Editor,
On July 14, I watched a news item on a local TV channel showing the dorbar authorities of Umiam Khwan opposing the permission granted by the District Authorities for holding two wedding receptions on July 16 and 25 at Ri Kynjai Resort. The fears and apprehensions of the Durbar are understandable considering what happened in the aftermath of the Khanapara wedding reception disaster. I, for one am very doubtful that the protocols as prescribed would be followed in letter and spirit at those receptions as many of us common people have experienced first hand the impunity with which VIPs or their relatives flout the laws for they know that those who enforce the laws are also VIPs who will look the other way when laws are broken.
Just recently suspicions were raised when the Government refused to divulge the contents of a Magisterial Enquiry Report lest the names of erring officers came to light. Journalists who had the temerity of insisting on answers had to bear the brunt of the Government spokesperson’s ire. Hence there is an atmosphere of mistrust of the Government as far as its handling of the Covid crisis is concerned and rightly so. In this regard, I have a humble suggestion to make. Allow the Dorbar Shnongs to co-monitor private social events so that some trust is restored in the present confusing situation.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Steps to reduce Covid infection
Editor,
In view of the alarming increase in number of Covid positive infection in the State and Shillong in particular, Government would do well to resort to area wise sanitisation and fogging to constrain the disease to some extent. Even during lockdown people are roaming unhindered without following the due protocols and Standard Operation Procedure (SOP). Other than during the lockdown period, strict maintenance of protocols should be followed. The police patrol party in each area should be authorized to take punitive action against people who are not observing the advisories and protocols. It has been observed that warnings alone won’t serve the purpose and instead heavy fines should be imposed so that the offenders will think twice before defying advisories and protocols.
The above are some suggestions to contain the spread of the Covid19 pandemic. The areas from where the highest number of cases are reported should be made Containment Zones so as not to affect the normal life of the general citizens during the lockdown.
Yours etc.,
S L Singhania,
Via email
Press Freedom not a License to ‘Kill’
Editor,
We are very fortunate to be living in India where we enjoy the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press where we can freely express our thoughts and our opinions unlike in many of our neighbouring countries where press freedom is restricted to a great extent and in some countries, non- existent altogether. But this freedom of the press should not be taken for granted as a license to ‘kill’ i.e. to incite, to defame, to ridicule , to pass judgment and so on or to take the role of a judge, jury and executioner. This includes the press all over India and in fact all over the world, where we often hear and read about the term, ‘trial by the media’ which goes far beyond it’s jurisdiction.
As the fourth pillar of Democracy, the role of the press to investigate, to inform and to educate is very important for ensuring a vibrant democracy. And together with the Right to Information Act (RTI) to help follow-up it’s investigation, a free press can make sure that cases of instant justice through fake encounters can eventually be prevented, because in the eyes of the law an individual is innocent until proven guilty and when proven guilty, to deliver punishment according to law.
Yours etc.,
Michael N Syiem,
Via email