Editor,
The dynastic politics of Meghalaya Congress, rise of dissidence in the party ranks and the brilliant victory of Conrad Sang?m?a are writings on the wall for a possible change that may happen even before the completion of the term of the current government. The massive mandate received by BJP and allies in neighbouring Assam is going to have some domino impact on other states of the region; Meghalaya in particular. The increasing popularity of the NDA ally, NPP in Meghalaya is yet another impending factor that will keep state Congress leadership under huge pressure. Irrespective of the ideology and principles of different political parties, the agenda of peace, stability, democracy and economic progress are the cherished aspiration of ordinary citizens in any corner of the nation. Meghalaya is no exception to that. If BJP and NDA governments adjoining Meghalaya could demonstrate better success in people centric developments as has been recently demonstrated by CM Pul in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, people will swing further towards the BJP led alliance with hopes for better governance, infrastructure development and economic progress. Rough rides are awaiting Meghalaya Congress! If PM Modi could revitalize and inspire the current opposition in Meghalaya in a positive direction to lead the state in the next election, a ?better future may be awaiting Meghalaya. However, failure of BJP and allies in adjoining states will tilt the balance of power again towards Congress.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu, Lethbridge
AB Canada T1J 4B3
When the rules can be twisted
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I write this to bring into everyone’s attention how the laws and rules in Meghalaya are twisted and amended, so as to benefit few powerful people and business houses. Since April 1, 2016, when large numbers of wine stores in Meghalaya were closed down following the Amended Rule 183 of Meghalaya Excise Rules, it was seen that one wine shop in Rynjah bazar “Hunlang Wine Shop,” continued to run its business, unhindered in spite of different religious, educational and medical institutions being just a stone’s throw distance from this wine shop. Institutions like the Pohkseh Presbyterian Church, Rynjah State Dispensary, Umpling Primary School and ITI Rynjah all are within the stipulated 200 meter radius of the above stated wine shop. When complaints to the authorities concerned failed to evoke positive response, an RTI dated April 27, 2016 was filed. DC (Excise) East Khasi Hills vide his reply dated May 24, 2016 has thrown a surprise. It was found that on May 10, 2016 further amendment to Rule 183 of Meghalaya Excise Rules, was carried out wherein directives were issued to measure the distance of any educational institution/ place of worship/hospitals from different wine shops or bars through routes/ roads/pathway generally used by majority of the public. By that logic, may I ask the concerned authorities and the Hon’ble High Court, if I will be allowed to open a bar/wine shop which may be located in the back/or adjacent to the wall of any educational institution/place of worship/hospitals and protected of course, by the clause that, there remains no direct thoroughfare any diverted route between any of these institutions and that therefore my bar/ wine shop is more than 200 meters away from any of them .
Yours etc.,
Ratna Biswas,
Via email