Editor,
The news for and against construction of the proposed two lane 61 odd km Nongstoiñ-Mawthabah road joining West and South West Khasi Hills, has been appearing quite frequently in both print and electronic media of Meghalaya. The reasons put forth by those who are against it is that it will facilitate Uranium mining, which they are deadly against for fear of radiation. Those who are in favour state clearly that the road is for development and will provide easier and faster communication to people inhabiting the most neglected areas besides boosting their agricultural and other economic activities. They also say that the road will provide a life-link to the district headquarters of Nongstoiñ, Mawkyrwat and the state capital, Shillong besides, reaching out to the sick and the suffering in these headquarters.
Starting from Nongstoiñ town, this road, if constructed, will pass through Nongjyllieh, Kynroh, Nongkynjang, Nonglwai, Mawpon, Sasniang, Pombriew, Domshrah, Laitjynrai, Rangblang, Nongbah, Sohphekhylliang, Ngundilang, Myriem, Laitdiloiñ, Umdohlun, Mawpat, Wahkaji, Nongtnger, Domïasiat, Nongbah Jynrin to reach Mawthabah. It is a fact that if completed, the proposed two lane main link road will provide better lifeline not only to the people inhabiting the above-mentioned villages but to more than 200 other villages having a combined population of approximately 80,000 who belong to Nongstoiñ, Nobosohphoh, Maharam and Langrin Syiemships (Elakas). I can foresee that many houses, buildings, shops, godowns, gardens, paddy fields, community halls, churches etc will be affected by construction of the road. But that can be taken care of by adequate compensation which ought to be paid to those affected by the road construction project.
Having travelled extensively on foot as well as by vehicles throughout the length and breadth of different villages of the sector to be covered by the proposed road, I can vouch that the areas have been forsaken since the Assam time and even after Meghalaya attained statehood. Therefore, the urgent need for good road connectivity to these areas is urgent as it will ease their long pending communication problems. Till date people have to walk on foot for long distances to reach the MP road which is the only existing motorable road today in the areas though it is in very dilapidated condition. One can very well imagine what hardships the rural people of the areas have to endure in the absence of good roads. I, therefore, am in favour of immediate construction of the road as it will provide better and faster transportation of passengers and goods besides countless benefits and blessings that will follow thereafter. The need for the road far outweighs other unnecessary obstacles.
Road linkages are integral to development and who does not want development. To those who are against construction of the proposed road link for fear of Uranium mining, I would only say that there is nothing wrong in opposing Uranium mining but do not obstruct development of the people. Let the road be completed first and if there are signs of uranium mining the opposition to it can carry on. Moreover, I am certain that those who oppose construction of the road will utilise it more often and will also stand to benefit much more after its completion than those who are in favour. I also do not see any fear at all if Uranium is mined with full-proof safety measures as prescribed by IAEA and also by AERB. Besides, after mining the uranium ore it will only be processed up to the yellow cake stage.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marweiñ,
Shillong-2
Selective criticism
Editor,
Apropos the letter by Riskhem Lyngdoh (ST April 16, 2016) where the writer has pointed fingers at leaders of Seng Khasi Mawsynram unit and Hinduism as a whole as trying to destabilize the harmony of this region, I would like to point out that Seng Khasi Mawsynram had only objected to the inclusion of a particular chapter in the MBOSE syllabus which they felt is detrimental to their religious faith. They are not influenced by any other religious organization. Niam Khasi is an indigenous religious faith which has its own views and opinions. It is not a saffron organization but has maintained its own identity and culture for years. Let us not forget that our greatest threat is now ISIS and we should remain united. What ISIS is doing with other religious faiths in Syria, Iraq is a serious warning for all of us. Obama and the West are not sincere about crushing the ISIS. The reason is oil! If ISIS is not crushed then it will eat up Macedonia , Turkey and other small colonies , experts say. Russia is serious about fighting ISIS but Obama is not endorsing it. Where is the ISIS procuring its fleet of vehicles, arms and ammunitions? India has a vital role in this regard to combat the challenges of ISIS and we should remain united, otherwise the future is critical. ISIS has threatened India and we see how the youths of different countries including India are lured by ISIS. We know BokoHaram kidnapped hundreds of school girls, burnt alive children etc but UNO and Obama did nothing. So why the selective criticism?
Yours etc.,
Anjan Kr Das,
Shillong-6