Editor,
There is chaos everywhere as a result of the pandemic, particularly for those stranded outside their home state. However, in the midst of this chaos, there is a story of hope which needs to be told. While the train journey from Delhi to Guwahati was horrendous, this was more than made up by the treatment we received from the time we were picked up at the Guwahati Railway Station up until this day. The service delivery system has been swift and systematic. It seems to me that everyone involved in the pick-up from Guwahati Railway station and the quarantine process is well prepared and experienced. Each person involved in the processes has been clearly briefed regarding their roles and knows precisely what their duties are.
On our arrival in Meghalaya we were quarantined in a government observation centre for close observation until the declaration of our screening test results. My experience at the quarantine centre was very pleasant and I enjoyed the services rendered by the centre (who doesn’t enjoy good warm food at regular intervals without the pangs of manual labour?!). In a nutshell, the quarantine centre was clean, well maintained; the food was excellent and service was prompt. The Meghalaya government took complete responsibility from the moment of our arrival at Guwahati right up to the declaration of our test results and thereafter, dropping each one of us at our homes, and all of this free of cost!
What was even more heartening was to see the community’s active involvement in combating COVID 19 in the state alongside government officials and volunteers. This responsibility is extended to the community through the headmen and their associates who proactively engaged themselves in assessing and inspecting the houses of those who opt for home quarantine. The headmen then invite a team comprising the Block Development Officer (BDO) and a designated doctor for final inspection of the houses and together give due approval if the criteria are met. The ASHA workers and a designated doctor make regular home visits to check on those being quarantined at home. This responsibility is also vested with the village headman and his associates who strictly monitor things. I would also like to highlight that I have not been to the community quarantine centre which is again taken care of by the community but got positive response as well from here.
Given the unpredictable weather conditions in Shillong, the workers faced them all bravely, be it in the day, late night or early in the morning. They are always there. It bears mention that some of them are posted outdoors, so we can imagine the pain they bear. I could see the dedication of each and everyone involved, right from the house keeping staff, the security personnel, the sanitation workers, those in charge of transportation and registration to the nurses, doctors and of course the leadership of those in Government which is reflected through these staff. I know that I haven’t mentioned everything and missed out many important key players who work behind the scene but these are some of my experiences so far with the staff I have encountered. Having been a beneficiary of this Government service, I have nothing to offer but my gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work put in, together in this fight against COVID 19 by the entire team. Thank you, God Bless Meghalaya!
Yours etc.,
Baiarbha Massar
A returnee from Delhi
Christianity and Covid
Editor,
Two recent pieces in The Shillong Times, “Of God and Caesar” by HH Mohrmen (June 2, 2020) and “A Prayer that Agitates” by UD Tmar (June 4, 2020) should be read side by side. The latter is heavy with Biblical verses and doctrinal injunctions. The conflation of these quotes, with simplistic explanations of the overlap of religion and politics hardly relate to the matter at hand.
First of all, it is pointless to speculate on the MLA’s motives. His views and practice of religion is his personal space, to which he is fully entitled. As a representative of the people we are only concerned with his secular service consistent with his assigned political role.Secondly, this issue has got nothing to do with the existence or absence of God, and certainly cannot be covered in two paragraphs. A complete library will not give us an answer.
On the other hand, the article by HH Mohrmen presents an articulate analysis of the incident in the Assembly. He begins by probing the political propensities which lead to such events. After quoting the statement on the floor of the legislature he proceeds to dismantle its argument, on both societal and religious grounds. He brings in a cultural context to conclude that while Christianity is a religion of compassion, it has hurt the sentiments of many in the state of Meghalaya.
Each function of society has its own location of orderly practice, be it education, health or the stock exchange. Imagine the disturbance to parliament if Muslims start praying, Hindus perform pujas and Sikhs and Parsis read loudly from their holy books. Parliament and legislatures must proceed in their own proper protocols.
There are some Christians in our community who have espoused a misplaced connection between Christianity and Covid. One sees these comments in social media posts. Particularly damaging are the statements that discriminate already marginalised sections. In the deaths of poor labourers, destitute women and innocent children are we really seeing the curse of God?How can that be part of a gospel of compassion?
The history of pandemics shows us that separation of religion from rational practice is a good policy. England, in the Middle Ages, experienced several outbreaks of the plague. When deaths surpassed thirty in any town, they banned assemblies, feasts, archery contests, and other mass gatherings. Since it was believed that it was impossible to become infected during the act of worship, church services were not included in the ban, leading to fresh cases.
In a secular, democratic country and in any enlightened society, especially a multi-faith community, religion should not become spectacle. There are Biblical injunctions against that. There are also 93 verses in the Bible that advocate praying in private.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor
Via email
A despotic State Govt
Editor,
In no other state but Meghalaya do we see the Govt. (specifically under the leadership of Mr. P. Tynsong) snatching away the powers and functions of the Deputy Commissioners (DCs). The DCs are responsible for the general administration in the district. But it is the opposite in Meghalaya. In no other state has the role of the DCs been confiscated by the State Govt., except in Meghalaya. The CM is hiding, and afraid to take up important decisions relating to sensitive issues of the people of Meghalaya. Where is he? Why is the Deputy CM always briefing the media? Who is to be blamed? Mr CM please take responsibility and accountability for what is happening and will happen, in the State. Many announcements made publicly by the Deputy CM are in contradiction to the notice published by the DCs. What is this? The public are in confusion and chaos. Whose notifications will they follow? What is wrong, Mr. CM? The Deputy CM and the cabinet ministers seem to have no little respect even for the Union Home Ministry. Several announcements made by them happened before the decisions of the central govt (MHA) were communicated here. This Govt. is essentially despotic and lacks seriousness and the art of governance. The State Govt entirely ignores and overlooks the people, the Dorbar Shnong, DCs, and the Union Home Ministry. Where are we heading?
Yours etc.,
Batskhem Mawlein
Shillong- 02