Editor,
The judicial system seems to be making a mockery of life and people when crime and punishment do not seem balanced. Reading the news item in your daily “Man gets 10-yr RI for raping minor in 2011,” I was left with a lot of pain and grief as the sentence awarded to the rapist was just as small as his name, Small Phawa. In comparison to the physical and mental trauma that the 10 year old went through at that time which is unimaginable, the punishment awarded is not commensurate to the crime. To top she will have to live with this scar for life. A heinous act that she will have to bear for life for no fault of hers! Small Phawa was sentenced to a mere 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5000 to which if he fails to pay, then he has to serve another one year in jail. Let us try and look at this equation: one year imprisonment for a failure of payment of Rs. 5000 and 10 years for raping a 10 year old minor against a life time of pain, emotional and mental that the girl is made to go through for life. The rapist, being the main culprit gets only 10 years and a Rs. 5000 fine after which he may just repeat the same crime. Is this fair? Certainly not! However ours is a legal system that often functions on justice delayed and justice denied. A mere 10 year imprisonment for such a heinous crime is a travesty of justice! There is something amiss with the law that must be corrected, amended and set right in such a way that it would act as a deterrent for others. Perhaps then, such crimes that are rampant will be checked.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Shillong degenerating every day
Editor,
Shillong once named the Scotland of the East was proud of its clean and pollution free environment and attracts thousands of tourists both domestic and international. But it is losing its glamorous image if one goes by the news article published in a regional daily, captioned, ‘Shillong back to being dirty”. There are several instances to support this. One is the heart of the city Khyndailad (Police Bazar) point has become a place where one has the experience of being in crematorium as in the evening it is exuding burning fumes from road side food stalls which not only pollutes the air around but defies the noble mission of Swacch Bharat. It also hinders the smooth flow of traffic and obstructs even pedestrians. Meghalaya Tourism Department is doing its best to promote the state but mere advertisement is not enough. It needs action for cleanliness. In this, connection I would urge upon the authorities concerned, especially the Food and Civil Supplies officials and Shillong Municipal Board to take appropriate steps.
Yours etc.,
Krishnendu Deb,
Via email
Response to the drug menace
Editor, Media and press reports about the recent resolution of the Lympung ki Hynriew Shnong i.e. the durbars of Mawkhar, Mission Compound, Raitsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Umsohsun and Wahthabru to focus their attention on the menace of drugs in society, is a most welcome development. High time people start recognising the huge threat that drug abuse poses to everyone of us, our homes, our families and especially our young ones. The step taken by the Lympung ki Hynriew Shnong is a step that demands appreciation from all; to be emulated by other durbars and to be encouraged and cultivated by authorities involved in prevention of crime and in promoting law and order and social security in our state. One is especially impressed by the call from these traditional bodies to ‘parents and guardians not to feel ashamed of their drug user children and to look for options to bring them out of addiction’. Denial despite mounting evidence, that drug abuse can never happen in my family or my church or that God will never allow it to happen, is the surest way of promoting the spread of this social evil. In close knit societies like ours, drug usage in any form, using or pushing, cannot be a secret for long and it’s only a question of time before it comes to the notice of the local dorbar. Swift and immediate Dorbar intervention with the full support of the local people can go a long way in keeping our shnongs drug free. Other Rangbah Shnongs especially those from the Dorbar Ki Shiphew Shnong of Jaiaw and Mawprem areas are also deeply concerned about the rapid manifestation of the drug menace in their respective shnongs. High time that coordination amongst these concerned durbars begins. Involvement of the Seng Samla and the Seng kynthei is crucial in stemming this menace. It is a blessing in coincidence that the DGP Meghalaya had also recently given a call for greater interaction and coordination between the local traditional bodies and the police. This opportunity should not be missed. Working together with the Government than against it, is sure to bring in desired results. We have to work together to fight the menace of drugs.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email