Editor,
Apropos the news report, “Tynsong slams Cong allegations of COVID-19 mismanagement” (ST Sept 24, 2020), while it is the mandate of the Opposition to keep the government on its toes, it doesn’t behove a national party like the Congress to make a habit of shooting in the dark. Every time Congress makes an allegation, I note, it is devoid of any details or it is simply vague and confusing. Before they shoot off their mouth, the Opposition should do their homework well. They must be able to convince the people at large that the Government has been caught on the wrong foot. But this seldom happens in our state.
The Opposition political leaders and MLAs belonging to their parties, are becoming irrelevant. Except for making occasional noises in the media, they have no existence whatsoever. Even when former Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma accused Conrad Sangma through your daily, he was bereft of any specific charge. To us observers, inefficiency cannot be a criminal offence. Efficiency is a relative term. Therefore, we don’t know as yet whether or not the present government has mismanaged the COVID situation. Looking at the figures and statistics there is no case for raising an alarm. If the charge is about monetary mismanagement, then the Opposition must say so. They should not take a broad swipe and be content that the media has given them space. Therefore, it is a fit case for the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to take umbrage over the blank fire of the Opposition. Tynsong is right. “No one is perfect”. Not even the Congress was perfect during the days it was in power. And Tynsong should know, having been part of that Government! Yours etc.,
- Majaw,
Via email
Time to return home!
Editor,
A month ago, after you published an article titled “Returning home: My Reconversion Story” by Shimtihun Lyngwa in these columns, the author became a subject of ridicule in Christian circles here but she has also become an internet sensation overnight; praised by thousands across the country for her bold and inspiring move to “return home”. Her article has been republished by a dozen RSS-run websites viewed by millions of readers worldwide.
Although a devout Christian, I cannot but confess that she is indeed right about how churches in Meghalaya have been lying to their members about a lot of things but more so, about the history of how Christianity came to this land, who we really are and what we should really be following. I know this because I am, myself the son of a preacher; and preachers in this self-professed “Christian State”, regardless of their theological flavour are fablers.
I have known a number of pastors and missionaries in my lifetime. Almost without exception, these men of God, at one time or another have told unfounded stories to their church members. Now, this doesn’t mean that they set out to deliberately obfuscate or deceive — though some did — but the fact remains these so-called men of God played loose with the truth.
One way preachers like my father did disservice, is by withholding the truth. On Sundays, pastors stand and preach, giving church members “their version” of truth, but not the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, because they have an unstated agenda. This is sad but true. And make no mistake about it, there’s little difference between my father and the preacher down at PotterNet Ministries. Preachers are salesmen with products to sell, and the goal of a well-crafted sermon is to get hearers to sign on the dotted line.
Christians may not like me (being from a rigidly Christianized family) saying all this. But it’s true. And the truth should be told. I have been lied to all my life; so I, like Shimtihun Lyngwa have decided to return home before it’s too late.
Yours etc.,
Pascal Lyngdoh,
Jowai
Havoc caused by incessant rains
Editor,
Last week incessant rains have created havoc in the entire state. Roads were either washed away or blocked with piles of soil and boulders. Culvert and bridges were damaged or destroyed. Pipelines which supply drinking water to households were either damaged or snapped. All these have created problems not only to villagers but also to city dwellers. The natural calamity has also cost the Government Departments especially PWD and PHE dearly. The PWD must be very busy in restoring road connectivity and the PHE in restoration of water supply. I take this opportunity to thank the PHE for restoring the water supply from Umkhen in little more than a week’s time. My request to the Shillong Municipality is to deploy their water tankers so as to minimise the water problems in such times of crisis. I also express my grief and condolences to the families that have lost their dear ones in last week’s incident.
Yours etc.,
Elisha Sweety Syiemiong,
Via email