Saturday, April 5, 2025

Unfair allegations

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Editor,
Apropos the news item “NPP youth wing rues absence of gazetted officers”
published in your esteemed daily dated July 10, 2014, the allegations by the NPP Youth Wing of South Garo Hills District Committee on the absence of gazetted officers in the district headquarters does not directly concern me  However, the allegation brought by Mr Satto R.  Marak, Ex-MLA of Baghmara Constituency that I refused to attest some documents, uttered rude  words and ordered him to get out of my office premises, is not true. On the day of the incident I politely asked him to get the documents attested by the other Excise Inspectors of the Department as I was pre-occupied with other official works, which needed my immediate attention. The Excise Inspectors under my jurisdiction were/are entrusted to dispose off such petty matters like attestation of documents, so that my important functions are not disturbed or hindered. As a responsible government officer my first and foremost duty is to discharge my obligations to the government. At the same time it is my duty to work for the welfare of the people. A person of Mr Marak’s stature should understand that in all echelons of government, officers face constant pressure and predicament while discharging their public duties. On certain occasions government officers have  to sacrifice their entire working day in attesting documents of the public. Even though it is a thankless job, officers are happy to render such services. On the day of the incident I was dealing with important and time-bound official matters and as such the said Ex-MLA was courteously told to get the documents attested by my juniors, i.e. Excise Inspectors. After sometime he left the office premises and I thought it was the end of the matter. Later, surprisingly, I learnt that he took up the matter with the superior district authorities and raked up this insignificant issue with his political affiliates.
Many witnesses will testify that I have not shouted or used offensive language on that particular day. It is also not true that he was asked to get out of the office premises. I strongly deny such irresponsible and baseless accusations. It is also unfortunate that he has made such allegations against my performance and conduct in the print media, which is derogatory in nature, uncalled for and unexpected from a person of his stature.
Yours etc.,
M Ch Momin,
Superintendent of Excise South Garo Hills,
Baghmara Camp : Williamnagar, East Garo Hills

Musical Wars

Editor,
Apropos Clarence David Lyngdoh’s letter, “Leave The Beatles Alone” (ST June 28, 2014), I am  surprised to see such a blatant display of ignorance from a senior. The amount of self-righteousness in that letter was somewhat amusing to read, and with all due respect, it is funny how a man of 72 is yet to understand the purpose of music. In my 81 years of existence, music has always been an escape, be it Etta James, Willie Dixon, The Beatles or Iron Maiden. We have no right to judge something we do not understand, solely on the fact that we simply do not like it personally. Also note that ‘Pleasures of Molestation’ was written as an effort to ridicule and condemn the epidemic of pedophilia in the Christian church (yes, my age does not prevent me from doing a bit of research). Furthermore, the actions of a few do not represent an entire community (hence your argument of ‘satanists scribbling on gravestones’ is invalid). You may be 72 Mr. Clarence, but you still have a lot to learn about reality. I suggest you start by looking in the mirror.

Yours etc.,
Andrei Vlasic
Maribor

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