Editor,
The recent happenings in the KHADC have really served to revive my faith in democracy. I refer to the demands of the UDP for change in the leadership and the subsequent upheaval of the Iewduh public voicing their disgust by coming out in numbers and demanding status quo to allow the current CEM to continue the good work he has initiated. I say that my faith in democracy in Meghalaya has been rejuvenated because this is the first time that we see people coming out and voicing their disgust at the demand for leadership change. True, what the UDP has done can also be construed as democracy, as they see it, but did they stop to think, let alone ask the people they represent, whether the functioning of Ardent Basaiawmoit was satisfactory? How long has he had to function? In a short span of time he has taken bold strides and shown true grit and passion for the welfare of the people. He has voiced and acted on what all of us have all along been complaining snugly and eloquently in the comfort of our homes- the plight of Iewduh and a lot of other issues too. We are truly a ‘ksan rympei’ people, so let the man be a ‘jop dorbar’ (if I may say so) and allow him to work, give him time. Kudos to the people of Iewduh who have asserted their rights and continue to do so!
In an article in this paper, patricia Mukhim had raised the issue of leadership change in the Government and whether there is a better alternative (ST Aug 29, 2014) We have seen these so called elders also in the chair in the past (in both houses) and they have shown themselves to be misfits to rule, let alone lead. What we see in the KHADC,and even in the assembly, is not democracy but ‘demoncracy’ or even worse – ‘demons gone crazy’. It’s high time that we take a cue from the people of Iewduh and come out in numbers to voice our opinions even to the ‘honourable’ members of the legislative assembly. The elected representatives (MLAs and MDCs) would do well to meet us in their respective constituencies, listen to us, and represent our views/concerns before the people at large take to the streets and shame them. After all, isn’t that what they are supposed to do? Represent us and give voice to our concerns?
My enthusiasm was further fired by Mr HH Mohrmen’s “Open letter to the Chief Minister” (ST.1st Sept.2014). He had said a lot of sensible and meaningful things but what I would like to underscore here is his appeal to all of us to write letters to the Chief Minister. He said this would be a new form of protest which would be peaceful and democratic. I, for one, shot off a letter (on the NGT issue) to the CM the very next day of his column and have encouraged my family to also do so. Let us flood the CM’s and the CEM’s offices with our letters, on any issue of concern. For whatever it is worth, we would have contributed our one drop to the making of the ocean. I would only hope that some form of record is there in their respective secretariats so that we know how many letters were received and what action is being taken so that our letters are not simply put in the waste paper basket. If the respected CM and CEM are reading this letter I would request them to please set up a mechanism for receipt and record of this silent voice of the people.
I would especially appeal to all who read this letter to please write even a postcard, an email or simply a letter handed over to, perhaps, the respective DCs or the BDOs requesting them to reach it to the CM/CEM, which I am sure they would be happy to oblige. Let us remind ourselves that we spent hundreds, maybe thousands of rupees, to vote for the Amit Pauls etc to compete for the Indian Idol, can’t we spare a rupee ( and a thought) for our gasping state whom we profess to love? Let us show the rest of the country that we are a civilized, vibrant society concerned and participating for the welfare of our state and our future. Thank you Mr Mohrmen for this novel idea!
LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY! (in its true form and spirit)
Yours etc.,
Clive Nongkynrih,
Via email
