Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to relate a personal incident that I encountered at SBI Bara Bazar Branch. After standing in a queue for about 3 hrs for exchanging my old currency for new ones, I noticed that one gentleman(probably from rural area) who was a few persons ahead of me in the queue was denied the exchange of his Rs1500 by the person at the counter on account of non-availability of Rs 100 denominations. The poor tired fellow had to return empty handed even after pleading with that person saying that its all the money that he’s got left. Later when my turn came (around 6.05pm when the entrance to the bank was closed and only the customers who were already inside were entertained to go about their transactions), to my surprise the person at the counter asked me for a copy of my ID proof to be submitted along with the form provided by the bank. Then I too pleaded with that person and told him that even in the form given by the bank itself it is clearly stated that we have to produce any one of our ID proofs “in original to be shown at the counter”, and that there is no mention about submitting a photocopy of our ID too. Despite my efforts to reason with him, his simple reply was, “We have asked everyone else to do the same so I cannot help you.” Ultimately I too had to return home empty handed-lost, tired and in despair. Now as far as my information goes about the money exchange system that has been put in place by the Government as mentioned in various newspapers, news channels, Government notifications to the public, etc., it is emphasised that the submission of photocopies is required only for withdrawals and deposits. Hence, I would like to request the concerned authorities and the Government to please clarify to the public about the right system that we should follow so that we can come prepared, in order not to waste our time and energy in the coming days.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Who is the real outsider?
Editor,
While expressing gratitude to A Lyngdoh, for the letter, “Don’t belittle if unaware” (ST, 11 Nov, 2016), I am equally flummoxed by the “pro-Pakistan”, ostensibly humanitarian and “anti-India” take of Babet Sten in her letter, “Outsiders and their opinions” (ST, 10, Nov, 2016). The Shillong Times is not the dead wood seen in the ravaged Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya rendered so by the gluttonous black diamond seekers among tribal brethren, where insects creep and crawl now. Such creeping and crawling thoughts are a common among the north easterners in mainland India – where they are‘outsiders.’ This daily is a vibrant media in this part of the country where opinion makers aren’t judged whether they are insiders or outsiders and are allowed to express their views like in any other fourth estate of this country. You may have deciphered the meaning of my surname but what about yours? I wonder if you are influenced by our northern neighbour or the ISIS and I reckon the Delhi Police has a potential threat there in you. We are residing here on an invitation sent by the then British Raj to my forefathers to work in its empire, perhaps even before your forefathers set their foot here. So, I am no Martian that I cannot comment on local issues. An observant person can easily do so. And check your facts first on the uncountable Khasi clan names in Meghalaya. If the Americans have “Trumped” themselves recently by voting Donald Trump then the tribes of this place too have done incalculable harm to themselves by leaving their flanks open for influx of a different kind. Regarding Babri Masjid demolition, history only repeats itself. Since you have not pointed to the Babri masjid demolition and said, “Hey, Brahmin (Dwivedi) why did you destroy Babri?” then so will I refrain from uttering, “Hey Christian (Sten), why did you kill and chase out all genuine non-tribal residents from Shillong in the 70s, 80s & 90s?”
Yours etc.
PK Dwivedi
Shillong – 1
Trump’s triumph!
Editor,
Before the elections Donald Trump had promised to seal the USA – Mexico border; a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, getting the hell out of Islam right inside their dens, “Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine the face of our next president?” and many more such statements were read and heard in the media. What was earlier dismissed to be the polarized version of American politics is turning out to be true with Donald Trump emerging triumphant at the US Election. What many thought were irresponsible statements of Trump may well become reality in days to come if Trump means business. Well I personally preferred him to win the election, given that his rival Hillary Clinton was one I could never adore. Had there been anybody else, perhaps I would have a second thought on Trump. The good news is he is going to be good for India. He knows this vital market, which is dearer to him than even China. I see the Chinese growth story, which institutes like the RGIIM in Shillong and many of our institutes elsewhere in the country, are obsessed with looks more like hollow bricks that we use here for constructing domestic walls. The other side of Trump’s victory is that despite his sharp attacks, people were tuned to him which was a precursor to the victory of the man behind the mouth. The Americans have genuine fear in the face of growing radical Islam and the series of attacks on its soil. They now have in this man the choice, voice and persona to lead them. The interesting part is that the red marking of almost all states in the map of USA amidst few blues denoting the Democrats was akin to the BJP saffron show in India during the 2014 general election WHERE Congress won only a few seat. Watch out for Trump. He is going to be the most interesting persona on the globe as his reign at the White House begins.
Yours etc.
PK Dwivedi, Shillong-1