Editor,
Recently while travelling by train overnight, I had an unpleasant experience. But it was not from the lack of civility of fellow travellers as it is assumed most of the times, but the disturbance was from the most unlikely source……Rats…!!!! I say unlikely since I was travelling in an AC tier coach which is expected to be comfortable and clean given the amount one has to shell out even for a short distance. But I was sadly mistaken as I was kept awake throughout the night by my extra co-passenger or passengers scurrying about. It’s not that I am afraid of the rodents but the thought of these creatures crawling all about the berths is enough to lose sleep over. If this is the case in the so-called AC and First class coaches, I shudder to think of what those travelling in the general compartments face and not to forget as to what gets cooked in the Pantry Car! With the Modi Govt. laying so much emphasis on “Swachhta and “Swatch Bharat”, I hope that the concerned authorities focus on keeping the Indian Railways clean and free of vermin, so that ordinary citizens like us who cannot afford frequent air travel, may be able to travel comfortably by train.
Yours etc.,
Angela Lyngdoh,
Shillong-14
Shamelessly delayed projects!
Editor,
The article, “Incomplete projects” by Jenniefer Dkhar is praiseworthy. The photograph of an incomplete construction of a Crowborough Hotel is like that of a half-naked and wretched beggar standing in the middle of a so-called beautiful city of Shillong. The structure has become an eyesore to the public. As regard the State’s Assembly Building, it is a non starter by the indecisive attitude of the Government and it will take another 20 years if not more to materialize. This is the state of affairs in our state. Nobody seems to care. What a shame!
Yours etc.,
R. Giri,
Shillong -14
Is UDP genuinely concerned?
Editor,
The letter written by the General Secretary UDP, Meghalaya( ST, Jan 13, 2015) stating that UDP has a list of never ending issues reveals that the party lacks a sense of priority and direction which is why it has lost the trust of the people of Meghalaya. UDP has been in power for a very long time but has done no good to the people of the state. This is because the party is dominated by self centred politicians who crave for leadership, who possess parochial attitudes and short sightedness, who try to mint money while the sun shines. UDP leaders think that the world ends only within the boundaries of Khasi and Jaintia Hills and they have failed miserably to solve the boundary issue of Meghalaya. They are against infiltration of foreigners into the state but oppose fencing of international borders. Another issue highlighted by the author is about the issue of Dorbar Shnong. Our country attained independence in 1947 and we have adopted the Constitution in 1950 where we have declared ourselves as Democratic Republic where Life, Liberty and Fraternity are the core tenets of governance in our country. So why should we now bind ourselves under the bondage of these outdated institutions? Does the UDP want us to go back to the jungle? Right thinking citizens will not be foolish to believe in the manifesto of a party that does not take the society forward.
Yours etc.,
Everest Nongrem
Shillong -2
On party-less Regional Council
Editor,
Apropos the letter of Dominic S Wankhar on the proposed regional councils, I would further add that in today’s world women are treated equal to men in all respects since they have the same capacity as men if not more. All civilized societies on earth give equal opportunities to women whereas in our tribal society in Meghalaya it is not so. The proposed empowerment of despots through party-less regional councils will further aggravate the situation and I am afraid it would further act as a tool for suppression of women’s rights. I would therefore urge the Meghalaya Women Commission, the Lympung ki Seng Kynthei and other women groups of the State to rise to the occasion to oppose the move of JFK, the leader of despots, otherwise our tribal society will go to the dogs.
Yours etc.,
Medaline Lyngdoh
Sohra.