Editor,
In his article ”Understanding the Garo Hills situation “ (ST 16th July 2014) RG Lyngdoh vividly explains the situation that leads to militancy. There with suggestions on how to stem the situation. I do agree with him on most of the suggestions . However on the suggestion that cutting the umbilical cord that links the militants to the community would force the militants there to surrender, I would say that this was perhaps successful in Khasi Hills because the umbilical cord connected militants to a section of society where most had no alternatives but to submit to the determination of the then government to end militancy . The situation in Garo Hills is however different particularly as the author himself stated that unscrupulous politicians have close proximity with militants to ensure victory during elections . It’s quite natural therefore that this link will continue if such politicians continue to face the election process and are desperate to come to power. In fact , it may lead others as well to strive to have such a link if this is considered to be the only way to attain power. The alleged politician- militant nexus in Garo Hills is often reported in the newspapers and even the Chief Minister has been dragged into this as well. If we are to believe in the adage that there is no smoke without fire then it will surely lead us to question as to who will decide that the umbilical cord has to be cut so long as it is a vital link for survival on both ends. .
The author also suggested that the Government should ensure that its benign presence is felt in the rural areas through its various networks for services and development . In the present scenario, I do not know how far the service delivery can be effective or development can move forward when government officials live in constant fear and with the belief that there is almost no protection.. Couple this with the lack of serious monitoring processes. It should particularly be considered if it is worth pumping in more development money in the rural areas of Garo Hills presently when we are not sure if the development money is rightly spent . The author stated that besides businessmen , government officials are also sources of finances for the militants. This would give us much grounds to fear that the development money might not reach its primary objectives. On the other hand , coal mining and its ancillary activities could be a major source of finance for the militants and stopping coal mining for some time may help to curb the problem . But this will be an unattainable proposition since, as reported, some of the leading politicians in Garo Hills are coal mine owners themselves. Moreover it will bring up the issue that this would adversely effect employment opportunity to the citizens to earn livelihoods for which the coal mine owners will capitalize on this as in the case in Jaintia Hills.
The author concluded that the Government should entice individual militants to surrender en masse by making them an offer they would find difficult to refuse. I doubt if this will be the end particularly as he himself stated that the” Robin Hood” status and the militants’ quasi official status as “surrenderees” fascinates the youth This may instead further lure more youth towards militancy because of the prospect of an attractive offer and the status they expect to get in society after surrendering particularly when presently other open opportunities are negligible in Garo Hills. I also doubt if many would subscribe to his idea that the “surrenderees” are to be given a hero’s welcome after their undesirable escapades were heard or seen by many . Surely they would deserve such a respect if it is confirmed that their move towards militancy is for an ideology for the people’s interest and not for quick self gain which would warrant punishment instead. .
To my mind, the collective responsibility of the political leaders in Garo Hills to tackle militancy there would have the most effective and favourable impact . For some perhaps , ,it should start with the right path they choose in order to get themselves elected. After that it is their responsibility, wisdom and sound commitment to ensure that Garo Hills and its people move forward. Lastly, like RG Lyngdoh , I too had pleasant experiences with Garo Hills and its good natured people during my frequent tours there particularly to the interior areas before this turmoil began. It’s a pity that such people have to bear with a dispiriting and seemingly hopeless situation now . When it will end, however, will depend on them too.
Yours etc.,
K.L.Tariang,
Via email
Frequent road accidents
Editor,
I wish to draw the attention on the concerned authority and general public towards increasing incidents of road accidents in Shillong. In rural areas road accidents may have different causes like poor road condition, but in the cities the main reason is speed and reckless driving. News of road accidents feature very frequently in newspapers. The person sitting behind the steering does not seem have control over it. Many drivers don’t have any regard for traffic rules; they drive at full speed and overtake even when traffic is choc-a-bloc. But in most of the cases the culprits of hit and run cases escape because of their social status. Should the law not be equal for all.
Yours etc.,
Ritu Pun,
Sikkim Manipal University