Editor,
Apropos the letter “On Hindu Mission” (ST, Aug 4, 2017), in the same tone and term of the writer, I reaffirm that no good man will ever “malign” any sacred institution. Perhaps the writer has not understood the content of my letter- “Vulgar roar of Hindu Mission” (ST, July 24, 2017) Being an ardent follower of the spiritual values, I have just spoken out what glaring aberrations I have noticed over the years. Moreover, it is morally and spiritually wrong to speak against any institution. However, if a hallowed institution starts to depart from the set values and becomes a bane to others around then the management should not expect the public to shut its mouth either. Should the management not be extra careful not to let anyone desecrate its premises and disturb others? I also reiterate — the holy objective of the “Hindu Mission” is to uphold “Dharma” and not “adharma” (irreligiosity). The morning devotees at the gate should be greeted by the holy ambiance, not by empty liquor bottles thrown away by the party revellers, which I have seen a number of times with my own eyes in the past. Frankly speaking, the blasts of waywardness should not “silence” the whisper of Vedic hymns. This sacred institution should propagate Yoga (way to God), not “bhoga” – way to social degeneration, and disturb the residents in the locality.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Via email
Whither police discipline?
Editor,
At the best of times the job of a Police Officer falls in the category of “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” They are expected to rush into a dangerous situation, make split second decisions and be right at most times. On the rare occasions when they don’t get it right, they are castigated, disgraced and prosecuted. A cop’s life hinges on judgement calls. And often the difference between taking the right decision in a couple of seconds can mean the difference between life and death, not only of their own but of the lives of innocents in the proximity of a crime scene.
I was brought up to respect the men in uniform and I do to this day. If a cop flashes his lights, I pull over; if he asks me for my credentials I hand them over; if he asks me where I am going, I tell them. Cooperating with law enforcement officers goes a long way in defusing a potentially volatile situation, and just about all incidents that end badly could have been avoided with a little common courtesy of being polite, answering questions and not resisting arrest should that be warranted. If one looks at most incidents one will find that a belligerent attitude, a threatening statement or movement or the influence of drugs or alcohol are the catalysts. This was perhaps the case with Dr. Sandipan Roy P. Marak and his alcohol-induced cronies who were arrested and later released (from the Shillong Bye Pass by Police Patrol squad.)
Much has been written on social media feeds in Garo Hills by those denouncing the Doctor’s arrest. Some have even castigated the Lady S.I. of the Police Department who was performing her duty on that day. If you live in a system of zero tolerance then even one bottle of beer resulting in a fender-bender, is a crime! It is difficult to understand our people’s mindset and the easy going approach to drinking and driving or drinking before driving! What is beyond the realm of reason is the equation between driving under the influence of alcohol and the sense of power and macho that goes with it. I am amazed when friends think nothing of decanting themselves into their cars after a drink and drive party. It is an accepted social conduct. They even blithely invite you into the vehicle mocking your cowardice for refusing to sit with them. Just have a talk with the relatives of those killed under the wheels of vehicles; someone who was not party to your decision to drink and drive?
If your children are below age and you gave them the keys to the cars the parents are equally guilty. If your progeny are drinking under the legal age the parents should be held guilty. Same should be applicable to the pedestrians drinking and stumbling along who should be treated like drunken drivers because they can ruin a sober driver’s life.
Now, let’s come back to the social media feed/ posted by the sister of the “Arrested Doctor” where she tagged several people including a prominent media personality based in Tura. She has posted in Garo her version of the story where she spewed venom against Police and the media for arresting and publishing the news item respectively and attacking those who circulated the published photographs. Dr. Sandipan’s sister justifies that what her brother was doing was something normal. He was just having fun celebrating his friend’s birthday drinking on the Highway with the minor girls ( Minor girls or mechik bisarang in Garo; his sister’s comments). She justifies further by saying that every one drinks at wedding parties and birthday parties, no big deal! (?). Well, nobody’s stopping Dr. Sandipan from drinking or having a good time. He is a mature, educated man, so long he does so within the confines of his home or some enclosed party gatherings but definitely not on the Highway! That’s illegal! There is a reason why Government shut down all liquor shops on National Highways.
Dr Sandipan’s sister also pointed out in her newsfeed that some of those girls who were arrested were from high profile families. Now, who are these high profile personalities? She goes on to say that it was one very high profile personality who works in the Police Department who called up the Police station, so it was in retaliation that the Police Department circulated the photographs to the media. Was this so called high profile personality trying to stall/stop the arrest? Let me tell you, sister of the “arrested doctor”, These high profile personalities are not above law! Law is applicable to every citizen. Be it the cobbler’s son or the grand-daughter of the ex-Chief Minister of the State!
The second interesting comment on the newsfeed of the sister of the arrested Doctor that caught my attention was, from a police officer. The lady Addl. S.P. of SF-10, Ms Aprillish Sangma, had the audacity to call the Lady S.I.(who was on duty that day) names that no sane, decent, respectable officer would ever utter against her subordinate or anyone for that matter. She called her a “bitch” a “ghatia” ” classless” and someone who has “no ethics”. Now look who’s talking! Surely the lady S.I’s silence can sometimes be the most eloquent reply!.
The Addl. SP, Ms Aprillish Sangma, instead of walking a neutral line, implied that the Police was acting stupidly. She took an anti Police stance and implied that the cops were guilty of some wrongdoing even before the facts are fully known or vetted by the court. This in turn gives the anti- police faction some grist. The appropriate thing to do would be to summon the lady Addl. SP and take her to task, by calling her before the Disciplinary Committee.
Yours etc.,
Hedrington Sangma,
Dakopgre,
Tura. .