Editor,
These days nobody takes the Meghalaya Govt seriously, especially when it comes to ultimatums on maintaining law and order. If that was not the case then why didn’t the Govt arrest the leader of MIPRL Erwin Sutnga at the very moment he issued a call for economic blockade? It is considered standard procedure to arrest the leaders of groups threatening large scale disruption to public order. Is it because he is the front-man for the powerful coal lobby and is given automatic protection by politicians with vested interests? Preventive detention is a rare occurrence in Meghalaya for some reason. Be it police laxity, bureaucratic muddles or the inevitable political meddling, the people who issue threats in the name of a group are allowed to get away with it. It is for similar reasons that cases have been dropped against NGO leaders from KSU, FKJGP and others. Damage recovery proceedings for the ILP mayhem have been stalled indefinitely. NGO members responsible for heinous crimes are walking around scot free while policemen pretend to look for them or bail them out quietly. No doubt Sutnga too will get away scot free after striking a deal with Mukul Sangma. The root cause is a weak administration dominated by criminals (politicians) who ensure that it remains weak for obvious reasons. I for one, have lost faith in both government and civil society. Both are two sides of the same coin, out to make a fast buck at the expense of ordinary citizens. The two people killed in police firing is a tragedy which could have been wholly avoided by timely police action against Sutnga. The blame for their untimely deaths should be laid squarely at Erwin Sutnga’s doorstep for inciting a mob to killing frenzy where even journalists have to flee for their lives.
Yours etc.,
James Dohling
Shillong -1
Applying the Rule of Law for everyone
Editor,
Ever since the day the MIPRL gave a call for an Economic Strike, as its expression of grievance against the NGT ban on unscientific rathole mining, there was never a iota doubt in anyone’s mind that the natural outcome of such a strike would be a breakdown of law and order. As expected this has happened in Jaintia Hills. Innocent lives have been lost and most probably the stage is now set for unethical political opportunism to fish in these troubled waters. Of interest is the MIPRL demand for a Judicial enquiry into the firing. Lets start a fire and then holler for the fire brigade. Fantastic!
As emotions run high, one must not lose sight of the fact that though the NGT is a quasi judicial body, its decisions can be challenged in the proper appellate courts. Calling for an economic strike, burning public property and creating general mayhem is definitely not the way to seek redressal against court decisions. Neither is it proper to attempt to browbeat a judicial tribunal by taking to the streets. Courts generally do not take kindly at attempts to threaten and intimidate. I believe it attracts a judicial process aptly called Contempt of Court.
Perhaps the MIPRL does have genuine grievances against the NGT ban. The ban might have really impinged upon the livelihood of those affected. But does this justify an economic strike; a blockade against the transport of food and essential commodities? Who gets hurt in such a process except the poor; the daily wage earners, the widows, the marginalised and those not fortunate enough to own a coal mine. Why should these innocents, for no fault of their own, suffer? Can an AIDS patient just because he has been diagnosed as HIV positive, demand that everyone else be infected with the disease? Does this makes sense? Does it have logic? Is it justified?
We are citizens of a democratic country and as such have been bestowed with the right to protest. No one disputes this right. But when so protesting the rights of others is threatened; the security of the state and the safety of public and private property is put at risk, then this right no longer remains a right. It becomes a crime! It has happened before and adequate administrative responses to such threats have been swift. Whenever an agitation turns violent the police become active in hunting down the organisers of such agitations. Leaders of NGO movements have been arrested before. It’s done in public interest. The courtesy of the Rule of Law must be strictly applied whenever society at large is placed in danger. No discrimination please!
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Students suffering silently!
Editor,
I read the letter to the editor under the heading, “Insensitive school administration?” with a lot of pain. I understand the feeling of helplessness and anger as a mother. It is hard to believe how the young child could cope up with such a nightmare. I hope the school administration would do well to see that no other child has to go through such an experience in future.
I would like to bring another fact in public domain and I know all parents will agree with me. Look at the young school students closely. We will find that all of them are carrying school bags heavier than their body weight. Text books and exercise copies for 8 periods (total 16 nos!) besides the lunch box, umbrella, water bottle – all in a single bag. Let us think especially for those students who are not so fortunate and have to travel on foot to reach their schools. Imagine the effect on their tender shoulders.
I pray and sincerely hope that the School Managements and the Education Department will do something about this issue and if already initiated, see that the suffering of the young and voiceless kids are addressed expeditiously.
Yours etc.
F. Pyngrope,
Via email