Editor,
Apropos to the news item captioned, “10 warders likely to lose jobs”- Allegations of political pressure in appointment procedure (ST Feb 23, 2016), if the disclosures of DG (Prisons) Mr BL Buam are based on evidence, it is shocking to know that such irregular appointments were made with total impunity to the existing procedures. However, I would like to ask Mr Buam, why the names of these ten warders were not given to the media? Also people want to know who these politicians are at whose behest these irregular appointments were made. Are these politicians from the ruling party? Or are they from the Opposition? Mr Buam had claimed that “they were appointed by way of using political connections”. What are these political connections? I am very sure that Mr Buam must have done his homework well before arriving at the conclusions and going public that political connections were behind these appointments. If so, he should either demand for a CBI probe into these irregularities as was done in the irregular appointment of school teachers or at least an inquiry by an independent agency should be instituted. I am very sure that our political leaders will be excited with such disclosures by Mr Buam and this issue needs to be raised on the floor of the Assembly during the forthcoming Budget Session from 4th March. Are politicians taking note of these seriously fiery disclosures?
Yours etc.
Quintonson Lyngdoh Nongpoh,
Ri Bhoi
Of acid attacks!
Editor,
This refers to your report “Acid attack case: court dismisses doctor’s bail plea” (ST Feb-24, 2016). In India, acid has often been used as a weapon against women who have turned down advances by men. Acid attacks are seen as one of the most vicious crimes as it causes perpetual suffering to the victim. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about acid attacks is the fear that they create. With just a few rupees, anyone can buy a weapon that can ruin another person’s life in just a few seconds. Part of the reason is that acid is cheap and widely available. Many Indians use concentrated acid to sterilize their kitchens and bathrooms, as Americans would use bleach. There is an immense need to come out with legal measures and medical reforms by our government to help these victims. Men who commit these crimes are usually spurned suitors who want to avenge their rejection. The men should be punished so badly that no one will ever think of attempting to ruin a girl’s life.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad – 380 015
NGOs and their anti-development stances
Editor,
As a responsible, Godfearing, law abiding citizen, it really affects me when I read the daily papers regarding many issues. I wonder where we are heading. I’ve noticed that most of the issues are related to NGO’s, where some are genuine but some totally unacceptable. Look at this toll plaza issue; it’s like a market place. The seller NHAI has to bargain with the middlemen (NGO) to be able to sell its product and as usual there is no sign of interference from the government for reasons best known to them. I feel sorry for the central govt which is every time receiving requests for development for the North East but when implemented especially in Meghalaya there is resistance from NGO’s who are too far sighted and experts in predicting the future. Where is the state govt and what is it doing? And still we blame the central govt for our backwardness? I think we are showing our non cooperation to the present govt which I fear may result in withdrawal of all development because as humans we have a certain limit of understanding and acceptance and we can’t blame them (centre) but we should blame this govt for not being able to handle the situation. I’ve seen in the news about the Mawsynram road/ bridge and its condition….Do you think it is easy to get central funding for it? I don’t, because even the sanctioned ones have not even started and it’s all because of the NGOs again or should we start looking at them as government for the bitterness of the people? Meghalaya has been sanctioned 694 km of road connectivity at Rs 5980cr, Assam 438km at Rs 10640cr, Arunachal 884km at Rs 8490cr, Manipur 546km at Rs 7049cr , Mizoram 380 km Rs1400cr, Nagaland 189km at Rs 1500cr, Sikkim 347km at 2931cr and Tripura 254km at 2132cr. All these states have started with these packages except our state where the NGO’s (who are mostly residents of prime areas) and the representatives of the district council have the same ideology (Verbal knowledge). This comes out in the daily papers where NGOs and some politicians without knowing the facts start pointing at the entire 10 road projects starting with the Nongstoin – Wahkaji road as the ghost road for uranium mining (delaying the other 9 projects) which they say is mentioned in the Ministry report. This is ridiculous! I also would like to start predicting but I would request the state govt first to start showing its power so that the people will have faith again otherwise we all will be ruled by fortune tellers and start breeding horses etc…At the same time I request the district council to think of a way to prevent uranium being mined if they so wish by simply putting up a check point in their own area thereby solving both issues and then stress on faster development. We town people are not suffering but the deprived and most backward people of the South West Khasi hills are, and they are in desperate need of good roads and connectivity for a better livelihood. But who will listen and who cares about their plight when we’re all snug and comfy in our own cocoon. Wake up Meghalaya!
Yours etc.,
Vernon Kharkamni,
Via email