By Headingson Ryntathiang
I am one of the closest uncles of (late) Dr John Sailo Ryntathiang. Through this small write-up, I would like to convey the feelings of the family on the affairs concerning his demise and the tragic episode surrounding the disposal of his mortal remains.
Many of you who read this are aware of the march of events that I am talking about. First and foremost, I call on everyone that now is the right time to put an end to the blame game and the finger pointing that has surrounded the confusion and hardships that the family has had to face concerning the earlier attempts to either bury or cremate the mortal remains of our illustrious and beloved family member. It is my strong belief that unless we forgive and forget, and put this sorry episode behind us, a permanent scar would remain, along with the accompanying bad blood amongst those involved. It would be comparable to a new, more deadly virus in our society.
As a family that is still mourning the loss and grieving, we would certainly not like to see anything that would tarnish the good name of Dr Sailo as he is affectionately known by one and all.
It is true that we were deeply hurt by the events that unfolded on those fateful days that we, as a family, could never have imagined or anticipated.The situation became even more intolerable when our family was confronted by another trauma – that members of the family were infected by the same virus that took the life of Dr Sailo.
On hindsight, we could see that the reaction of the communities involved to deny the burial/cremation of the remains could be explained by ignorance, and this fact was mentioned by some community leaders after the events. Even the Government was caught on the wrong foot, perhaps because this was the first of its kind fatality from Covid 19 in the state, and also because it happened so suddenly and unexpectedly, catching everyone by surprise.
Again on hindsight, I feel that the unfolding of events was not an accident but divine intervention to highlight and bring out more starkly, the sterling qualities of our illustrious doctor, both as an exceptional human being and a healer who was passionate about his calling to serve humanity with such distinction and dedication. The planned burial/ cremation would have taken place uneventfully and quietly, soon to be forgotten. As it happened, the events that took place, though a little morbid, had edged the memory of Dr Sailo deep into our collective consciousness, not to be forgotten for a long time.
At this point in time, my appeal to one and all is for each one of you to plead with merciful God through prayers and intercessions on behalf of the family members who are struggling with this infection, that divine mercy would prevail and for healing powers to descend upon them from heaven above. Please also pray that in His mercy, our beloved state would be spared the scourge of this plague.
On behalf of the family and the Kur Ryntathiang, I hereby convey our thanks and gratitude to the Chief Minister and his administration including the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills the magistrates, the police department, the Health department, NEIGHRIMS and its director, doctors, nurses and staff, the local authorities of several localities in Shillong, the staff of SMB for all that they have done with dedication to assist us at this time of need.
A special gratitude to the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church who made the first offer to provide burial space for the mortal remains in their church cemetery, and the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church in whose cemetery the burial of the body of late Dr Sailo finally took place. Our gratitude to many other churches and denominations who conveyed their offers including the dorbar Shnong Mawryngkneng, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the COJ Church, the Catholic Church and many others.
I also convey our thanks to all the near and dear ones, innumerable relatives and friends from near and far who grieved and mourned with the family and supported them in this time of need, and who, because of the lockdown, were unable to be present in person. Your prayers and support were a source of strength to us.
Thank you, Rev. Tynsong and the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church for your invaluable service rendered. Because of you, our dear one was laid to rest with all the rites that we cherish. And thank you Rev Lyndan Syiem for your presence and for your words of solace and encouragement that touched the hearts of everyone.
Thank you, and God bless you all.