Editor,
I write this letter in support of Gertrude Lamare (“The Violence That Be” ST 22 March) and of Deepa Majumdar (“Men Need to Protest Rapes” ST 24 March) , and to vehemently protest against rape and condemn the perpetrators of this most heinous and inhuman crime.
Yours etc.,
B Kharwanlang
Shillong-3
No respect for animal rights!
Editor,
The irresponsible and brutal attack on a police horse by a lawmaker in Uttarakhand during a political agitation should be condemned in the strongest words. The left hind leg of the horse suffered multiple fractures due to such brutal assault. The unfortunate and defenseless animal suffered amputation and has been later fitted with a prosthetic limb. A dedicated team of around 10 veterinary doctors were involved in the delicate operation and replacing the damaged limb with a prosthetic one. In spite of this, I am doubtful that this mute and helpless animal will survive to live a normal healthy life and more especially from the perspective that it was a government owned service horse. Those in India who always cry about human right abuses never care to raise a voice for the cruelty and abuses poor and helpless animal victims suffer in the entire subcontinent as it does not provide enough octane for their political ambitions and media coverage. The incident highlights the insensitive political elites of the world’s largest democracy who believe that every single opportunity in life is a celebration of establishing their political hegemony and not even a mute and helpless animal is spared from that. Also important to note is the poor level of awareness among communities regarding cruelty and abuses towards animals. A nationwide debate should be initiated to create public awareness about animal rights and the abuses and cruelty animals are exposed to in the world’s largest democracy. Our younger generation needs to come forward and protest in the strongest voice against such cruel behaviour.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge
AB Canada T1J 4B3
Rasputins ruin regimes
Editor,
A regime’s association with ‘god-men’ is always risky. Moreover, such association in our country contradicts our Constitution. The Preamble of the Constitution of India resolves to constitute our country into a secular Republic. The word secular guarantees that our Republic shall not be connected with religious or spiritual matters. We need to learn from history that a regime’s association with a Rasputin invariably brings about a ruin of the former as their marriage results in the divorce between the regime and the people.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Regressive thinking
Editor,
This title of this letter is obviously inspired by Michael Makri’s, “Progressive thinking” (ST. 21st March 2016). The young Manila educated mediaperson sees no ‘mind space’ in organizations and individuals. The mind is not nurtured to think and think progressively. However, this letter is not a rejoinder to “Progressive thinking”. Let us get to the point. Late PA Sangma is truly a legendary and iconic figure in North East and Meghalaya in particular. His achievements will be unmatched by anyone from this part of the world for many years to come. His popularity was evident when the sea of humanity poured its grief at his home town on his demise. He was loved by the masses. This writer has three pieces on the accomplished politician published in this paper, “PA Sangma – A man of courage (June 26th, 2012), “Lesson Letters to the Editor must have the full name, address and contact number of the writer, even if they are sent by email. Only letters with the requisite details will be published. of Presidential Election 2012: Dare and Hope”(July 24th, 2012) and “PA Sangma – A life well lived” (March 7, 2016). So there is great admiration and respect for the great leader. However, I do not agree with Conrad Sangma the newly crowned NPP chief that it would be a perfect tribute to his father if the NPP candidate is elected unopposed in the Tura byeelection. In June 2015 Chokpot by-poll necessitated by the passing away of the founder- legislator of Garo National Council (GNC), Clifford R. Marak, the NPP led by late PA Sangma put up a candidate though there was a suggestion of a no-contest as a respect to the departed leader. Similarly, in October last year NCP leader and South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai was rebuffed by all parties when he came out with a bizarre suggestion that out of respect for Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, MLA of Nongstoin for 11 times, the seat be handed to a relative of the deceased. Late PA Sangma achieved what he achieved on merit. On merit he had all the qualities, expertise and experience to be the president of the country. Merit was his greatest armour. May his legacy live on!
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang Tura,
West Garo Hills – 02