Editor,
Call it ignorance or their arrogance but the illegal use of the National Emblem by vehicle owners in our state is highly annoying. As per the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007, only the President, Vice President, visiting Heads of State, Governor and Lt. Governor etc can use the National Emblem on their vehicles. Surprisingly the people who often flout this rule in the city are those from the armed forces. I have come across many two wheelers ridden by NCOs or Jawans bearing the National Emblem along with crossed swords or khukris in the place above the registration plate. Granted that this is the insignia of the Indian Army but it still contains the National Emblem of the country. Due to the place where it is fixed on the bike (on the wheel flap which covers the rear wheel of the bike), the National Emblem is usually covered with mud and dust which to me is a grave insult to a National Symbol which represents the Government of the Nation. It seems the Officers of the Regiment or the Corps are not aware about this violation by their subordinates. I sincerely hope they take notice after reading this letter and take action against them.
Yours etc
Paul H Shylla,
Via email
Unpleasant episode
Editor,
I had a harrowing experience recently. On Saturday, May 10, as I was driving through the road from Mawlai Mawroh to Polo through the Shillong Golf Course at 7.30 am, a golf ball coming at lightning speed hit the right back door of my car like a grenade. The ball was hit by a lady golfer and this led to a heated argument. If the ball had landed a few inches higher, it would have hit my 7 year old nephew on his head and would have caused a fatal injury. Now my question is, ‘How safe are the pedestrians who pass through this Golf Course every day? I have been living in the UK for the past several years and play golf myself, but I can conclude that this Golf Course is one of the least safe Course in the world, because there is a public road in the middle and on both sides of the Golf Course. Moreover, this course is an open one where children and families come for recreation even while some golfers play their golf. I don’t know who owns the Golf Course, but I have read somewhere that it is a private property. Since it is a private property and land owners do whatever they wish with their land in Meghalaya, I would kindly request the owner to ban the entry of public especially children when the game of golf is going on. If, however, children and the public are allowed entry then golfing should stop. We can only have one or the other otherwise someone’s life could be in danger. Everyone is free to enjoy and play their sport whether it is football, cricket or golf but it should not endanger the life of the public at large. I hope that the golf ball does not kill someone some day. Therefore through your esteemed daily I would urge the land owner, the dorbar shnong and the Deputy Commissioner to ponder on this issue before it is too late.
Yours etc.,
Manny lyngwa
Shillong -1
The righteous and the wronged
Editor,
Post elections 2014, much is still being deliberated and lamented upon by those that were vanquished by the victorious and literally ‘humbled’ by the nation’s overwhelming clamour for change. While the victors proclaim they will do everything right, the losers continue to lick their wounds. Shameless as losers are prone to be, an urgent introspection into their poll debacle is their sole option once power is no longer their keepsake. Indeed it is every loser’s right to introspect on what caused their loss but corrections are never on course. Ruling parties begin by tinkering with the Constitution and laws are made to promote and protect their self-interest, unmindful of the long-term effects on the nation. We the people will not see our leaders with folded hands for the next five years. No political party worth its conscience can claim noteworthy achievements for the people’s overall benefit. Nor can they boast of raising a single Indian city’s status to world standards. Swanky airports alone do not make a city proud. Politics breeds an air of invincibility in the minds of the elected; they believe that once voted to power their rights are eternally secured. It is this pretentious thinking which clouds their minds and makes them think they are Righteous while decisions, performances and statements are made for enhancing their own self-image and securing their wealth. Unfortunately in pursuit of this, the wider perspective of the people’s agenda is superficially highlighted while the money spinning backroom games are played out and the people of this country are rewarded with discontentment. India will always be classified as a developing nation with its teeming under-developed margins who remain destined to their fate. Our India will always be ruled by elected representatives whose decisions are seen as Righteous until the next elections come around and the verdict is decided by the Wronged.
Yours etc.,
Lewis Sooting,
Via email