Editor,
This is with reference to the article written by one Pauline M, ‘ Where I belong….(ST September 19, 2015) where the writer gave a few clues about the ugly truth of harassment that half-breed Khasis suffer in the Khasi society. But at the same time, I would like to remind Pauline M and others that there have always been Khasi people who understand and recognise the truth that Khasi society and culture since time immemorial has always had a relationship with the non- tribals, either by blood or otherwise. There are those who value, love and respect individuals irrespective of whether one is a pure Khasi. At the same time I never cease to be amused at the hypocrisy of those who despise and ill-treat the so-called half-Khasis. As per my observation, I have seen and known people who have such hatred and jealousy in their hearts against half-Khasis but nonetheless are ardent church-goers and preachers of the good news. They also forget that many of the Khasi clans have their origin from non-tribal women (dkhars). The prefix “khar” in many clans provide enough evidence for this fact. Those who deny this would be hypocrites. Such people may be shocked to find in their own blood a genetic a link to their non-tribal (dkhar) ancestors, if a DNA test is to be done. Yet they continue with their prejudice even after knowing these facts suggesting a distortion in their reasoning process. Many Khasi words too like ‘ka mula, ka dorbar, pyn budnam, ka miej, ka duitara ( do taar, meaning two strings), ka jaka’, etc. have been borrowed from the ‘Dkhars’. The custom of “tang-jait” still practised to this day speaks volume of the facts stated above, whereby a Khasi man marrying a non-Khasi woman adopts a new clan name with or without the prefix “khar”. There are good number of such clans which have just come up in the past 10 years or so. It is time that we learn and accept these facts and shed hatred and prejudice from our hearts. Let us learn to protect our culture without hating others.
Yours etc.
Name withheld on request
Relocating wine stores
Editor,
The recent Government of Meghalaya’s stand on liquor sale through the Excise Department is indeed a welcome move. Finally Meghalaya will witness change in the manner liquor stores and bars are licensed keeping the educational, religious and medical institutions in its ambit. As everyone is aware, the localities in and around Laitumkhrah are locations of many educational institutions, religious places of importance and hospitals too. Yet there are wine stores, bars and pubs galore. The 200 meters distance set out by the Govt. will finally clean the areas within and around Laitumkhrah which indeed has left many dumbstruck by the manner in which the wine stores and bars have mushroomed there. Sometimes it is difficult to understand how the District Administration gives licenses for wine stores and bars despite the existence of strict rules that they should not be in the vicinity of educational institutions. We hope that the 6 month deadline that the Govt. has set for the existing wine shops and bars will be strictly followed by all. In fact the areas within and around 200 meters distance of Laitumkhrah should be declared as a ‘’no liquor zone’ as they house as many as 8 major schools, 4 major colleges, 4 specialty hospitals, 4 major religious institutions and many more. If such rules are adhered too, then Jingkieng Nongthymmai, Nongrim Hills, Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Lachumiere & Malki should be ‘No wine store zones’ of Shillong. But how and in what manner such rules be implemented, and whether l those with political clout will have their way yet again, only time will tell. As concerned citizens we hope the Govt. is serious on its commitment.
Your
setc.,
Firstly Lyngkhoi, Shillong-1