Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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A Somalia in the making

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Editor
Anandi Gabil Momin’s letter “Militancy an attractive option” raises serious doubts about the future of law-abiding citizens at the hands of this uncaring government. It is clear that the Government  respects the power of the gun above all else. It is more concerned about buying a temporary truce with killer gangs than making them pay for their crimes. Not only the Government , but every political party is eager to pardon the murderers as a “solution” to militancy. Are they really that stupid as to think that they can buy peace with cold-blooded killers and expect them to turn over a new leaf? How many more Julius Dorphangs are waiting in the wings to make their grab for power and wealth? More importantly, does this Government want to convert the majority of its citizens into armed militants by doling out cash prizes like they have been doing? This Government has no moral right to continue in power. I foresee a bleak future at the hands of present leaders and NGOs. If we go by their vision, Meghalaya will become the Somalia of the Sub-continent in a short time. Garo Hills has already reached that anarchic stage where brutal gangs rule while policemen cower in fright. It is only a matter of time before the rest of the State follows suit.
Yours etc.,
 D.H. Marbaniang,
Shillong -1 

Uranium mining proposal

Editor,
My attention is drawn to the new item “Canada-based firm assures safe mining of uranium” (ST June  26, 2014) which raises some interesting questions . For starters, Shillong Times has not provided any details about the Canadian firm (not even its name) which seeks to exploit uranium reserves of the state in a safe manner. The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) is only a trade development body to promote the province’s export industry and businesses. It is a consulting and marketing agency set up by the Canadian province to find outlets for its products and services worldwide. It should in no way be confused with a uranium mining company. So what is the name of this mystery firm, does anyone know? How are we supposed to believe tall claims from nameless foreigners who seek to play a role in shaping our destiny? Are people expected to take such statements at face value without knowing the identity of the firm, its reputation, safety record and global standing in the use of environment-friendly technologies? What is this ‘safe mining’ they are referring to, and how will it mitigate impact on local ecosystems, wildlife and health of people living in the vicinity? There are many more questions that come to mind which I will reserve for another time. However, I think people should do a better job of issuing press releases on the one hand, and asking follow up questions coupled with research on the other hand, to give us wholesome facts instead of gossip. Uranium mining is a controversial issue and cannot be taken lightly. Please treat my comments as healthy criticism from a discerning reader to be used for uplifting reporting standards rather than a personal attack on the paper. A detailed follow-up on this news article would be appreciated.
Yours etc.,
Jeremy Lyngdoh
Munirka
New Delhi

Time to abolish archaic laws

Editor,
I write this to express my appreciation to Fabian Lyngdoh for his article on ‘The taboo of incest in Khasi society”(ST Aug 5, 2014). For the first time it makes me realize that if the Khasi Kur(clan) is a religious cult then it has no hold on Khasis who became Christians or Muslims. Inter alia this means a secular body like the District Council has no authority to define who is a Khasi based on Kur (clan), which essentially is a religious affair. Time to abolish such laws!
Yours etc.,
Rasputin Bismarck Manners
Kolkatta

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