Editor
The law abiding citizens of Byrnihat were shocked by the news of the imminent transfer of the Officer-in-Charge of Byrnihat Police Outpost. What baffles many here is the reason and motive behind all the false allegations and propaganda used to pack off this devoted officer. Is it because he does not serve the people of Byrnihat well or is it because he does not fit into someone’s scheme of things that this transfer is initiated, because till date the officer in question was never found wanting in his call of duty and has served all sections of the society with impartiality and without fear or favour. It is because of the efforts of this officer that the streets of Byrnihat are now free of drug peddlers, drunkards, juveniles and anti-social elements who disturb the peace and tranquility of this industrial town from time to time. It was the timely intervention of this officer that put a stop to antisocial elements who had tried to run an extortion spree all over Byrnihat. Besides these, the officer is easily approachable and always ready to cooperate with the locals here. Therefore, it is quite baffling that despite performing his duty with utmost dedication and sincerity somebody wanted to see him out. However, should an officer be transferred just because he does not toe the line of some power brokers? Should he be transferred just because a minority with self interest want him out? Should he not be patted and allowed to carry on with his good work? This question can be better answered by our Hon’ble Home Minister with whom the power rests. As far the people of Byrnihat are concerned, we are strongly against this illogical and imminent transfer of this no-nonsense and sincere officer.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Institute judicial enquiry on JH incident
Editor,
The incident at Khliehriat & Wapung on 23th -24th September, 2014 is truly shocking and must be widely condemned. The episode started with the announcement of economic blockade to protest against NGT ban on rat hole coal mining, championed by a group of rejected politicians financed by the coal mafia, inspired and supported by the HNLC. All these elements ganged up together to revive the rat-hole mining which is unscientific, hazardous, fatal and inhuman. The poor villagers who are ignorant of the consequences blindly followed the instructions of the leaders and blocked the National Highway without being aware that flow of traffic on National Highways cannot be obstructed at any cost. There is a standing Order of the Hon’ble High Court which directs the State Government to make sure that National Highways are not obstructed by hartals/ bandhs, etc.
I would suggest that judicial enquiry be instituted at the earliest to go deep into the sequences of events, the various aspects of the incidents and their genesis. Also to ascertain the fact as to who are the people responsible for the violence and for attacking the law enforcing authorities and whether there were any lapses on the part of the District Administration, etc.
Yours etc.,
R M Thangkhiew
Shillong -14
Who will save our trees?
Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the condition of the trees in and around the city. Ours is a state blessed by nature, but unfortunately inhabited by some who are determined to reject this blessing and to curse nature for her gifts by committing atrocities on her. I need not elaborate on the various aspects of nature like the diminishing forests, hills and rivers etc. for these have been repeatedly pointed out by many other prominent writers of your daily, and rightly so. What I want to point out is the horrible practice of destroying trees without cutting them. Since the last two years, I have noticed a destructive trend of burning up tree trunks and hollowing out trees leaving them standing precariously. This act is committed by those who are cold and want to warm themselves. But is this the way?
There is an old tree standing in Barik, on the footpath, on the way to the Civil Hospital, which is a victim of such vandalism and is waiting to fall someday soon. If that happens there will be damage to vehicles and pedestrians alike. Also anyone driving past the 101 area towards 3rd mile and beyond only has to turn right and left to see the persecution meted out to trees using the same method. Ironically, on the turning towards 3rd Mile, a signboard on the left hand side of the road reads, “Forest and Environment Department. Protected Area.”What are they protecting when a large number of trees are badly charred and their trunks are half burnt?
Our state is famed for its pristine beauty and the pine trees are our identity. lt is said that if we do not appreciate what is given to us, God takes it away. God forbid if nature vents her wrath on us. We are the enemies of our own identity because we don’t value this divine gift called Shillong and are hell bent on destroying her either by using machines that claw and tear her out, bleeding her dry and dulling our senses in the name of development.
Let us protect our environment and save this beautiful place from disaster. The cold season is approaching and those miscreants must be looking forward to warm themselves in this way again. I therefore appeal to all our citizens to be alert so that no more trees are desecrated in the future. I appeal especially to the Environment & Forest Department under whose nose things happen but who seem to be blissfully unaware of them.
Yours etc.
Chandana Yumnam Kharrinam
Barik Point, PWD Quarter
Shillong-1