Editor
Hats off to all the people and establishments of my beloved state in general and my fellow Hynniewtrep in particular, who for the first time in recent history have defied a bandh called by a Bangladesh outfit from across the international border dictating us all to stay in-door. Bangladesh? Yes Bangladesh. Anybody can claim to be “U Hynniewtrep”, from any part of the world, but to be “U Hynniewtrep”, you need to think like “U Hynniewtrep” – ‘Ieit Ialade bad Burom Ia Kiwei'(love yourself but respect others). These were the same thugs who killed Ma Rijoy Singh Khongshah, a religious leader of indigenous faith and now they are the very same militants creating undesirable situation on this festive occasion of the Christians. This proves beyond doubt that they are the ISI camouflage in a Khasi name trying to create division among the “Hynniewtrep” populace.
If they have problems with the system (Government), then fight against that system. Why terrorize the general public? What wrong have we done that we are gifted with bandhs, road – blocks and what not….
I pity the die-hard fans of these ISI – I mean the office goers. This time the general public has given a clean and clear message – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Now, it’s the turn of the Government to see that its workers (Government servants) too fall in line and action is taken against all those absentees (ISI Sympathizers). We want office goers working for us and our government, not for Bangladesh.
Yours etc.,
D Suiam,
Shillong-3
Wanted a resistance against all bandhs
Editor
With reference to the letter “Beat the Bandh Culture” by G.M. Bruce Sawkmie (ST Dec 21, 2013), I concur wholeheartedly with the views presented by the writer. However a few niggling doubts remain, which I would like clarified by Mr Sawkmie through your newspaper. Why have Mr Sawkmie and other worthy individuals who opposed this particular HNLC bandh, never come out with strong statements and decisive action to oppose bandhs by NGOs? For months together we have suffered through a series of bandhs and accompanying violence with nary a peep out of these leaders of society. Never have they raised their voice in support of the poor and downtrodden despite already knowing what they say openly today – that the bandh culture is destroying the very fabric of our society, and is not a solution to our problems. Therefore if Mr Sawkmie is opposing this bandh and taking action to ensure its failure, then similar reaction is warranted against bandh calls by NGOs. Will Sawkmie and his compatriots ensure that all bandhs will meet with stiff resistance like in the present case?
Thomas K Lyngdoh
Shillong-4
Insensitive HNLC
Editor,
They’ve done it again! Yes this time it’s the HNLC that has come to harass people especially at a time when all are in the mood of celebration. While all are relieved and happy that at least during this festive season there will be no disturbance and no more protests and agitations our peace of mind is short-lived. The HNLC have come to hit us with a bang! A 12 hour bandh called a day before Christmas Eve is none other than a show of insensitivity. Whatever the reason maybe behind any agitation and protest, it must be made very clear that it is the common people that are made to pay a price. At the same time why can’t we think of better alternatives and better forms of protests to realize our demands? Why should one and all be made to suffer?
I wonder if the bandh call is another hoax call that would either be called off or cancelled at the request of the church or others? After all we did taste of such bandh calls two weeks ago! In case it is not, then I am left wondering as to how our lives are dictated upon by a selected few. We are constantly falling prey to the ire of those who claim to be standing for our cause.
I am not a Christian by religion but I have been taught by my faith and religion to love what is ours and to respect what is others. Thus it pains me to read about the call for a bandh at a time when the believers in Christianity are preparing themselves to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. Rather than being sensitive and considerate towards the feelings and sentiments of the people we have our very own creating unease and uncertainty. The bandh as a form of realizing one’s demand is uncalled for. It only disrupts normal life. I fear that this may just be a way of life for the people of the state. Well it is up to each one of us now to make a choice whether we will acquiesce to the bandh or we will simply pay no attention to it and go about fulfilling our duties and responsibilities. If there is anyone who could actually set us free from all these unwanted and unwarranted decree it is just US AND US ALONE!
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Shillong-4