Editor,
On Saturday evening June 7, 2014, as I happened to pass via Polo, many metal music fans swarmed in from all nooks and corners of the North East to rock to the music of a death metal band “Dying Fetus”. The stadium was jam packed with young people who were cathartically enthralled by what sounds more like a demonic voice. To me that was no music but animalistic screeching and howling noise coming out of the venue. To contemplate a little, the name of the band itself has an eeriness built around it. It is dismal and to be precise projects hopelessness and finally death. Call me orthodox, unaesthetic, uncouth but that’s what it means to me.
Death metal as a music genre originated in the United States in the 1980s and its prime motive is to shun all Christian beliefs and doctrines. It promotes all kinds of perversion – sex, drugs, murder, rebellion, anger, and to cut to the chase – “Do what thou wilt”. There have been many music celebrities today who are banned from entering countries to perform because their eccentric lifestyle is considered to be a bad influence on the youth and society as a whole.
In the current context of Shillong and Tura where it was reported that many young people were swayed by what is called a satanic cult that promises the fastest way out to fame and success, parents need to be extra vigilant that such music only complements godlessness and rebellion? I urge on all concerned parents to watch out for anything strange in their children and act out by giving them the best counseling so that they may come out of it unharmed. Music is supposed to be a medicine that heals a broken heart rather than searing it with revenge and abominable blasphemies.
Yours etc.,
Eva Giri
Shillong -8
The NGT battle
Editor,
The day (June 9) saw the NGT members and our people come face to face to protest the former’s ban on coal mining in the state. Hundreds of those involved in the coal business directly or indirectly travelled to Shillong to get a glimpse of their opponent and to witness the battle. Some were fortunate to be spectators while others had to patiently wait outside eager to know the outcome. Those back home were equally anxious and restless. It turned out the opponent was neither sympathetic nor an easy one to beat.
Let us not forget that this sudden ban has affected the thousands of small mine owners who make a living just enough to feed and provide for their families, for better education, better medical facilities and a better life . Those who have already amassed wealth are least affected. Also severely affected are the casual labourers, small vendors, the slate pickers who bear the scorching heat and dust to feed their children. In the course of this legal battle I am afraid there will be starvation, high rate of school dropouts and deprivation of basic necessities of life. People will be compelled to resort to unlawful activities or some may even join militant groups. Sooner the government will have to deal with the law and order conundrum like in parts of Garo Hills.
We have to understand that these mine owners do not specialise in mining but have followed the traditional methods of mining coal and therefore it is the responsibility of the Mining department to assist and educate them of the benefits of scientific mining. Why was there no inspection, workshops and awareness programs conducted by the Mining department, Forest department and the Pollution control board? Had there been one this wouldn’t have happened. As a result of this lackadaisical attitude thousands of lives are now at stake.
Yours etc.,
Ibanylla lyngdoh
Sutnga
Garo Hills another Afghanistan?
Editor,
Garo Hills is witnessing the worst days. It was known for its serenity once upon a time but today it is no less than Afghanistan. The brutal killing of Josbina Sangma has shaken not only Meghalaya or India, but the world as well. Looks like the word humanity has completely lost its meaning. I wonder if such vicious crimes are ever going to end. The GNLA claims to be the liberation army but do they really know the meaning of the word ‘liberation’. Liberation means to set someone free from slavery or oppression but they are doing just the opposite. After so much of killing, kidnapping and terrorizing do they still dare to call themselves ‘The Liberation Army?’ How can they be even considered human with such a lack of feeling? Their killing spree has to be stopped. Enough is enough! But again, what more do we expect from a state whose politicians are busy in their blame game even in this difficult hour. Shouldn’t they be working together to bring about unanimous decision to curb terrorism in Garo Hills? Comfortable in their well guarded and protected houses all they do is promote themselves and bark at each other. They ought to put themselves in the shoes of these unarmed villagers then only they’ll know what the villager’s plight is.
Mr. CM and Mr. MP, instead of working in silos, please be of one accord and do something. One is enough, we don’t need another Afghanistan!!!
Yours etc.,
TA Sangma,
Via email