Editor,
The border areas of East Jaintia Hills namely Huroi, Hingaria, Lahalein, Baskuna and Lejri have been neglected by the Govt for years. These are villages that exist in the corner most border of India alongside Bangladesh. Many people don’t even know of their existence. These villages are only 2-8 kilometers away from Bangladesh and 50-60 kilometers away from the NH-44 of India. These villages are suffering from various developmental deficiencies. They have no road connectivity from the highway to their villages. They don’t have telephone or mobile services, water supply and even electricity. In the absence of these basic needs the people live very desperate lives apart from being disconnected from the rest of India. The people of these villages are basically farmers who earn their livelihoods from farming, but in the absence of proper road connectivity, they cannot even sell their products at a reasonable price.
The absence of telephone or mobile phone service of India in the said area has compelled the people of the locality to use Bangladesh mobile network service which is easily accessible to connect with their friends in and around the area. This is because the Govt. of India and Meghalaya have neglected to provide the necessary service to the people. These villages are very far from other villages located along the NH-44. As a result they find it easier to go to Bangladesh than to India for their needs. That is not all. People in these far flung and neglected villages use Bangladeshi currency notes for their daily transactions.
It is noteworthy that these villages do not have basic needs but they have the right to vote. The MLAs, MDCs, and the MPs representing these villages have failed to provide any assistance. The only time these villages are remembered by their representatives is once in five years. Although these villages have received some help from the Govt. through various schemes, however, they are not of much help. Knowing fully well that in this modern world, electricity, mobile phone service, water supply, health care, road connectivity etc., are primary and basic needs of the people for them to develop and prosper, no Govt so far has bothered to address these needs. The Govt and the local MLA, MP, and MDC should render immediate help to these villages by providing the necessary infrastructure. It is in the best interests of all that the State Govt.of Meghalaya should start thinking about these important issues.
Yours etc.,
Kynjaimon Amse
Umkiang, East Jaintia Hills
Great initiative!
Editor,
Recently a local vernacular channel had showed the making of the animation series, ‘U Syiem’, based on the life history of U Tirot Sing Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, the great Khasi freedom fighter who fought valiantly against the British Empire till his last breath. This animation film has inspired many young minds of today in the Khasi society about Tirot Singh’s valour, humility, sacrifice and justice. It is commendable that a group of young people have ignited this sense of patriotism amongst the young and old through the making of the animation film. Moreover, it would be a welcome step that animation series of international quality based on the life of U Kiang Nangbah, Wickliff Syiem, U Kiang Nangbah etc., are equally highlighted. This will enable people from outside our state, region and country to know about our culture, our history, our race but in particular the contribution of our patriots towards achieving India’s Independence from British rule.
Yours etc…
Dominic S.Wankhar
Shillong-3