Editor,
Apropos the news report about government appointing nominated MDC to the GHADC (ST 12 Mar, 2016) it was amusing (though not entirely surprising to learn) that the state government does not respect the mandate of the people in selecting their representatives. It is a known fact that the NPPled alliance presently controls the Executive Committee of the District Council in Garo Hills. As such, representing the majority conscience, it has every right to put forward a name it feels fit and appropriate to become the nominated MDC of the Council. The government must respect the decision of the EC. What problem does it have with the nominee of the District Council? Some personal vendetta perhaps? God knows! Similarly, we have observed how in the KHADC as well, the government refuses to recognise the nominee of the Council. Does the government want to portray itself as a ‘bully Big Brother’? On close observation we find that both of the nominated members from both the ADCs are very competent and learned. I dare say they are better than the present choice of the government any day! And if I may draw another point, how ‘autonomous’ will the District Councils be if they don’t even enjoy the simple power of nominating their own member to their respective Houses! I am not saying the government has absolutely no say in certain matters which require its intervention, what I’m saying is, ‘We have no more right to decline the exercise of jurisdiction which is given, than to usurp that which is not given.’
The one or the other would be treason to the Constitution.’ I believe being a democratic nation the people are entitled to their rights as per the norms of Universal Adult Franchise. The post of nominated MDC has lost its very essence, honestly speaking. A nominated member must be someone who can enrich the proceedings and functioning of the House, with their expertise and knowledge with respect to the field they are good in. Presently, it’s become more of a game of numbers. Make no mistake, I neither support nor oppose the GHADC and KHADC’s ECs, but there are certain issues of constitutionality that cannot be interfered in. It’s sad to see that although the KHADC, is being led by the Congress party, there is much mudslinging and misunderstandings with the State Government on a number of crucial issues. This hinders progress and development. Put all the ego aside, I beseech you, and sort out your differences. If the state government can’t cooperate with the District Councils in simple issues like nomination of MDCs, then what can we expect in the remaining years? A grim future awaits us!.
Time and again it has been mentioned by many learned individuals that at the end of the day, ‘the will of the state shall prevail’. I agree. However, if the state government’s policy is to make sure every single matter is according to its will, where does that leave the District Councils? Isn’t consensus the need of the hour? I believe the state government must honour the decisions of the district councils and must not override the latter’s decisions. Rather the state government should grant more cohesion and backing to it. What is acceptable must be accepted but what is unacceptable should be rejected. Only then will a strong democratic base be built.
Yours etc.,
Keith Nongsteng,
Via email.
Football field or parade ground?
Editor,
Being a sportsman and an avid lover of football, J.N. Stadium, Polo, is not an unfamiliar place. I, along with a group of friends (all veterans) are regular visitors to the ground, and we, as a team play there every other day. On the morning of 9th March, I was shocked to see an army contingent practicing their drill parade on the artificial turf. For anyone who has witnessed an army parade, it is evident that their practise regime is strict and painstakingly long. What concerns me here is that the aftermath of their drill practice will result in the field getting damaged. The playing characteristics of the field will be severely impaired and due to the continual stomping during their march past will result in areas of the field being unlevelled. This hampers the quality of the field as the ball will roll unevenly and cause it to bounce from place to place. The players will feel uncomfortable running on an uneven surface and will be frustrated by the inability to control an unpredictable ball. Furthermore, J.N. Stadium being the maiden venue in the city capable of hosting major football events, it is the responsibility of the authorities to make sure that the field is not used for any other purposes than playing and practicing football. Polo is home to many fields and the army can use any one of them if they feel that all of the fields within their various regiments are insufficient for the purpose of drill practice. Who gave them the permission to practice on the grounds, I do not know. But as a footballer, it pains me to see the ground being used for something that can damage the field. I request the concerned authorities to kindly look into the matter and make sure that this does not happen again. Come on Shillong, let’s football!
Yours etc.,
B.Laltanpuia
Shillong-1
Killing of a tiger
Editor,
The report featuring the death of an endangered tigress in Nagaland (Tigress killed by villagers in Dimapur, ST March 2, 2016) is extremely sad and morbid. The incident clearly highlights the sorry state of wildlife conservation and conservation awareness in the state of Nagaland. The scenario is not better in other states of the nation either. Although the numbers of wildlife sanctuaries have been going up across the nation, the forest cover has been undergoing depletion in majority of the states and union territories. The human-animal conflicts across the nation have been building up steadily with very few long term sustainable measures adopted to avoid such incidents and protect the vulnerable wildlife. Rapid encroachments into the forested areas together with severe anthropogenic pressure such as poaching, illegal bush meat, trophy and pet trades are fragmenting forests and wildlife habitats exposing wildlife directly to communities living closely or adjacent to forested areas. Unless stringent measures are adopted nationwide more such sad incidents like the recent one in Nagaland are expected.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu Lethbridge
AB Canada T1J 4B3