Editor,
Let me through your esteemed daily correct the facts for Ms Deborah Mark Hon’ble Minister Social Welfare Meghalaya. It was the concerted effort and determination of the Garo people living now in Goalpara and Kamrup (Assam) including the whole of Garo Hills that compelled the then Union Government under Mrs.Indira Gandhi to carve out Meghalaya as a Hill State from the then Assam.
The Hill State Movement under the banner of GNC in mid 1950s was then spearheaded by venerable sexagenarian Late Modi K Marak (Duff pa) ably aided by his lieutenants like late Nollindro Sangma, Late Karnesh R Marak ( Fillipa) Late Bronson W Momin (Koslokpa) late Levisond N Sangma ( Percy pa) Late Horen (Barnapa) and many others like Keong Sangma the then president GNC unit of Hahim Kamrup (Assam) Late Emphen S Marak (Chutpa) of Nishangram (Assam) who sacrificed their all to the cause of the Hill State movement from the late 1950s till its creation. This same GNC was re-baptized into APHLC to broaden its base which included the late Khasi stalwarts like SDD Nichols Roy, Prof G G Swell, B B Lyngdoh, D D Pugh, P R Kyndiah Prof. M N Majaw, J D Pohrmen and last but not the least hon’ble late Hopingstone Lyngdoh which was later led by late Capt W A Sangma (Trumanpa) eclipsing out his mentor late Modi K Marak. Mr Modi K Marak, Bronson W Momin, Jackman Marak and other handful of followers remained loyal to the APHLC/ GNC unto their death when Capt. Sangma and his host of followers merged with the Congress in Nov 1976. Why Capt. Sangma and others left the APHLC to merge with Congress leaves a big question mark better buried with them.
The saga of the APHLC/ GNC in Kamrup and Goalpara districts of Assam was written with blood, sweat, toils, bruises and sacrifices of many a Garo now left in the lurch in Assam. Most of these unsung heroes of the Hill State movement suffered torture in Goalpara jails when the movement reached its peak but were abandoned to fend for themselves in hostile Assam when seeking jobs. I bow my head in shame when I think of their most invaluable contributions to the creation of our State that now we all enjoy. Let the sons and grandsons/granddaughters of these unsung heroes of the Hill State Movement in Assam during mid 1950s till 21st January 1972 multiply and flourish.
Yrs etc.,
Sonaram Sangma
Tura
Let’s do our duty as voters!
Editor,
These days news makes interesting reading as candidates in the straight fight for the Tura Lok Sabha seat are trying to hard sell themselves to the electorate. The voters can judge for themselves what kind of a person the candidate is when he or she opens her/ his mouth. As long as the candidate does not open his/ her mouth the real person is hidden but once he/ she opens the mouth the real truth tumbles out and we can gauge whether that person is shallow, intelligent, foolish, immature, hollow, mean or has the making of the great man/woman with virtues of true leadership. Dr. Mukul Sangma and his MP Candidate wife Dikkanchi Shira scathingly declare that NPP will become history and that P A Sangma will be a closed chapter.
What a bold pronouncement! Someone said thus, “Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make great speeches you’ll ever regret and words that comes out from inside cannot be whistled in back again.” What gives Mukul and Dikkanchi such bold confidence so as to make such rampant speeches? Are they counting on money power to win the battle? If their issue this election is only to crush and vanquish the NPP into oblivion and have no other worthy issue, is it worth wasting my precious vote on such a party? If we follow their speeches since the beginning of their campaign till now, there is this same chanting, “P.A.Sangma’s chapter is closed, BJP undermining minorities/Christians, NPP is a gone case, and finally, to lead a fight to obliterate the NPP completely and defeat its candidate.
Is not it a shame to read such speeches in the print media? Don’t aspirants for the MP’s chair not have higher plans to lay out before the electorate? What are the schemes that Garo Hills needs from the Centre? Aren’t these more important than tearing apart a political rival? While listening to a politician’s election promise, I pity the electorate in his/her constituency who have to listen to promises of converting government lands into private property for those inhabiting government lands near Soshanghat, New Walbakgre, ITI complex Civil Hospital areas. Why cannot these people themselves submit memoranda, representations, ask for dialogues from government instead of listening to the lies spouted out by the MLA? Remember India was won by the Father of the Nation’s relentless struggles through his Satyagrahas and non violent movements?.In spite of having been hoodwinked with every election the electorate never learn that every election promises are never fulfilled. Wake up, people. Don’t be misled but exercise your minds. The news reports about John Leslee Sangma making friendly overtures towards Congress has indeed made headlines..
Though he means well, he is also on the lookout for better prospects for himself, and we don’t blame him, but I for one strongly believe that a strong opposition always makes a stronger person and wiser too and he is respected while he is in the opposition chair. Dear people the Election Commission has a commitment to give fair and just election for the people. It’s an arduous task but we have a duty to ourselves too. Our duty as voters is to honestly elect the candidate of our choice without any obligation or binding and fear, but what Congress workers are doing is the antithesis of the above. As per news reports about seizure of huge amount of cash(ST May 19, 2016) one must say that these workers are a belligerent lot. They are on a vindicLetters 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. tive spree, wanting to tear honest and courageous officers apart. Such upright officers are always at the receiving end of their venomous attacks after every election. This election will also be not be different. Wait and Watch! Transfers? Suspensions?. But you are doing your job, converting our people into an honest race and able to hold our heads high as Tagore in his song “Ekla Cholo Re” exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey , despite lack of support , I say, “Keep going officers, Salute!”
Yours etc.,
Mery Jelinda Sangma,
Via email