Editor,
The incident that happened on Thursday was really unfortunate. But thanks be to God there were no deaths otherwise heavens knows what the outcome would be as it can’t get any more worse than this. Prior to this incident, the past 2-3weeks I read in your esteemed daily that the law and order situation in this State had improved tremendously. Insurgency has dropped and the tourist inflows have increased. Yes in comparison with many states we are doing well and improving in all sectors. People are living in peace and harmony and respecting each other. We have grown and become broadminded knowing for the fact that we are inter-dependent on each other and one cannot live in isolation. The ugly turn of events of this fateful day caught us unawares especially the police department who were unprepared to handle such a situation which occur to an otherwise peaceful hill station.
The grave concern here is the aftermath of this issue which raises serious questions. Why is the situation going from bad to worse? Force is not the solution as it leads to more aggression. Why are the residents in the curfew bound areas held captive for 3 days and now still continuing? What about their basic amenities like food, medicines etc., especially families with children, toddlers and elderly? What is the Government doing? In fact when one recalls of similar situations that happened in the past, curfew never used to be continuous. It used to be relaxed for initially 2-4 hours and gradually increased as the situation gets better. However the irony is that, despite us being educated, modern and advanced, our authorities show their incapability to handle a situation.
It is time for the newly formed government to prove its metal. This issue poses serious consequences if it is not dealt with immediately. It is affecting all people-high and low. The economy and education is hit hard. People are feeling insecure. In fact the whole State is facing an uneasy calm for fear of what will happen next. It is time to act. The chair is not a comfort zone. Starting from the top, the Chief Minister should personally address the public to maintain calm and not resort to violence while assuring them of positive measures taken by his Government to bring back normalcy in the region. This will help a great deal to get back the confidence of the people and gradually calm the situation. The Home Minister as was shown in the media cannot be laid back and just simply talk on the backfoot at this time considering the gravity of the situation. He should be dynamic, talk boldly and show his capability to handle the law and order situation of the State effectively. Keeping all this in mind, MLA’s, bureaucrats, police, pressure groups, student leaders also have a vital role to play at this hour for they have a voice and an influence to curtail its members from resorting to violence. When all the big heads come into dialogue and discussion, no doubt a lasting positive solution will be arrived at and the region will experience peace once again.
Having said all that, such kind of instances happen, nobody can predict the future as are all humans. However, it should be nipped right at the bud and not allowed to be blown out of proportion as it has done today. We learn from our mistakes. Anywhere in the world, when the local populace is touched, things spiral. We are attached to the region and community we are born into. However, one must understand also that the world is becoming global. We all have our members’ working/studying/settled elsewhere outside our State. Keeping this in mind, a wise and clever decision should be taken for the welfare of the society as a whole.
Yours etc.,
Dr F Diengdoh,
Via email
Please relax mobile services
Editor,
Modern technologies like mobile phone services have become a necessity today. While the Digital India initiatives in our state are taking a boost especially in all the major sectors like banking, FMCG market, etc. As we all know, internet services including SMS in mobile networks were blocked by the Government since its speculates fake news material through social media at a lightning speed which may lead to further deterioration of law and order situation. As an android mobile user I am having three options of services available from the Mobile Service Providers; i.e. the mobile phone calls, the internet connectivity where I can browse the net including use of social media and the SMS facility. Of the three services, two had been blocked except mobile phone calls where everybody can make calls. I have no issue when the shopkeeper tells me that I cannot swipe my credit/debit card while paying the bills since ATM outlets are available vis-à-vis the non-availability of mobile internet services as they are all secondary needs to me. But what I am concerned about and which is also for the general interest of the public is the internet banking as most of the payment gateways insist on OTP (One Time Password) for the successful completion of the transaction.
In view of the above, may I request the authorities concerned through your esteemed daily to exempt the SMS facility in a single way only i.e. to receive messages such as OTP and others short message service sent by registered corporate vendors through their SMS server.
Yours etc.,
Anvil Lyngdoh.
Shillong – 4.