Editor,
In our state the numbers of rape cases leading to murders have been awaiting verdicts for several years. The newspapers too don’t follow up these cases beyond a point. The fact that cases between tribals are transferred to the District Councils courts makes matters worse. The District Council courts hardly function and cases drag on for years. What then is the point of observing this one day in our lives when every day our women and girl-children are subjected to such terrifying experiences? There are also not enough NGOs to follow up these cases since most of the victims are poor and without any support system. When will these victims of rape ever get justice? Those who survive live their lives in agony without counseling and healing. I often wonder what their future will be like especially when they are raped at a tender age. And the worst part is that Meghalaya is known for its matrilineal tradition. This is the irony that women here live with and as a woman I feel this pain too. Who will take up the cause of raped victims? And please don’t ask me to call them survivors because they can never really survive the pain and hurt of being raped.
Yours etc.,
D Lyngdoh,
Via email
Women and men are equal
Editor,
This refers to your thought-provoking article “Musical colour of a woman” By Cassandra Syiemlieh (March 8, 2019). Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Intellectually, mentally, and spiritually, woman is equivalent to a male and she can participate in every activity.” International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
Every year we celebrate International Women’s Day” but we find that crime against women seem to be increasing at an alarming rate. Crime is endemic to the human condition, but a crime specifically directed at one sex is most despicable and unfortunately, the one that is punished least. It is found that the media exposure and all the legislations have little impact.
It is time for women to introspect on their positive and negative attitude towards life. It is the time for them to pat themselves on their back for some of their achievements in that whole year. The road is lengthy and they have to travel steadfastly to achieve freedom in all walks of life. No longer is the “hand that rocks the cradle” the only womanly hand that rules the world.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad
Aam Aadmi Party directionless
Editor,
If there has been one big political disappointment in India in the recent past, it has been the rise and fall of the Aam Aadmi Party and its legendary leaders. AAP was supported and quoted even in international media as a party with difference, high morality and monumental expectations. The party has failed miserably in achieving all major electoral promises, in fights and controversies with relentless intra and inter party clashes. These have weakened its support base among ordinary voters as well as amongst political analysts of all color and dynamics. The party head always seems to be confused in taking any major decision(s) independently or democratically and has neither direction nor future plan as to what it actually wants to achieve for the people of India. CM Kejriwal can read the writing on the wall and foresee a mass electoral defeat without collective support and seat sharing with other parties. That an individual who was so vocal regarding the monumental corruption of Congress is today hesitating to decide whether or not to go with that same party in the forthcoming election is an absolute shame! The only success and focus of the party and its leaders have been in participating in spicy television debates with no credibility or accountability towards its voters.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu,
Lethbridge AB Canada
Shillong DC’s office needs a clean-up
Editor,
Through your daily I wish to formally lodge my complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, that the lavatories in that office are emanating a stench that pervades the entire corridor. Moreover, they are ill and shabbily maintained wherever they exist. The office rooms and corridors are dirty and in shambles. Papers and files are strewn everywhere and the office premises and surrounding are dirty and filthy. This does not speak well of the dignity of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. This important public office is frequented by members of the public. It is sad to note, that no toilet facilities are being provided for them. To address this issue, may I suggest that a dedicated officer be put in-charge of cleanliness so that proper cleaning and maintenance of toilets at the office is regularly and meticulously done. This will also put an end to the stench which these toilets emanate at present which is also a health hazard. I therefore, earnestly appeal to the present DC to address these issues on a priority basis.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via-Email