Editor,
People from all sections are expressing their views regarding the order passed by the NGT. Some are opposed to the NGT tooth and nail while other welcome it. People opposing the NGT are of the view that the ban has affected huge numbers of people depending on the coal business while those supporting it are of the view that the NGT is protecting the interests of the Environment and also safeguarding ARTICLE 21 of the Indian Constitution. I don’t blame those who are against the NGT order as they earn their livelihood from coal, but I blame the Government as the only employment they provide to the people of the State is that of depleting the natural resources. Our politicians prior to the election day and during election campaigns promise to generate employment but when the NGT has now imposed its ban and when people need employment the most, the Government has no answer. It shows that the elected have no vision. But how can we blame them when their level of reasoning and pragmatic experiences are absent? Yet these same people promises growth in infrastructures, employment, improved GDP etc., yet they cannot address the current turmoil. It is a wake up call as well to the electorate especially the indigenous population that money during election and empty words as “Ri and Jaitbynriew” mean nothing. Leaders in the District council are supposed to be safeguarding the land and the natural resources, but merely being owners of swathes of land means nothing when we don’t know how to take good care of it like good stewards. So that future generations can enjoy their inheritance. But what’s sad is that leaders from the District Council claim that coal mining has no impact on the environment; especially areas under KHADC! I want to ask a simple question: “How did those fishes die in Ranikor river? Why is climate changing so fast as compared to before?” My appeal to all is to start searching for other alternatives instead of coal mining. Start tapping the tourism sector, start investing onto something fruitful that will benefit the whole society not just a “Few” members of the society. We have observed that in the coal belt areas the rich are getting richer and the poor, poorer. Let the Government make use of all the available schemes like the MGNREGA, IAY, MHIS,SSA, Mid-day meal etc. Let all the think tanks and intellectuals offer their suggestions to the Government so we can save our people from starvation and at the same time save the environment from extinction.
Yours etc.,
Rangdajied Marwein,
President, Meghalaya Eco-friendly Students’ Union,
NEHU, Law department
Will the Sangmas stop their cat fight?
Editor,
While Garo Hills sinks deeper into the quicksand of anarchy, the two Sangmas, Mukul and Purno, are still going hammer and tongs at each other without sparing a thought about the fate of the Garo people which is now hanging in the balance. To an onlooker, it appears they are so completely absorbed in their petty dynastic squabbles that they have become oblivious to the world around them. Neither one misses the chance to indulge in name-calling and mud-slinging at the slightest opportunity The scenario is reminiscent of hot-headed high school bullies tearing into each other for the sake of their egos, egged on by equally moronic supporters. Do these two ‘gentlemen’ really deserve to be called adults, let alone mature politicians? One an ex-Speaker and erstwhile aspirant for the post of President of India, the other a current Chief Minister of a State – both displaying equal lack of common sense, decency and morality. At times their petulant behaviour in public is so gross that it makes me ashamed to be a citizen of a State represented by such lunk-heads. Someone please tell these two to start acting like grown men or step out of politics and continue their fight in the boxing ring. Let them not shame us in this manner. That they have nothing left to offer in the political arena, save for building political dynasties, is a given anyway.
Yours etc.,
Romulus Marak
Shillong -3
NPP’s hypocrisy exposed
Editor,
NPP’s James Sangma’s opposition to declaring Garo Hills a disturbed area has exposed the hypocrisy of his party. The NPP has been screaming from the rooftops about protecting innocent civilians from militant violence. They have been castigating CM Mukul Sangma on a daily basis for his failure to secure the lives of ordinary people in Garo Hills. But when push comes to shove and there is a proposal to bring in the army, NPP immediately backs down. James Sangma uses his fear of army excesses as a weak excuse to back down. Is he saying that it is alright for Garo militants to murder Garo civilians, rather than having the army wipe out these militants? Does he expect the army to go in and hold the hands of psychopathic murderers instead of shooting them down like they deserve? Why is he so concerned about the well-being of militants over ordinary Garos that he wants to shield them from the army? This is yet another case of politician-militant nexus. The innocent Garos will continue to suffer when their own public representatives betray them in this bizarre manner. James Sangma and the NPP should remember that the militancy problem in Garo Hills is a direct result of political failure and apathy by all parties including the NPP and Government. So he should stop trying to fool the public with such statements and instead make a genuine attempt (for once) to wipe out militancy by bringing in the army.
Yours etc.,
Kenny Lyngdoh,
Shillong-6