Editor,
At the outset I pray for the soul of Josbina M Sangma. Also, inspired by the letter to the editor by Darilyn Syiem, “Horrific Act!” (ST, June 7, 2014) what the citizens of Meghalaya should be aware of and seriously consider is the phrase used by Darilyn – “No woman has ever been completely safe, physically or psychologically, whether in the personal or public space. She is either afraid to move, express herself verbally or in any other way lest it bounces back on her and her loved ones in frightening ways”. This phrase carries a lot of meaning and strength for one to understand. With the ongoing crime against women be it sexual harassment/molestation/rape and even attempts to commit such acts be it in the workplace or even at home we should always raise our voices and report the matter so that the cowards who attempt such acts will not have a chance to do so.
Every person has the right to protest and against sexual harassment .A recent survey conducted by an upcoming NGO from the North East which strives to fight for women’s right has reportedly shown that domestic help have been sexually abused/physically/mentally by their employers but they fear to report the matter because they come from villages and have to provide for their poor families back home so they remain silent. Interestingly this survey also shows that the victims fall prey to the employer’s alcoholic husband too. But what’s hard to believe is that these men are protected by their wives, even though the wife is herself a woman.
There is a saying in Khasi – “Pyntap Eit Miaw” or (Covering the wrong doings like a cat buries her droppings in the soil). This concept has to be removed from our culture and only then can we expect a safe haven for women in our state.
Yours etc,
Iaidskhem Lamare,
Shillong -01
Govt must be firm on tackling GNLA
Editor,
Josbina’s murder left the State and the nation in a state of disgust and shock. This horrendous and inhuman act committed by the Garo National Liberation Army which claims to fight for the cause of the Garos just shows that their barbaric crimes are not in line with their objectives. So far they’ve only instilled fear and insecurity in the minds of people and in my view they are a menace to the public. They chose the vulnerable sections of the society – women, the poor and the innocent to get at the Government and to satisfy their selfish motives. What a cowardly act of violence! I can’t imagine the trauma Josbina’s young ones and her husband have to go through for the rest of their lives. I hope they are provided with all the support they need from the authorities. Justice must be given to this mother as well as all those who’ve lost their lives at the hands of such barbarians. It’s high time the government work collectively to trace these perpetrators of such heinous crimes. Enough of meaningless peace talks. Their intolerable deeds must be put to an end.
Yours etc.,
Ibanylla lyngdoh
Sutnga village
East jaintia hills
Paying lip service to environment !
Editor,
That politicians merely pay lip service in the matter of protecting the environment is apparent. In the news item “Practice means to save environment ” (Shillong Times 6th Ju ne, 2014) it was reported that during the celebration of World Environment Day at Jowai, Dr R.C Laloo , the local MLA and the Deputy Chief Minister exhorted the people to protect the environment with appropriate practices. Tall talks as usual but thus far and no further. Beyond the scope of such functions I wonder as to whether Dr Laloo ever takes time to seriously inculcate the value of environmental education and practices in the people and particularly the youth of Jowai through periodic discussions and interactions with them. Does he ever take the initiative to encourage groups or organizations who are willing to take the mantle of environmental protection forward ? Does he ever encourage discussion on the topic during social gatherings, that is if he ever attends one ? Does he really have the courage to take strong policy decision in order to rid the recurring filth of Iawmusiang and some other parts of Jowai which are eyesores to the local people as well as to visitors? Has he taken positive steps to protect the Myntdu river which is fast deteriorating and very soon may go the Wah Umkhrah way . By taking steps I do not mean simply constructing cement concrete dams across the river which in the long run may prove abysmal instead when the dams are inevitably silted since the areas upstream which are seriously threatened by human interference are not protected till date . In fact , the protection and the conservation of the river Myntdu is the biggest challenge for Dr RC Laloo because of its value to the people of Jowai . Failure on this front will project the serious lack of human concern for nature conservation which can have serious implications for the generations to come . These are the few indicators that people of Jowai in particular can gauge as to how serious their leaders are about environment protection . I am raising these points because Dr RC Laloo is a five-time MLA of Jowai Constituency and one who possesses a high educational qualification. He has not done much in as far as the environmental protection is concerned . So let him now start to lead consistently in the process if he really want us to practice what he preached.
Yours etc.,
C.Lamare,
Via email
Time to act tough Mr CM
Editor,
At a time when the entire state is in shock, pain and fear, Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma comes up with a very distressing statement that the State Police cannot match the fire power of the GNLA and other militant groups as “the militant groups have sophisticated weapons compared to the State Police.” One wonders what the Chief Minister could possibly mean by this. Isn’t it his task as the head of the state to ensure the safety and security of every single soul in Meghalaya? Should he not stand tall and brave all hardships to ensure that a climate of peace and security prevails? Instead of words of courage and determination our Chief Minister appears to be echoing words of defeat and fear. Recounting the number of militant groups operating in our state with precision is not the call of the day. What is really required is for our State to be a place of safety where no outlaw should take control of the lives of the people. What is required is for the Government to take stock of the intensity of the threat from militant groups in the state and take tough and stringent actions to curb and eradicate such menace from the society. No more innocent lives should be compromised at the altar of these militant groups. They should be dealt with strongly and resolutely and stopped from terrorizing people. Mr. Chief Minister, you owe it to the people who have brought you to the helm of affairs to tackle with a firm hand the present crisis.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email