Editor,
There are some who argue that calling a bandh is a democratic right to protest and the exercise of one’s freedom of expression. Hence they are convinced that they are being democratic. I beg to differ with such people. Bandhs in Meghalaya are an imposition and an absolute abuse of freedom of expression. Let us not forget the saying: “My freedom ends where the other man’s nose begins”. If bandhs means peaceful processions, shouting of slogans, putting up protest posters etc, then I would call them democratic. But a bandh in our State means shutting down of commercial activities, public transport, offices and educational institutions and bringing life to a standstill. Is it not true that those who call for bandhs are actually hampering the freedom of the public? No worker can get to his workplace; no trader can go to engage in his business, no student can attend classes etc. Not only is freedom of people curtailed but even their survival is threatened since a poor daily wager is prevented from earning his daily bread. A bandh in our State is synonymous with intimidation since it has created a fear psychosis in the minds of the people. All this means that calling a bandh is the most undemocratic act a citizen can engage himself/herself in. It is in fact a threat to democracy itself.
Yours etc.,
B. Mawrie,
Via email
Feast of bandhs
Editor,
Facebook rebels HNLC have issued a 3 day bandh ultimatum through the publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw. The bandh is ostensibly to protest against the NGT ban on coal mining. Ever since the ban, HNLC’s thriving extortion business has hit rock bottom since coal funds have dried up. Hence the urgent, indignant protest by the invisible Nongtraw to open the tap of coal funds! We have a unique situation here. The Congress Government, HNLC, NGOs and Coal traders have joined hands and are working in tandem against the NGT ban. At last, people can see the thieves and looters of the State sharing a common dais to fight for their “rights”, but in the name of the “starving millions”. We have seen the fat cats, our well-fed politicians led by D.D. Lapang (what a great front page picture), approach the President of India to strike a deal to lift the NGT ban. It shows that these people can go to any extent, high or low, to satisfy their greed for wealth and power. I’m sure this bandh too will be a grand “success” like others, thanks to Government support.
Yours etc.,
Gerald Sangma
Tura
Bandhs: where is our future?
Editor,
I am sad at the way things are unfolding in our State. Being a democratic country, one understands that anyone is free to air their views, but why not in a more sensible manner than by affecting the lives of the common people? Bandhs have become more frequent of late. It makes me and many young people wonder whether it is worth investing here for a career. If things are going the way they Meghalaya will become a dead State. Those staying behind will be only Government employees. But even they send their children outside for better education and a brighter future. And once youths are educated enough, they would never come back to a sleeping State. This means that we are investing our aspiring, bright and vibrant kids to become future changer-makers in some other state. As of today a growing number of our people are settled with families and jobs in different parts of the country.
Tourism industry is affected by bandhs and the fact that Meghalaya is sold as a tourist destination is a lost cause. Tourists will no longer throng this place; major investment projects which bring development and employment will shy away because of uncertainty arising out of frequent bandhs. A time may come when only small business establishments and elderly parents/grandparents, government employees and those with no option, will be residing in this place. There will be no scope for growth and improvement then.
Many factors put together have earned Meghalaya the tag of an educational hub of the Northeast. As a result, admissions in reputed colleges/schools/university becomes difficult. But if this negativity persists, the educational status which the State is proud of, may go down the drain. And the bandh news item being posted as bold headlines in the news dailies is having a negative impact on the public.
The Government it seems is too weak or does not have the will to contain this menace. It calls to the public to defy bandhs, but where is the assured security. The Government should show that it has the ability to deal with such conditions. It is natural that business establishments will be the first to close for fear of any untoward incident. However, the Government can make it mandatory for all shops/business establishments to open by taking necessary steps like seeking the help and involvement of the local headman/local durbar or by deploying police forces in main areas and making it mandatory for shops in these areas to open. Offices, educational institutions, transportation will be as normal once the Government takes the necessary steps to ensure their normal functioning. To be honest, bandhs succeed because there are too many Government employees. Once we have a corporate culture of hire and fire, perform or perish, those who work in such places will brave bandh calls. That will be the day when bandhs will fail.
Yours etc.,
Jerine Sohtun,
Shillong-8