Editor,
NEHU-Shillong pro-chancellor Henry Lamin speaking on the concluding day of the seminar on ‘Understanding the tribes of Asia’ at Synod College on Friday November, 4, 2016 pointed out that in Meghalaya women are respected so much that “sometimes we might say where the position of men is.”
May I ask Henry Lamin how women are respected in Meghalaya when they are debarred from holding the post of a Sordar Shnong/Village Headperson, Secretary, Treasurer or a Sangot of a traditional Khasi village dorbar (traditional Khasi village institution)? Khasi women are born ‘equals’ as their male species so they have every right to occupy the office of any male office bearer in our dorbar shnong. Time to accept ‘change’ if we really ‘respect’ our women. It’s ironic that a scholar still makes statements that reek of gender stereotyping.
Yours etc.
J Thangkhiew,
Via email
Are the black sheep overtaking?
Editor,
I have nothing against any religion since like all other religions, Islam too is a merciful and peaceful religion. But the “black sheep in every community” as remarked by Md Sageer in his letter “Disruption of peace” (ST, 05 Nov, 2016) is the locus standi here. World events, particularly in Muslim nations, show and prove that these black sheep have overtaken the peace loving Muslims of Islam. A message sent by one of my friend Faroukh says it all in this regard. He shared that today Muslims in all the Islamic nations are on the path of self-annihilation whereas those who are living in non-Islamic nations are comparatively better. What has gone wrong in this peaceful religion then that we have ISIS, ISIL committing such venomous acts against their fellow human beings? Women are tagged and sold like products and chained people are bulldozed in countries like Syria, Libya and other Islamic nations where beasts in the form of humans are preying at their brethren. And ironically, there is none, even Md Sageer, to condemn such barbaric acts in the public platform. Faroukh said that there are not many to condemn such acts since those who do will find their geography changed. I don’t know what it takes for someone to remain this aloof when something as precious as religion is on the path to self-annihilation. Regarding drinking of cow urine, research the world over has proven that it is helpful in treatment of leprosy, cancer, anaemia and other dreadful diseases. Even cow dung, which not only fertilizes our croplands, if eaten can also have the same effect on the diseased brain and head of the person. So, I don’t see any reason why the head of the state should utter a word on this. I have even seen many of my Muslim friends buying cow urine and dung from Swami Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurvedic stores. After all the plague that has spread like cancer in religion today can only be cured by them. And people like Akram Iqbal and Md Sageer feel that I am using inflammatory language! If my language is inflammatory then what would they say about the inhuman acts of their counterparts in neighbouring Bangladesh?
Yours etc.
PK Dwivedi
Shillong – 1
What happens to Arnab Goswami now?
Editor,
It is very shocking and surprising that Arnab Goswami has resigned from Times Now Channel. Arnab has carved an iconic status for himself when it comes to news broadcast space. Arnab is the best news anchor India has had. He has worked really hard all these years and deserves the best. Every professional has his own style and manner which in Arnab earned him likes and dislikes invariably among audiences. Arnab is a byproduct of a viciously competitive commercial television space. He is a fearless fighter and will remain the same until his last. He is a Legend, a man of trust & commitment for the citizens of this country. In a democracy where journalism is considered the Fourth Estate, it is the duty of journalists to continue to be watchdogs. Debate is about engaging with each other in search for the truth and not screaming at each other to score brownie points. He spared none with his haranguing and bullying tactics. He has a lot of guts in challenging and handling some of the rogue speakers. Arnab’s brand of journalism has often come under flak, especially the daily NewsHour. Times should now decide whether it is good or bad for them and for Arnab. It is his future and he has to decide his course.
Vinod C. Dixit,
Via email
Will Mawlai Nongmali be de-municipalised?
Editor,
Stupendous and frightening news is going the round in Mawlai Mawdatbaki locality that the CEM will on Nov, 05, 2016 proclaim the notification that Mawlai Nongmali Ward XI East is outside the Municipal Administration, which simultaneously means denotification of the Municipality Act in force. It is further learnt that hectic arrangement is being made in a befitting manner to welcome and hail his arrival on that fateful day. I am not for or against such unilateral and personal venture but the question is whether he has the authority of abrogating, rescinding and nullifying the State Govt. Act without legislation? I am afraid that if his visit to the locality aims against the Municipal Administration, it may tantamount to contempt of the Govt. Act. Secondly, the question is does not the para 12 (A) of the Sixth Schedule applicable in this instant case stipulating that the State Govt. Law or Act prevail over the District Council Act or Law in case the same subject is legislated by both? Hence, I implore upon each and everyone involved including the CEM to review the ominous decision to obviate any undesirable consequences if the hearsay is correct.
Yours etc.,
B.S. Mawlong
Shillong- 8