Editor,
Time and again a few columnists and this writer have highlighted the poor, pathetic roads condition along the scenic and beautiful eye-catching scenery along the way to Pynursla via- Laitlyngkot onwards to Mawlynnong and Dawki. People travelling from Shillong towards these important places have consistently grumbled about the pathetic national highway that should have been a breeze for visitors and locals alike but is gradually turning into a rock and roll journey minus the booze. The journey gets all the more tricky and dangerous during times when the entire highway becomes foggy and at times difficult to see while driving. This puts a question mark on the efficiency of the PWD office and the credibility of the contractors who have bagged contracts only to end up constructing shabby roads full of potholes. Another missing safety point is the absence of barriers and road reflectors along the middle and sides of the national highway. It is astonishing that the MLA from the area turns a blind eye to this in spite of being fully aware of the dangers that await the travelers along the entire stretch. Perhaps only when an unseen accident happens then maybe contractors who have been given their contracts with the blessings of the MLA would be held responsible and accountable for their carelessness.
Yours etc…
Dominic S.Wankhar,
Via email
Amused by Pala’s statement
Editor,
I was amused to read the news report, ‘”Pala sees no threat from NPP in Lok Sabha Polls” (ST Sep 12, 2018). Vincent Pala said in the report that people of Khasi-Jaintia Hills love the Congress Party and they preferred that the Congress should represent them in Parliament and that a common candidate for Lok Sabha from MDA partners is no threat at all to his Congress candidature. This statement of Vincent Pala is quite a tall claim and is also far- fetched. At the same time it reflects his arrogance. In an election anything can happen and no one can predict what exactly will be the outcome though many may dare the hazards. How does Vincent Pala know that this time the voters of Khasi-Jaintia Hills still love and like the Congress and will elect only the Congress Lok Sabha candidate and not the common candidate? Pala does not know what is in the minds of the people. He seems to be oblivious of the fact that there is a heavy anti- Pala mood among the Khasi-Jaintia people in both urban and rural areas. In fact, people are fed up with him and want a change. He might have given MPLADS to many beneficiaries but he has also denied many more and shown disparity to many who have applied for the Scheme. Moreover, he has been very unapproachable; does not receive telephone calls and cares very little for the lowly and marginalized. I do not know whether he can reform and rectify himself during these few months left before the next Lok Sabha elections.
Now regarding the issue of a common candidate, first of all it is good that Dr. Donkupar Roy, President of UDP, has flagged the issue of having a common candidate for Lok Sabha elections from the MDA alliance. I only hope that the MDA partners will consciously and judiciously decide to fructify this offer from Dr Roy. The common candidate will not only give Vincent Pala a good run for his money but he may also end up defeating Pala in the election. For, a common candidate from the MDA will be quite formidable especially if he is popular, well-known far and wide, unblemished and worthy of representing the people in the Lok Sabha. However, we do not know whether Pala will contest from the Congress or not in the first place for he is moving very fast how to scud new grounds for the upcoming election. Again, I wish to express here that if MDA partners can set up a common candidate both for 1-Shillong and 2-Tura Parliamentary Constituencies they stand a very good chance of winning both the seats. But if the BJP, NPP and the regional parties go on their own the Congress will have the last laugh.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via email
Is Decriminalizing 377 enough
Editor,
Are the statements issued by the Supreme Court regarding the LGBT community enough? Will now people who were once treated as sinners and were discriminated, be able to proudly lead a life of equality and acceptance? Above everything, will now every person in the country stop categorising and start considering the LGBT community? There was a huge celebration and appreciation after the decriminalization of Section 377. Indeed there were praises on this major decision, LGBT pride flags flew everywhere on social media. The decision taken by the Supreme Court truly deserves a lot of appreciation and acknowledgement but my question is, what difference does it make? Will every parent now onwards support the relationship (emotionally and sexually) that their kids have, without questioning and opposing? Will every person stop teasing and making fun of the choices people make? Will the LGBT community now live peacefully and happily? A lot of jokes and memes have been made in response to the decriminalization of Section 377. A lot of people have laughed and passed negative comments both on the decision and the LGBT community. I do not understand how the statements by the Supreme Court will ever make a difference when all that really needs to change is the narrow mindset of a few people, which i think is a greater criminal offense than Section 377 ever was.
Yours etc.,
Avantika Sharma,
Via email