Editor,
I have been reading in the newspapers the tussle between the Government, the public and the ANVC in locating the camp site for rehabilitation of the ANVC which wants to give up arms and join the mainstream. First and foremost, the ANVC are the Garo youths who have received arms training in jungle warfare either in Bangladesh or in the jungles of Meghalaya fighting for their cause. They have been living a very hard life, struggling to survive without proper food or shelter in the mosquito infested jungles and with the Government forces always after them. Now they want to join the mainstream and stay in the rehabilitation camps provided by the Government. But there are objections and oppositions from many quarters in Khasi Hills against setting up of rehabilitation camps in the Khasi Hills area.
I would therefore request like-minded people to suggest to the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma and the concerned Departments to provide a suitable place for our Garo brethren either in Nongstoin or Nongpoh or even in Jaintia Hills if they so wish, for setting up of the said camps. The purpose of the rehabilitation camp is to change and transform the misguided youth to be able to live a normal life and integrate with society. So the camp site should be easily accessible by the concerned authorities for better monitoring, like the police for security, doctors for health, counselors, church leaders and other welfare activists visiting the camps on regular basis.
Keeping them in distant designated camps means denying them the above facilities to change and rehabilitate. What is most important for the cadres in the camps is counseling and acquiring livelihoods skills so that they can earn an honest living to survive in the real world. Giving them a monetary package, without counseling or any working skills and training after their rehabilitation will not help.
Yours etc.
I.R Lyngdoh,
Shillong 2
Assault case
Editor,
It is our sincere appeal to the news reporters to take note that as members of the village council and of the Village Defence Party (VDP) it is our duty to bring peace and not otherwise. With regards to the assault case of Raphael Sayoo at Mulieh village (WJH), the news printed on page10 of your paper on May 23, 2014, we the residents of the village strongly deny the report about the involvement of our Village Defence Party member, .F.Suchiang. He had nothing to do in this matter apart from trying to bring the situation under control.
Yours etc.,
N Durong,
Via email
Development’s malcontents
Editor,
Apropos the letter, ‘Narrow outlook’ by S Dey (ST, May 19, 2014), the writer might like to note that 66.4% voted in 2014, ie 34.6% decided against bothering to vote. Out of this around 30% votes were captured by BJP; the remaining was split between Congress and others. So yes, that popular choice argument of yours holds. But why criticize those who don’t rejoice at Modi’s victory just because you are his fan? Already I am anticipating the worse and should mass privatizations and divestment occur, I hope you still get to keep your job or profit margins. Let’s see what sort of economic theory his advisers will follow.
Also with due respects, you are not “indigenous” and will probably have no problems with radiation poisoning in West Khasi Hills. And while I support the NGT ban, I also want to see similar actions and gradual remedial measures sought for the illegal cement plants and non-functioning industrial units in the state. Development is great but who are its malcontents? I assure you they are a huge population. NDA could not address it before and I am pretty sure Modi will not be able to do so either, in spite of his ego.
Your etc.,
Babet Sten,
Via email
Much ado about tattoos
Editor,
I was disturbed when I read that the Garo Students’ Union had recommended the banning of tattoos. The reasons given by the GSU are one sided and biased. While it is theoretically possible, so far no case of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis or tetanus has been reported from tattooing. The various health risks are negligible if precautions like using disposable needles and sterilizers are taken.
Those who want tattoos should be mature and old enough because after all tattoos are permanent. One should be mindful that many conservative people associate tattooed people with a loose lifestyle and cults. Tattoos should be artistic. Designs that may seem obscene and racist should be avoided. I have a tattoo because I am a fan of body art and I am a musician. I have a tattoo of a piano along with a composer’s name. It means a lot to me because the composer and my late grand dad share the same name. We live in a democracy and certainly cannot have a ban on everything.
Yours etc.,
Alexandria Syiem
Student,
Mount Carmel College Bangalore