Editor,
I write this letter on behalf of my childhood friend and his father residing in New Colony, Laitumkhrah and belonging to a working-class (shop-keeper) Bengali community, who has been constantly harassed and bullied by so called “Khasi Activists” who are demanding “illegal tax”. Ironically, these goons involved in such actions are not even genuine locals/Khasis but pretenders who claim to be members of “Khasi Students Union” and “Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo Peoples” etc. They themselves originally come from a “Bengali background” and their very own parents are shop-keepers in Laitumkhrah. It is really a shame to our whole Khasi, Jaintia and Garo community that we allow these parasites to take advantage of our culture, tradition and heritage when they do not even know our value systems.
Here are a few points to apprise readers as to how these self-styled “Locals” and opportunistic maniacs proclaim themselves to be a “Khasi.” Firstly they get married to a Khasi/Jaintia/Garo girl and proclaim to be a genuine local. Secondly they convert to Christianity and enjoy the platform of being a local. Let me educate these people that Christianity is a religion and not a department to certify one as a local tribal. Religion is open to all depending on the person’s faith. The reason I mention Christianity is because after baptism one can change one’s name from the original to some fancy English and Roman names.
As a well wisher of our state I humbly request all leaders of various pressure groups to kindly select your members responsibly. They should have a good educational background so that none can point fingers. They should be performing the duties allocated to them whole heartedly. Those reading this letter who might want to test out its veracity can come to Laitumkhrah on Sunday evenings from 6 pm onwards. You will find the goons in fancy two-wheelers and four-wheelers, ironically even without a proper income!
Yours etc.,
Mewanshuwa Pariat,
Shillong – 3
Bad behavior of bus conductor
Editor,
Through your esteemed newspaper I wish to express my extreme distaste at the rude behavior of the bus conductor of STPS No MLO1 6204 bearing sticker no 307 which was on duty on April 22, 2016. I happened to travel from Rynjah that day and I boarded this bus which plies from Nongthymmai to Mothphran. Like other buses which stop at every bus stand this bus too had stopped at every location, but to it halted for over 10 minutes at every station thereby frustrating the passengers. When they started raising their voices and asking why the bus had to stop so lon at every station, the bus conductor shouted at the passengers instead and used indecent language at some of the passengers. This is a very shameful act. We are not free travelers but have paid our fares and do not deserve to hear filthy words from a public transport operator. I request the higher authorities of the MUDA to please take strict action against the bus conductor and driver who were on duty that particular day so that such misdemeanours are not repeated.
Yours etc
Name withheld on request
NEC out of bounds?
Editor,
The Government of India 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. instituted an organization like North Eastern Council to deliver and assist States of the Northeast in different spheres of development. To be honest very few people know what is the actual role of the NEC in the Northeast and most importantly in our state. Recently I had gone to enquire about various schemes and programs from NEC only to be told by the security that only government officials could meet officers but not common people. It is surprising and ironic that an institution like the NEC which is supposed to be of service to the people of the region is suddenly out of bounds even to enquire and meet officials concerned. If a mammoth organization cannot be open to the public what is the point of spending tax payers money? Moreover, they say that all are welcome but put restrictions. Now if a farmer needs to enquire something from NEC on Central schemes related to farming how can he get a pass to enter the office building to meet officials, which is so perplexing. Perhaps the officers at NEC should come out off their babu syndrome and be more open to public scrutiny.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Program Manager,
BRMC Saipung Block