editor,
Fabian Lyngdoh’s article “Religion and Society” was an interesting read. However, there are a few sweeping assumptions like Christianity being spread only by means of love and Islam by power of the sword while traditional Hinduism being a maze of spirit and magic worship only to be later restored by Ramakrishna. A deeper study of world religions would provide better insights. Mr Lyngdoh rightly justifies the position and role of the Church, however he seemingly and quite conveniently forgets that for any religion to profess love and peace it must expand itself to allow criticism as well. We cannot just scorn with sarcasm against those who have questioned the role of Church in matters relating to violence in the society. Religion and society might be intimately related however it is the evolution of society, its attitude towards science and rational thinking that eventually matters.
For example in developed nations especially USA, there is ample space for society to question religious institutions without infringing their freedom. The Christian evangelist is free to chime Biblical verses in the middle of Times Square while ISKON enthusiasts roam about ringing their bells! The average New Yorker in the rush to commute can muse at these stances, feel free to ignore or even question these institutions. When 9/11 happened the local Churches poised for muted solemnity and requested the everyday New Yorker to ensure peace and not pour in revenge. Similarly when there were these talks of building a mosque at the 9/11 carnage site (a.k.a Park 51) once again people were free to vent their sentiments both against the Church which had reservations and also against the US government but none of it impacted the actual opening of the Centre and people moved on. It has neither impacted the re-election of Obama nor the Wall Street mood ( political or economic)
The bottom-line – in truly developed societies religion plays a more dignified role than acting as a preachy guardian. Such societies ensure that there is separation of church from the state and people are free to applaud, criticize or ignore religious institutions. For the non Christian minorities mostly non tribals who have been perennial victims of Shillong violence since 1979 a word of solace from local churches and questioning their stoic silence on this matter is definitely something any developed society should seek to ask.
Yours etc.,
Partha S,
Via email