Editor,
Covid19 is spreading like wildfire. Unfortunately, the number of cases in Meghalaya are also spiking up new cases every day. According to medical ethics, Government cannot reveal the names of those testing Covid- positive but many on social media feel that names should be revealed in order to help high risk contacts to get themselves tested. Recently Meban Wahlang from Jaiaw revealed that he tested Covid-positive. That was followed by Shianivia Wahlang who also revealed via social media that she had tested positive for Covid19. In her interview with a news reporter, she said that she is normal and not in any danger. The reason she revealed that she had tested Covid- positive was to help people to avoid unnecessary fear and anxiety. In fact, in the press conference a few days back, Dr Aman War (DHS) said that a patient who reveals his/her Covid status is to be appreciated.
The above two people are a great example to the rest of us. Others should follow this brave example.
Yours etc.,
Aiborlang Nongsiej
Shillong -8
(II)
Editor,
While the debate is still raging about whether the Government should disclose the names of those who have tested COVID – 19 positive, it was indeed gratifying to read of one, Meban Rider who posted on his Facebook page that he had tested positive and is concerned about people who may have come in contact with him since July 19 last. He requested those contacts to isolate themselves and also get tested. Added to this is the fact that he was cautious enough to take precautions of not exposing himself. I take this opportunity to salute Meban and pray for his speedy recovery. Certainly there are mixed feelings about how a person who has tested positive may be perceived by others. As the disease is highly contagious and no cure has been found yet, people are anxious and fearful. The fear that haunts us the most is that of stigmatisation. As a society and as human beings we tend to be judgmental about almost everything. Hence the fear of being looked at differently, being sneered at and being shunned is very real especially in times like these. Thus, to simply come out in the open to declare to the world that one has been infected by this virus demands a lot of courage.
A person who is able to do that is selfless and generous and one who sees his existence as important but is also respectful of the lives of his fellow human beings which he sees as equally important. Therefore this young man decides to tell the world the state of his health, to caution and safeguard others. I am jubilant to see that fellow feeling and humanity is still alive in some good souls today. While there isn’t and there cannot be any ill-feeling about those who have not revealed their identity before the general public, one is sure that in their hearts all that they want is not only to be cured but the safety of all especially their near and dear ones. These are very hard times for all of us so let us individually fight COVID 19 together!
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
ST Reporters: Real Covid heroes
Editor,
I wish to applaud the efforts of ST reporters who have been alleviating the ailment of the underprivileged – from informing local authorities about the plight of poor families, to bringing out ration card discrimination in Madanrting to informing the women stone breakers of Sohra about Government aid.
May your conscientious efforts bear fruit.
Yours etc.,
Lunn T,
Via email
Honour the whistle-blowers
Editor,
Apropos the article “Dark Side of Whistleblowing in Meghalaya”, (ST Jul 25, 2020) by J. Sahkhar, there’s a fierce campaign on social media stressing the need to honour whistleblowers in Meghalaya with an ‘Integrity Award’. The motive behind the idea, netizens say, is essentially to provide for the families of those heroes such as (L) Ïohbianghun Sahkhar who make the ultimate sacrifice and end up disabled or diseased as a result of their bravery. The idea has some people feeling it will encourage good virtues and improve the sense of responsibility in today’s indifferent social environment.
Moreover, it also shows that the society will never forget those who stand up bravely for the greater good of the general public. The question emanated from the article is ‘Can people in power get away with murder? We all like to complain about frivolous lawsuits, corrupt lawyers, ignorant judges, and lenient sentencing. Most of us probably accept that the justice system in Meghalaya works reasonably well, but occasionally, a case comes along that’s so ridiculous and unfair that it makes you want to tear the whole thing down. There is no doubt that our country is yet to get rid of the VIP culture, but the question here is that many belonging to the ruling class have criminal cases against them; few with serious charges and yet they are able to go scot-free.
Articles and letters appearing on this page are the views of the writers/authors and not that of The Shillong Times However, despite cases against them, only a few get convicted on serious charges; and that after years of lengthy court proceedings. Many are acquitted in absence of solid evidence and they even get accepted in mainstream politics and head lucrative government departments while the dark history of a criminal record is buried deep in the grave of past.
The article has also sparked a debate about the pending Whistle Blowers Protection Act. People have questioned the Modi government for not operationalising the law. The Act, which provides for a statutory framework for concealing the identity of whistle-blowers and protecting them against victimisation, was passed by Parliament in 2014 at the end of the UPA government but was not operationalised as the rules were not framed and the date of the Act coming into force was not notified. It is unfortunate that the Government has failed to implement the Act, which is an integral part of any effective anti-corruption framework.
The failure of the government to operationalise and implement the law has undermined the will of Parliament to provide statutory protection to whistle-blowers. In the struggle for transparency and accountability, whistle-blowers play an invaluable role. Increasingly, policymakers, media outlets, and many types of civil society organizations recognize the value whistle-blowers provide and the need to protect and honour them. Unfortunately, despite increasing efforts in many jurisdictions, whistle-blowers still fear retaliation and worry about whether their concerns will be addressed.
Yours etc,
Shimtihun Lyngwa
Shillong – 8