Editor,
It is unfortunate that the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre has re-promulgated the triple talaq ordinance, making it a criminal offence just to gain political mileage. Without going into the merits and demerits of the Ordinance, what is disturbing is that Government has by-passed the parliamentary norms to achieve its objectives. The Government had earlier promulgated the Ordinance, but failed to table it in the Rajya Sabha for reasons best known to it. Further, there is no urgent need of this Ordinance that it cannot wait for a few months, when it could have been re-introduced in the Parliament, and debates and discussions could have taken place, in both Houses. This diversionary tactic of the Government has made a mockery of the parliamentary process. The Government may even go to the extent of issuing an Ordinance in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, in spite of severe protests in Assam and other parts of North East India, and opposition to it from many political parties. The acts of the NDA Government are condemnable to say the least.
Yours etc.,
A Bhuyan,
Via email
Pedestrians have rights
Editor,
Even the most optimistic person has to feel just a little less so when surveying the scenario in this city. It’s amazing that there is no authority that is able to remove vendors and hawkers from our pavements. The civic authorities do not seem to have an answer; only excuses. There is absolutely no regard for safety of school children, persons with disability and the elderly. Point being what is the purpose of pavements if not for walking?
Hawkers seem to multiply daily. In Laitumkhrah they sit from Police Point to Police Beat House. Hawkers and vendors are on both sides of the pavement and if there is any vacant spot beggars fill in, so where is the space for walking? Apart from infringing on our rights to freedom of movement they have completely taken away from persons with disabilities a barrier free environment which those working and advocating for persons with special needs are trying to create.
Only people who walk fully understand what a menace this lot is. The hawkers sit on the pavement watching videos on their mobile phones, while persons with disabilities, school children and the public have to like it or lump it. What a stage we have come to! Is this why we have a government?
Yours etc.,
Christine Nonghuloo
Via email
Give us back our footpaths!
Editor,
I read with great interest the exchange between Wankitbok Pohshna and Philip Marwein vis-à-vis the problem of footpaths in Laitumkhrah. The footpaths beginning from Police Point where a shop has literally been set up selling Naga shawls and shoes etc., to fish and vegetable vendors, have all taken over our footpaths. In simple terms, the footpath has literally been stolen from us and the MLA and MDC are silent onlookers because they no longer walk. They are busy people going around in cars and doing their politics. If they cared enough they would have completed the Laitumkhrah market in the way that the Polo market is being built today and these hawkers could have been given shops inside the building. Those who refuse to set up shops inside should be penalized.
However, I have one idea that I hope the shoppers who frequent Laitumkhrah market would agree. Let us not buy from the pavement hawkers and walk a few steps inside the market. That’s the only way that citizens can deal with this menace. If the residents of Laitumkhrah don’t lead the way, then those from outside the locality will find it difficult to step in. The problem of hawkers in Shillong has come to a point where in Police Bazar the main thoroughfare that was meant to be a pedestrians’ walk space has now become a full-fledged flea market. It is interesting that one of the hawkers even shouted pro-Pakistan slogans on Thursday leading to a melee. Thankfully no one was hurt. This could have escalated into a full fledged conflict in these sensitive times post the Pulwama terror attack. It also shows that many of these hawkers who spread themselves in Police Bazar are of doubtful identity but we seem to have lost the battle already. I wonder what will happen to Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah ten years from now. Perhaps we won’t be able to walk on the footpaths and will have to walk on the road and imperil out own lives. The price we pay for bad, corrupt governance and the mafiadom of the hawkers!
Yours etc.,
KL Diengdoh,
Via email