Editor,
After visiting Wards Lake in Shillong recently Keith Nongsteng, wrote a letter to the editor, “Indecent behaviour in public spaces” (ST March 13, 2015) which describing shameful sights that took place in the popular lake. On the same day, I visited Chibragre tourist spot, near Tura with two guests from Mumbai and some kids and witnessed a different kind of indecency there. The naturally beautiful place was full of people drinking. The guests from Mumbai were shocked to see this. For me as a host it turned out to be a huge embarrassment. We had hoped to spend some time there relaxing and took our packed lunch there. But we just couldn’t find a place to sit down as the riverside was packed with the old and young, males and females drinking. Embarrassed, I had to escort them out of the place after hardly 10 minutes inside.
The Mumbaikars appreciated the rare, beautiful, natural setting but they said nowhere in India have they seen people drinking in public places. Not only did they admire the picnic spot but were spell-bound by the scenic beauty all the way to Tura. They also noticed people drinking along the National Highway. Their visit to Garo Hills has left a bad taste in their mouths? Now, is Chibragre a tourist spot or a drinking spot? There is a rule all over India that drinking is not permitted in public places. Why is it that it is permitted in the said spot? Can the authorities do something about it? Perhaps no, because among those who were drinking were policemen in uniform and in civil dress! As of now it is unwise to take tourists and children to the place in question. On our way back my guests and the kids kept on commenting/reminding of the natural beauty of Chibragre tourist spot but were sad they could not spend enough time there.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal, North Garo Hills
Women vis-à-vis cows in India
Editor,
Apropos the article by Barnes Mawrie, with the above caption (ST March 14, 2015) the author expressed his apathy towards an animal which can only be protected by human beings. Some of state governments in India have banned cow slaughter. Banning of beef, in its broader sense also means banning the slaughter of other animals like oxen, bulls, buffaloes etc. The author mainly emphasised on the issue of women and sought their protection in the society. It cannot be denied that women’s issues are a huge concern not only for society but also for the Government. As per rituals women have been given due respect but perverse elements do not respect these rituals. Hence stringent rules were formulated by Government to safeguard the weaker sex; but who cares? Society is responsible for the pejorative treatment of women. The author’s comparison between a cow and a woman is unscrupulous because for certain sections of people in India the cow is sacred. So far, I know the staple food of indigenous people of the state is not beef but an extra recipe used to make the staple food tastier for eating.
Cows are considered as a “Mother” by all Hindu religious persons. God created this innocent animal to benefit mankind and it does not come under the food chain. It not only saves lives of many orphaned kids who wholly depend on milk but also saves many who suffer from lack of vitamins which are abundantly available in milk. Moreover, from ancient times cow dung is considered to be the best manure available on earth. Cow dung is a disinfectant used by many households in the villages. Every products got from the cow is usable in our daily lives. And for all these reasons Hindus all over the world consider the cow as a holy animal. Cows are worshiped by all Hindu communities on different occasions as per their own tradition. Hence it is my feeling that those state governments which have not banned cow slaughter should do so now.
Mawrie also pointed out that he is fortunate to have a society where women are given priority. I do agree and respect the traditional system of our indigenous brethren which gives due respect to women. But then how is it that nearly every day some news about rape/harassment appears in all local newspapers? Why don’t people of the state who are traditionally bound by matriliny prevent such reoccurrence of ugly incidents in the society? Can the author deny this fact? Therefore I feel, we should jointly start educating the innocent people to pay due respect to all women who not only bear the burden to show us the light of the day but also gives birth to another human.
Yours etc.,
P B Das,
Via email
A criminal doctor
Editor,
The incident of a doctor kidnapping a 14-year old girl from Garo Hills has shamed the fraternity of medical practitioners in Meghalaya. The incident has created a fear psychosis in parents about the
safety of their school going girls. What happened to the 14-year old girl is unfortunate. She is scarred and traumatized for life. The culprit is a doctor, a businessman and hedonist with a
past record of womanizing, adultery and philandering with young girls by taking advantage of his profession. Everybody knows of his illegal and covert activities. Lately, this same man voluntarily approached the
District Administration of West Garo Hills and offered himself as interlocutor between the GNLA and the Government, on behalf of the people of Garo Hills. While one appreciates attempts to bring back peace
and harmony in the region but such offers from people of dubious antecedents cannot be entertained. It appears that the man has ulterior motives because within a couple of days of his offer to be interlocutor
he was arrested at Mawlai for abduction. The Government should institute a high level inquiry into the matter and bring justice to the victim and others victims who had fallen prey to this doctor’s guiles. Kudos
to the Police department for acting swiftly and securing the release of the abducted girl! Just imagine her plight! She was taken to Guwahati and made to stay the night at a hotel without food. Perhaps
the doctor intended to traffic her to some other person or place. In view of the seriousness of the case this criminal doctor must be booked under relevant sections of the law and not granted bail, for, he is a
threat to society.
Yours etc.,
Shoshon A’ Sangma,
Via email