Editor,
The news item which stated ‘Bandh to greet the BJP President, Amit Shah’ (ST April 21, 2015) , is enough to ensure the success of the bandh. Despite the fact that the outfit (as reported on the same day as the bandh news item) is dwindling with only about 25 members on its rolls and the related pathetic condition of its members , the Government it seems is adamant to make their presence felt.
This is the time actually where the Government has to act and show its power and authority. Despite several suggestions from various quarters on how to contain the menace of bandh culture, it all seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody is interested. Only the daily wage earners would be grumbling and complaining, but in actual fact, for the whole lot of population, it is indeed a welcome holiday.
Yours etc.,
T Lyngdoh,
Shillong-8
Still ruled by fear or laziness?
Editor,
It is very unfortunate that we are still being ruled by fear from a handful of psychopaths. And why do we allow ourselves to be controlled by a few outlawed individuals whose existence is not even certain? HNLC declares a ban and the majority obeys. We should be conscious that even one day of holiday is a great loss to the society; also there is huge revenue loss. In my conversation with friends we arrived at certain queries that greatly astonished us. For instance, why should the media publish the threatening news given by such outlawed groups that contributes nothing to society? Why is the Government not doing anything to stop such kind of publication or propagation? Because these media publication of such news from banned outfits are disturbing the smooth running of the society and its peaceful existence. Such news goes against the spirit of our Constitution. And I am absolutely sure that our Constitution does not provide any kind of leverage to criminals.
However, to protest the visit of Amit Shah the president of BJP is ridiculous. We only have heard about him but we have not talked to him nor seen him; not even the persons who had imposed the ban. Then who made them the judge over others and presume that his visit will have the intended effect. Let him come and we shall see what he can do for us? If there is any good that he can contribute for the welfare of our society then why should we hesitate but if he brings something which is against us then we should fight even to the last drop of our blood. Therefore, let us behave like educated people, move to a new thinking pattern and show our serious concern for the development of our society. Let me remind my brethren, especially the outlawed group that our spirit of patriotism is not embedded in violence but resides in wisdom and truth. Even if our grievous enemies offer good things for us we must be receptive but of course not to swallow their venom.
Yours etc.,
Peter A Dohkrut
Shillong-8
Tamasha of Holy Cow!
Editor,
Why there is much ado about banning of cow “slaughter” in one or two state? I thought we should let the government of the respective state do what it feels good for its state. But on the second thoughts I wonder, what good can come from banning slaughtering of cows? From the economic point of view it seems a retrograde step. While from the environmental and social point of views as well it brings no good. If banning cow slaughter is done for love of the animal, then why only cows? Should we not ban the killing of pigs as well? Then,why this unnecessary tamasha?
If some Hindu fanatics think that the BJP is protecting Hinduism by banning cows from being slaughtered, rest assured, they have been fooled by not-so-godly politicians. I say this because, there is not much difference between death and being tortured to death. If the cow is worshiped as a God by the Hindus why do they themselves torture cows in the farm for ploughing and carrying loads? Should not cows be kept in a sacred place? Why should cows be kept in captivity in the dairy farm for its milk? Is this not a sacrilege for the Hindus?
If banning indeed is to safeguard Hinduism it should be welcome by every Indian. All other religions should also take pride in Hinduism being the oldest religion of India and respect it. But then, from whom is the majority seeking protect from? From the minorities? Absurd, indeed! The majority Hindu brethren on the other hand, have the obligation of making the minorities feel secure and helping them develop if they really love our Bharat Mata. For, no patriot will ever allow his own countrymen to live in poverty, fear and misery. It is also the duty of the big brothers to protect their countrymen and do whatever they can to see them live happy with their beliefs, customs and traditions. Only then will our country be a place “ Where the mind is without fear…. the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls…”
For the BJP banning of cows slaughter has either or both of these two hideous motives: 1. to force every Indian to abide by the dictates of the majority, i.e. to follow Hindu rituals. In short be ready to be suppressed or ready to suffer.(if this the case, it is a step to murder our democracy) 2. To get the misplaced trust of the majority by making them feel good and secure, thereby getting their votes. Thus, though banning may have nothing to do with Hinduism but, yes, it can do a lot in misleading the majority Indians. I say, enough of this obnoxious communal and religious politics! Let the politicians show some good and ingenious politics.
Yours etc.
Peter Lunthang
Shillong- 6
Giving People their due
Editor,
I am saddened by the news reported in your online paper ‘Confusion galore in listing landowners in Umroi-Umden’ (ST April 22, 2015). Why this corruption? Why can’t people get what is due to them? Who are those self-styled village leaders who are teaching corruption to innocent villagers? What is the role of the Rangbah Shnong in this case? Are the Rangbah Shnong also having their shares in this? This is inhuman! Looking at this and on many other corruption cases in Meghalaya, it looks like we are afraid of development. We are afraid because we are not competent and we are not competent because we are too lazy to work hard and earn our livelihoods. We prefer easy money through corruption. Where are the pressure groups in such cases? Are they going to be silent because this corruption is done by their own people or their own kith and kin perhaps? If we allow corruption to go on this way, believe me Meghalaya is going to the dogs.
Yours etc.,
Michael Makri sdb
University of the Philippines
Metro Manila