By Aristotle Lyngdoh
Last Saturday road accident near Raj Bhavan that killed two innocent lives is a negative outcome of e-governance. And the drama at Mylliem protesting against the cremation is a rare occasion and perhaps the first time ever in the history of Khasi society. This is because the Dorbar Shnong of Mylliem in particular has failed to keep the tradition to uphold the consensus and support usually rendered by the Dorbar to the bereaved family members especially in the process of assisting in disposing off the dead body through burial or cremation as usually done from time to time and from place to place in our society. It is very sad to see how an agitated protest was organised in a funeral or cremation day by few persons who dared to cross the boundaries of decency just because of their personal sentiments. No matter how grievous the situation is, it should have been sorted out quietly within the level of the Dorbar Shnong. And for this purpose I think the Dorbar Shnong has failed because it could not adhere to the principles of being apolitical and non-sectarian institution any longer.
Let us not forget that the dead are still a priority and evoke a respect irrespective of which religious sect they belong to. This is the essence of Khasi society and culture up to the present. The apathy and pathetic behavior of the Dorbar may perhaps have paved the way for such incidents. Dorbar shnong exists for the purpose of instilling confidence and harmony in the community, to become a solution and not a party to a conflict. But this role has eroded over the years especially in rural areas and outskirts of Shillong town because the Rangbah Shnong, Secretary and Rangbah Dong are overtaken by issues that have monetary value rather than the welfare of the community. But my congratulation goes to the District Administration and police for acting at the right time and leaving no stone unturned to bring understanding among the warring parties which in fact could have been settled within the level of the village dorbar because this is their internal matter.
This same paradigm also operated in the government functioning otherwise those two lives would have never been crushed under the tree. This is all because the spirit and mission of e-governance (Electronic-Governance) has not been internalized robustly in order to converge and achieve the purpose of effective-governance. The nonchalant attitude of many of the functionaries to keep pace with the speed of technology has crippled almost every good purpose of governance. Further, this incidence clearly indicates the failure of the entire governmental machinery to protect the lives of its citizens. This episode should be blamed on the functionaries who handle their respective roles. This is not just a co-incidence or mishap of a single time but has happened twice during this season in that area. The first incident was a warning but the authorities concerned took no interest. The causes for this are interconnected but it can be avoided if proper efforts are taken up by authorities concerned (not only to warn pedestrians and commuters). This is a clear case of negligence by the authorities which led to this unpleasant situation.
The big apprehension before everyone now is whether it is safe to travel by road or on foot in any part of the city or town especially during the monsoons with so many trees around us. What credit should the government claim when its very own citizens are living in uncertainties? And these painful situations and regrets are what we citizens are reaping because those who are elected and entrusted with the mandate to govern ended up only in directing and steering their personal businesses for their futuristic scope.
The head of the state or government may term the incident as unfortunate but he should also remember that mere compensation will never substitute the loss of a precious life from a household. One can imagine what would happen if such an incident had to befall on any of the constitutional heads such as the Governor, the Chief Minister or Judges of the High Court? Let the people answer this question.
It is very stupid to see officials being pressed into action only after a tragedy has occurred. However, let’s hope that it is done judiciously. Are there no brains in the government agency to think ahead in terms of preventing mishaps or havoc of any kind? The forest department has its own management skills and scope and I think the impact assessment section should be given more responsibility and liberty to address any issues of possible damage from any quarters such as trees, quarries, mining, etc.
The government has failed to protect lives and property which is constitutionally a primary role and therefore it has no moral right to claim to be a government for the people. The Disaster Management wing of the state too has failed to perform its appropriate duty vis-à-vis that unfortunate situation. As already mentioned this is not the first time that trees have been uprooted, hence there should have been a thorough inspection of trees along the roadside. This wing should have pointed out to the government the impeding dangers from such gigantic trees coming crashing down. They are not employed for the sake of employment and to wait for a disaster to occur so that they can be in operation. It is here that Disaster Management should rediscover itself and redefine its scope for the larger interest. Disaster management is not a debris management but a better and meaningful management for preventing disaster and/or reducing its impact and also to minimize the damage caused. This can only happen if the disaster wing moves ahead by scouting and identifying the vulnerability and grey areas of any kind and to swiftly recommend immediate action. Then it is the duty of the government how to roll out such action.
It’s high time that we come up with a permanent solution to these problems of landslides, floods and other calamities. And this is the primary responsibility of the government. These are great lessons that as a state and community we should learn from now onwards so that each and every home can enjoy the outcome of good and effective governance. Dorbar Shnong should exhibit a higher standard of integrity and rise above any political, religious or personal sentiment. They should exhibit sincerity and straight forwardness so that all sections of society can repose their faith on these institutions. It may be an assumption that Khasis belonging to the indigenous faith do not have any more faith in the present Khasi Dorbar because they do not function on the principles of righteousness and truth. But it is also a challenge for the local dorbar if it wants to keep the equality and unity of the community intact.