Editor,
The KSU versus Police drama at the East Khasi Hills, Deputy Commissioner’s office is reminiscent of the match-fixing which has been going on between Police and NGOs/Pressure Groups in Meghalaya for decades. On one side you have the fire-breathing self-proclaimed protectors of the ‘jaidbynriew’, the NGOs, who have mastered the art of blackmailing governments and society and amassed great wealth and power. On the other side, you have the corrupt, ill-trained and demoralized guardians of the law, the Police, who unfailingly show the utmost courtesy, patience and reluctance while dealing with militant NGOs. The same courtesy and patience is notably absent when dealing with ordinary citizens. There is clearly a deep understanding (I prefer to call it match-fixing) which makes policemen behave like human rights activists when dealing with KSU and its clones. The Buddha-like tolerance and diplomacy which was shown by the DC and SP in dealing with the KSU on an unconstitutional demand heaps shame on their respective professions. Did they behave like Administrators and Policemen or like NGO lackeys? Such shameful behaviour by senior Govt servants is not seen in any other state except Meghalaya. It is the common man who gets the stick from both ends, NGOs and Policemen alike, in our state. Bandhs, check gate extortion, and murder of non-tribals in regular pogroms are issues on which Police and NGOs have a tacit understanding – never to convict. Such cases have never come to trial and never will, due to destruction of evidence or failure to arrest culprits. No wonder Meghalaya has the WORST RECORD for criminal prosecution among all states in India. Who trusts a Policeman who has to beg an NGO leader to be allowed to arrest him or his thugs? I charge the Meghalaya Police of being complicit in crimes of racism, petty extortion and criminal conspiracy with NGOs. Any person who has lived in Meghalaya for a reasonable amount of time will recognize this to be the absolute truth.
Yours etc.,
David Manners
Kalkaji Extn
New Delhi – 19
Have a heart for this School !
Editor,
Wisdom and knowledge are powerful tools of human civilisation and educational institutions enhance these tools. One such institution in Meghalaya which deserves a proper look is Cherra Presbyterian Secondary School. It was established way back in 1847, perhaps, with the purpose of bringing the light of civilisation to our state. It holds the record of being one of the oldest schools in Meghalaya and perhaps in the entire North Eastern region. Over the years, the school has imparted education to many boys and girls at a minimal cost but of late the condition of the school is pathetic. Walking past it, one can hardly believe that it is ‘inhabited’. The school is located at a beautiful spot where daily hundreds of tourists pass by. In contrast to the beauty of the small village of Nongsawlia, the school building is an eye-sore. Ever since it was started the building has remained the same. The roof is now rusted and the walls are so old that they pose a danger to the students and teachers. The purpose of an educational institution is to provide the best of facilities apart from what good teachers and books can offer. But if a school is not able to provide the basic necessities like a safe building for students, how will they be able to learn at all. We are living in the 21st century but school is a remnant of pre-independence India. As mentioned above, it is one of the oldest educational institutions in the State, hence, it deserves to be cared for in every aspect. It is also a heritage site which can be a source of pride for Meghalaya. The British in influence in the architecture of the school is commendable and should be conserved. But as of today the Cherra Presbyterian Secondary School is literally about to collapse. We have lost a number of such architectural works and important buildings in our State, be it through natural causes or through man-made disasters. I therefore, request the Government as well as the concerned authorities to immediately take stock of this institution and renovate it without destroying its original character.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request