Editor,
Every Shillongite knows the importance and significance of the Shillong Golf Links. During the British days it used to be the biggest natural golf course in the world, a distinction which it had lost due to constant encroachment. Today Golf Links is further losing its prestige because of the invasion of irresponsible humans. A few years ago this beautiful place was disfigured by the digging of trenches all around which have become a garbage dump. The excuse given for this, is to prevent vehicles getting into the field. But we do not need huge trenches to do that. There are other ingenious ways to achieve the same goal. Today those trenches give the impression that there is a military exercise going on, for no right thinking person can truly surmise the relevance of these canals sans water. Recently, while trying to clear the garbage from these trenches, the people responsible have dumped huge piles of mud on the sides creating a more ugly sight thereby. What is evident today is that the people or group to whom the Golf Links are entrusted, are not capable of exercising responsibly or efficiently their duties, so it is high time that this place be entrusted to someone else who would do a better job. In my opinion, the State Government should seriously think of entrusting this “Pride of Shillong” to the Forest Department. Judging by the way they are managing some tourist spots in Meghalaya, this Department would perform much better. Before irreparable damage is done to this exquisite God-given natural beauty, quick action needs to be taken or else it may be too late.
Yours etc.,
- Mawrie sdb,
Via email
Fate of No-confidence Motion
Editor,
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will take up two No-Confidence Motions, tabled by the Opposition, one against the MUA-II government headed by Dr. Mukul Sangma and the other is against the Speaker, A.T Mondal.
According to the Chief Minister, his government is unmoved by these motions as his flock is intact. He clearly stated that nobody can remove him from his post because he enjoys the support of all the 42 MLAs on his side, excluding him and the Speaker. Indications are that the motion may not succeed. The reasons are that many of the MLAs who are on the ruling side are not keen, quite reluctant and have no alternatives to enable them to withdraw support to the Chief Minister, despite deep dissatisfaction, criticisms and back-biting against him. Moreover, the disgruntled MLAs on the ruling side lack the courage to pursue their pent- up dissatisfaction to the logical end. Even the motion against the Speaker may face a similar fate.
The No-confidence motion against the Chief Minister will only serve the useful purpose of exposing the irregularities and acts of omission and commission of the Chief Minister and his government and not to unseat him. Moreover, the strength of the opposition is only 16 in the house of 60 and none from the ruling side seems to support the no trust motion.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via email
Kudos Jowai Municipal Board (JMB)
Editor,
I wish to express my appreciation for the excellent job done by Jowai Municipal Board (JMB) and the District Administration West Jaintia Hills District in clearing the footpath at Iawmusiang Jowai for the last one week. I’m sure this will definitely last through the year. Now we see a spacious Iawmusiang which is a pleasant sight. One hopes that the successive administration will follow suit. Though the lawless hawkers have tried to encroach but thanks to the JMB which has done a commendable job in evicting them. The hawkers should know that there is plenty of space at Iawmusiang and above all there are enough stalls which are empty at Iawthymme. They should not take the law in their hands. It may be mentioned that the Jowai Municipal Board has not enough revenue to meet the salaries of the JMB staff as a result of which the JMB staff stopped working for about a fortnight, leaving Jowai Town with a foul smell. If only the people of Jowai Town could increase the monthly fees deposited to the JMB then the grievances of the staff would be addressed. Once against I sincerely appreciate the JMB and the District Administration for making Iawmusiang spacious and surely the people of Jowai puts their hand together to express approval for the work done.
Mean while the park adjacent to the Deputy Commissioner’s residence looks beautiful and clean after the Forest Department took up the responsibility of cleaning it up. Children are now playing safely with no fear of rodents while it was a bushy park. We can say that it would look more beautiful if flowers are planted and with a keeper (mali) to look after.
Yours etc.,
Omarka Laloo,
Mynthong, Jowai.