Editor,
I would like to bring to your kind attention a severe lapse, perhaps intentional or otherwise by the Marshal of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly during the recent funeral proceedings of the Honourable Speaker, Dr Donkupar Roy who died in harness. Those of us who are aware and well versed in Parliamentary Procedures and Conventions, know that in Parliament and the States the Marshal is the keeper and protector of Decorum and Discipline in the August House and that is why the Marshal sits next to the Speaker during the Assembly sessions. He is akin to the Aide-de-Camp of the President and Governors. Now this brings me to the recent unprecedented events during the days following Dr. Donkupar Roy’s demise. As a sitting legislator, Late Dr. Roy was entitled to a State Funeral as arranged by the Executive wing of the Government. However, as Head of the State Legislature he was also to be honoured by the Office of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly by the Marshal giving a Guard of Honour during the last journey from the airport to the residence. The Marshal should also have accompanied the mortal remains to Sohra and to stand as Guard of Honour during the funeral ceremonies all of which never happened.
This alleged lapse must have happened either because none in the Office was aware of such Convention, or it may have been intentional, in which case it is a clear case of disrespect and dishonour to the memory of the late Dr Roy. Perhaps the Privileges Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly should inquire into this matter.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Hope of peace in J&K?
Editor,
It is indeed very sad that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense following terror threat and flaring up of hostilities with Pakistan along the Line of Control. The J&K Home department on Friday asked Amarnath pilgrims and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley in view of the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra. The advisory set off panic among the thousands of holiday-makers and pilgrims, who quickly started leaving the Valley in whatever transport was available to them. On the other hand, the anxious residents were out on a buying spree to stock on essentials even standing in serpentine queues outside shops and fuel stations.
It is also even most unfortunate that the people in Jammu and Kashmir are destined to live in constant fear due to terror threats. People cannot enjoy their freedom in its purest form while being constantly concerned about their safety because anything can happen to them. The state has been passing through such tense situations for decades. Known as the paradise on earth and the top most tourist destination of India, Kashmir Valley is famous for its landscapes, the Himalayas, nature, snow, greenery and more. The state can be converted into a real paradise with comprehensive planning. Millions of tourists from outside and inside India would flow into this state to enjoy its varied beauties if there is peace in the state. Where there is peace progress will reign. So, people must come forward voluntarily to wipe out terrorism from the soil of the state.
Now with the Central government decision repealing Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to J&K, the situation is going to be changed in the state for the better. In this context, Pakistan’s statement condemning and rejecting the announcements made by the Indian Government regarding the Indian occupied J&K is unwarranted. They have no business at all in our internal affairs. It is hoped that the new move of the Central Government would bring in peace and prosperity in the state.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email
Dismemberment of Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh
Editor,
The nation is stunned by the sudden turn of events in Jammu and Kashmir. Monday is a black day for the people of Kashmir, but for the Kashmiri Pandits its celebration time. They feel they have been vindicated after years of subjugation since they were driven out of the valley. While we all knew that something was brewing in Jammu & Kashmir, none anticipated that the NDA Government would set in motion its electoral promise of doing away with Article 370 in a manner that reeks of complete disregard for the manner in which the state of Jammu and Kashmir was created. And it is a reflection of things in that state that no one really cares about what the people of Ladakh feel about this new status. All the noise across the country is all about Kashmiris and how they feel and what this abrogation of 370 and with it Article 35 would mean to them.
It is a known fact that the people of Ladakh have been expressing their sense of claustrophobia about being an appendix of J&K. They had been demanding a Union Territory status because they feel that all development funds are concentrated in the Kashmir valley. The Ladakhis in fact wanted an outlet that connects them to the outside world without having to rely on Kashmir. So all is not hunky dory in that state and it is also a fact that for decades only the rulers of Kashmir have lived like monarchs and enjoyed the fruits of development while ordinary Kashmiris suffer the agony of living in a troubled state that is heavily militarized. They are caught between the militants on one side and the Indian state in the form of the Indian military on the other. What happens to the newly created Union Territory now is a drama that will soon unfold. On social media people are celebrating the loss of special status to J&K because they feel that has prevented the integration of the people of that state with India.
One thing is for sure. The BJP-led NDA is going to fulfill it’s electoral promises one by one. The next move will be the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).
Yours etc.,
JS Dwivedi,
Via email