Share what went wrong in 2016
SHILLONG: Meghalaya witnessed several ups and downs in 2016 and many issues plagued the State affecting its development, both economic and social.
The Shillong Times spoke to people from different walks of life and sought their views on how the State fared in the year.
Veteran politician and UDP working president Bindo M. Lanong said Meghalaya scored poorly in all segments, be it governance, development and even law and order. He cited an example that even the roads in the centralised areas of Shillong, like Upper Lachumiere and Laitumkhrah, are in poor condition.
“The roads in the capital city are in a dilapidated condition, imagine what would happen in other areas of the State,” he said, adding that even tourists who visit Lady Hydari Park get a bad impression as they are welcomed by broken roads.
“There are no street lights, no water supply and tourism is in a shambles. Tourists don’t get food or restaurants and everything has failed,” Lanong said.
NEIGRIHMS Director Prof. Prithwis Bhattacharya said better healthcare facilities should reach each and every corner of the State. He said people come from villages to the town for treatment and they deserve top-class facilities.
“There are many instances when people in rural areas don’t get good treatment when they get sick,” he added.
Former Home Minister RG Lyngdoh said, “I feel sorry for the common man of Garo Hills as they are caught between the devil and deep sea.”
Lyngdoh said restriction on sale of liquor has affected the state exchequer badly and nobody is bothered or even dare to address the issue.
Meanwhile, KSU president Daniel Khyriem expressed that there is a slow progress in terms of development in education, healthcare, immigration problems and farmers, among other issues.
Highlighting on border issues, he said, “The government has been paying lip service to the people residing in border areas and there has been constant harassment by Assam police. The state government should resolve the matter with all seriousness. It is the lackadaisical attitude of the government that has led to the crisis in the State.”
Reiterating the organisation’s opposition to railway tracks in the State, Khyriem said implementation of entry and exit points is going sluggishly.
Theilin Phanbuh, chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Women, expressed concern over pending cases in lower and district council courts. “The victims are traumatised and if they don’t get justice, it will pose a difficulty for the Commission as well. Less conviction cases have disheartened the victims,” she said.
Phanbuh, on the other hand, mooted the idea of women taking part in traditional institutions, and said, “The District Council should come up with a law to give an opportunity to women to take part in traditional institutions.”