Editor,
After the unfortunate killings and the kidnappings by some self-centered cowards the inefficiency of the government has now come to light. Companies of paramilitary forces were deployed by the Centre but none of them were seen in Tura before the cold-blooded murder of an innocent migrant worker. Why did the government refrain from using them when clearly the situation was going from bad to worse? Where is the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the Chief Secretary and the DGP? Shouldn’t they be in Garo Hills taking stock of the deteriorating law and order situation? Is there a reason for this neglect? Is the CM punishing the people of Garo hills because they chose not to vote for ‘his’ candidate? Also the current MP seems to be obsessed with bringing down Dr Mukul Sangma rather than working for a realistic solution. When clearly the state police has absolutely failed in guaranteeing safety to the citizens, P A Sangma has openly objected to bringing in the army and the AFSPA. But the reality is that the army is the only option left which can effectively tackle militancy in Garo Hills. Yes we will suffer and part away with few of our rights but aren’t we already suffering and haven’t our rights already been taken away? If the Government is spineless to take-up bold steps then we are definitely heading for Manipur version 2.0
Yours etc.,
Amos Momin,
Via email
Meghalaya’s odoriferous Opposition
Editor,
There is a distinctively bad smell emanating from Opposition parties of late. They appear much too eager to use the Garo Hills situation to pummel the Govt. But every one of them has been dishonest if one bothers to read the fine print. The BJP, NPP and UDP are all asking for Mukul Sangma’s head. They all want “central intervention” in Garo Hills but balk openly at using the army to flush out terrorists knowing quite well there is no other way. They want to continue with “parleys” to resolve the crisis. This is as good as saying they want the status quo to continue. One is shocked that all parties, including the ruling Congress, are gung-ho about talks with militants as a remedial solution. If we decipher their doublespeak, we can see that what they really want is for murderers, extortionists and rapists to be excused and reinstated in society, preferably with monetary rewards and lucrative contracts. They will then be free to unleash their reign of terror with Govt blessing. They will be feared as “surrendered militants” and their rise to the top strata of society will be unhindered. This is what Opposition parties are really saying. Reward the criminals, and encourage more criminals to kill, extort and rape for easy money. It is disgusting how politicians have subverted our thinking to such an extent that society is forced to accept unrelenting murderers in our midst in the name of peace. Shame on the stinking Congress, NPP, BJP and UDP who have unleashed these criminals into society!
Yours etc.,
Bill Lyngdoh
Shillong-3
Garo Hills in distress!
Editor,
As a student staying away from home, I not only feel disconcerted but extremely infuriated at the current state of affairs in my hometown of Tura, Garo Hills which, at one time was undeniably tranquil and peaceful. The killings and abductions that are battering the Garo people these days is reprehensible! The malefactors should be dealt with severely. While understanding the implications of bringing in the ARMY and people’s apprehensions regarding the same, I feel it’s the only way out. It is imperative for the Army to be brought in. And when such turbulent times have overtaken the place, what are the state’s leaders doing? Are they nonchalant about it because their glitzy lives in the cities is intact? Is the lawlessness and reign of terror besieging the place not more important than toilet scams? And the Meghalaya CM? His very inane reaction to the situation is repulsive. It’s my earnest hope that their blindness to the situation and obduracy to mark it ‘a disturbed area’ which it is now undoubtedly, will not portend an impending doom to my homeland. I also appeal to all the A’chiks who have the foresight and the heart for their homeland to not just sit back and talk behind closed doors but to get up and do something. Lastly, I pray for peace in Garo Hills.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request