Editor,
I am immensely delighted to read the statement of ex-KSU president and current politician Paul Lyngdoh under the news item “KSU warns Hmar outfit against threatening Khasis in Cachar” (ST Dec 1, 2020). In condemning the Hmar outfit’s threat held to the Khasi-Pnar residents of Cachar District of Assam, he has rued the fact that “there is lack of respect for ethnic minorities, especially in the context of the Khasi people in that region, who have always been peace-loving and have never known to be in conflict with other communities.” These expressions ring inside me loud and I, as an ethnic minority of Meghalaya, take them as a good augury. I would sincerely like to believe that Paul Lyngdoh has spoken these words realising the helplessness and vulnerability of the ethnic minorities in Cachar district. I hope that this thought will also be extended to the ethnic minorities of Meghalaya in the spirit of “charity begins at home”.
It bears repetition that the ethnic minorities of Meghalaya have been facing an existential crisis due to the overt and covert policies adopted by the ruling class since the advent of this state in 1972. The history of the state bears testimony to the fact that there has been an undeniable intolerance towards the very presence of the various ethnic minorities on the soil of Meghalaya. If we take into consideration the plethora of laws enacted since Meghalaya was created and the direction of the waves of agitations witnessed over the past four decades, it will be clear to one and all that intent is one and the same—to ease out the ethnic minorities. This seems to have the tacit approval of the majority since it suits them one way or the other.
Through this letter, I wish to bring to everybody’s attention the fact that the ethnic minorities of the state have been living in constant fear of their lives and properties. Just to bring home my point, last week when the current agitation for ILP saw a sit-in demonstration at Malki ground, a strong rumour was afloat in town that there would be a street rally. All ethnic minorities, once beaten twice shy, were on the alert. So much so that shops and business establishments of the minorities in Police Bazar, Bara Bazar etc., did not open during the first half of the day. Shops opened only after it was evident that it was all rumour. Such is the fear today that there is no courage even to file FIR or expect any remedy. Looks like, we minorities are living only in God’s mercy. For, the system has become so corroded by populism that it does not inspire confidence any more.
I hope my delight over Paul Lyngdoh’s aforesaid statement is understood in that context. Does that bring relief to the likes of me? Perhaps, no; after all, one swallow doesn’t make a summer! All said and done, for once, I hope my unsuppressed negativity is proved wrong!!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Inflation and the common man
Editor,
Recently, it has been observed that the prices of essential commodities have been shooting through the roof and the common man has been at the receiving end. One does not know whether this is the result of a real scarcity in the market or an artificial one caused by the merchants who conveniently blame the pandemic for the situation. Moreover, the government’s decision for booking and purchase of gas cylinders online has added to the woes of the consumers and the general public. I have faced this situation with regard to the LPG cylinder booking. On trying to book online, there is often no response and when we finally get the commodity, the price is different every time. Since we, as consumers, require the product, we are left at the mercy of the crafty agency.
My request to the government is to display the prices of cylinders as issued by the Indian Oil Corporation so that consumers are not fooled of their hard earned money. My earnest request is also to the many NGOs who claim to be the messiahs of the people to really spare a thought for the people who bear the brunt of the inflationary situation.
Many of the indigenous people of our state are daily wage earners and earn little whilst supporting a large family. So, such exorbitant prices of daily commodities hurt them the most. While exhorting the government to check price rise, I also urge the NGOs to look into this matter and be the voice of the people thus, living up to their claims.
Yours etc.,
Angela Lyngdoh,
Shillong -14.
Whither human rights
Editor,
December 10 is observed as Human Rights Day the world over but in our state of Meghalaya, this day was very subdued. The theme of Human Rights Day 2020 is to “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”. This theme has been chosen because of the Covid pandemic. It focuses on creating equal opportunities for everyone and addressing the failures and disappointments we all were exposed to due to Covid -19. In India as a whole and in Meghalaya in particular there are many very poor people for whom the phrase ‘two square meals’ a day has no meaning. Some families have to really beg and borrow to feed the family because one earning member no longer has a secure job. I am someone who was working in the hospitality industry in Bangalore. In the month of May this year I had to return home because the hotel I was working in had to close down due to the pandemic. I could not stay in Bangalore after that because we were not promised a salary after the hotel closed down and I could not afford to live in that city thereafter.
I was sending money home regularly because I come from a middle class family that gave me education so that I can earn and support my parents and younger siblings. Ever since I came back to Shillong, I have been trying to find some job, any job, but to no avail. The hotels here too are closed so the managements are not employing any new person. The Government has announced that tourism will open up on December 21 but the lengthy protocols will deter anyone who wants to visit Meghalaya. If the hotels don’t open up then people like me, and those I know who have returned home from the cities, will be without any job. Does the Government have any scheme to accommodate people like us? If it does, will it make such schemes public? I am not an entrepreneur. I can only work in an organisation/institution. Is there an opening for people like us? We need answers. For us it’s now or never! We have a right to work but where are the jobs?
Yours etc.,
Oliver Nongrum,
Shillong -3