Editor,
In a bid to keep the traditional market, Iewduh, clean and congestion free, the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ricky Nelson Syiem has indeed taken a wise and proactive stand. The Iewduh is in desperate need of such a move as movement in and out of the market has become cumbersome for buyers and sellers alike. It must be noted that maximum encroachment is not from those who have shops but from the numerous makeshift shopkeepers who simply set stalls on the market lanes and spread their goods just about any place they feel fit and convenient for themselves. There is no denying that these makeshift shops have widened and the goods have spread to the extent that they do not shy away from leaving only a small space as entrance to a particular shop. They unabashedly occupy the length and breadth outside any shop and in any space. In some cases they have not only occupied undue space but have also covered the shops behind them as if theirs are the only goods worth displaying. The makeshift shops are a total discomfort and a nuisance to the eyes but more importantly to the people buying and selling goods. Shopkeepers who have encroached on pedestrian space may be taken to task through strict orders that they should limit themselves to their respective shops or face due penalty as the Syiem and his Dorbar deem fit. While it is imperative that no shopkeeper should be allowed to encroach into pedestrian space, the Syiem should also see that no makeshift shops are allowed to spread their goods outside any shop or just about any free space they feel fit. Having inspected the whole market, the Acting Syiem must have observed that due to the lackadaisical attitude and negligence on the part of the Dorbar to contain the people who set up shops arbitrarily, the general public are made to bear the inconveniences while doing business in the market. Yet at the same time, one is hopeful that the Acting Syiem will address the matter seriously and judiciously.
Yours etc.,
Jennifer Dkhar,
Via email
Bias or genuine concerns?
Editor,
I find myself compelled to reply to Mr. Prateek Harlarka’s letter – ‘Why this bias towards the BJP?’ (ST May 21, 2016) It is interesting that he finds my article (Assam: of Electoral Boats) to be well-written, even though he seems to miss the larger point I was making – that all political parties and identity movements routinely succumb to their own communal passions and divisive agendas. In this regard, the reader would have surely noticed my critique of problematic trends within the Congress, the BJP and various regional identity based movements. Still, the fact that he felt that my critique was solely aimed at the BJP is perhaps telling of his own bias and/or of his own genuine concerns. For instance, he does not object to my critique of the Congress and its perceived ‘pseudo-secular image’. With regards to the BJP and ‘its communal image’ however, he seems to suggest that such an idea is outlandish and irresponsible – even as numerous mainland journalists and media outlets have continually raised such concerns in recent times. Despite Mr. Harlarka’s confident claim, I did not make any outright assertion that the BJP ‘will’ definitely pursue a divisive agenda in the north-east. Rather, I have used the terms ‘could’, and the prefix ‘the fear is that they’ (will pursue a divisive agenda) to reflect the concerns of various people have I interacted with. To claim otherwise is a partial reading of my article – and a wrongful representation of my views – which is regrettable on such a visible public forum. As for my personal views, I am hope that the BJP can bring in greater efficiencies of governance and equitable development after years of Congress misrule is Assam. Still, I maintain that the party’s communal passions ‘could’ severely derail whatever positive aspects it possesses. With its first government in the north-east, I think it would be important for the BJP to understand and negotiate these concerns of the people in the region.
Yours etc.,
Rahul Saikia,
Via email
Perception is everything
Editor,
A few days ago I got a call from a friend and what he disclosed to me, really left me wondering about what kind of a legacy, will we as a Khasi nation are leaving for to those who have come into close contact with us. This is by no means a sweeping generalization, that the Khasi people as a whole can be fitted into one box. Realistically speaking all of us differ on how we view matters, and specifically on how we interact with non-Khasi, nontribals. That said, at the end of the day what really matters is this term we have come to know as perception. Someone has said that perception is everything. It is about time that we work hard to bring about a change on how other people perceive us. While it is true that the issue of illegal migrants is a complex one and must be dealt with tactfully, what is also true is that anyone who happens to be a legal citizen of India, and has lived in Meghalaya for two or three generations must be given the same kind of respect, honour and privileges that we would desire for ourselves. I wholeheartedly believe that they surely have as much, if not more love and pride about this land of ours as we do. Our survival as a nation, will depend very less on how we have mistreated, misjudged, and hated others, but rather how well we have been able to be kind, compassionate and generous. Being kind does not mean that we do not compete, it simply means that we have learnt to develop, nurture and provide a healthy environment, where we can be the best at what we want to become.
Yours etc.,
Pyndap Warjri
Shillong-2
Abandoned in old age!
Editor,
This refers to mediahype on one of Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and his wife who are now forced to live in an old-age home near Delhi. It is unfortunate that in Indian society old persons have to live in old-age homes because they are deserted by their family members. In present case, the childless husband-wife duo is well educated, having spent a good part of their lives till recently in USA at dignified postings. But for media to hype up this issue about the couple living in an old-age home, only because he happens to be the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi is banal. It is greatness of the childless couple that they have not uttered a single word against those responsible for sending them to the old-age home. However, governments should avoid any special privilege to the couple only because of their being the Mahatma’s relatives for it will set a wrong precedent. But the media should investigate about their earn ings and savings while on dignified postings in India, USA and elsewhere. Those who have benefitted from their earnings and savings must be exposed and taken to task for deserting the highly qualified couple who are now forced to live in an old-age homes. Such incidents are not uncommon in Indian society where childless couples have been deserted after they have lost their utility for those very near ones!
Yours etc.,
Subhash Chandra Agrawal,
(Guinness Record Holder & RTI Activist) Delhi -6