Editor,
The article captioned “UDP’s blatant hypocrisy” by Albert Thyrniang (ST April 6, 2021 is a pointer to the fact that the author is already having a pre-conceived mindset against the UDP without understanding the background of the issue raised by the party. No one can deny the fact that the people in the state have been put to a lot of inconvenience due to load shedding and power cut experienced in the past few weeks and which probably may continue in the days to come. The UDP raised this issue out of concern and especially when NEEPCO and later on the Power Grid threatened to regulate the power supply to the state. Besides, reports in the media about the scams and corruption in the Power sector and the continued agitation on the part of the employees of MeECL is an indication that all is not well with the functioning of the Power sector. Obviously, the UDP had to point fingers to those at the helm of affairs who are supposed to be the driving force to bring about corrective measures in the functioning of the MeECL. We are aware about the complexities relating to the Power sector and because of this, may I remind the author that we did not seek the removal of James Sangma from the Cabinet but merely to suggest for change of portfolio to pave the way for the anomalies to be rectified. This is a normal practice done in a democratic setup.
I would like to remind the author that during the previous government led by the Congress, the UDP had also taken a very strong stand way back in 2014 by organizing a sit-in demonstration near the secretariat to protest against the power failure in the state and consequent to this a fact finding team was constituted comprising of the opposition parties to find out what ails the Power sector. The FFT visited Leshka, Umtrew, different stages of Umiam and after soliciting views and opinions from experts the report was finally submitted to the then CM and Power Minister suggesting the way forward. So the allegations by the author, that the UDP is trying to gain political mileage is unfounded. In fact, we want to give suggestions to the Government with regards to the Power Sector. What is required now is an independent inquiry to unearth the truth on the various allegations so that appropriate steps can be taken to ensure the smooth functioning of this very important sector. We were a power surplus state during the 70s and 80s and during 2014-2016 efforts were made by the management to improve the efficiency in terms of administration and Finance. Hats off to the then CMD and Director of Finance who tried to bring stability and ease the burden of the MeECL. The problems again reappeared. It is a fact that we have inherited this problem from past governments but the blame culture is not going to help the state.
In fact, as leaders, we need to take up the challenges and for this, what is required is to put a team with managerial and financial skills to ease the burden of MeECL. Therefore, to blame the UDP of hypocrisy is uncalled for and I would like to request the author to please understand the seriousness and gravity of the issue at hand. If raising the issue is inappropriate for the UDP, then let the people decide.
Yours etc.,
Dr Jemino Mawthoh)
General Secretary,
United Democratic Party (UDP)
India-Russia troubled ties
Editor,
Russian Foreign Minister Sergy Lavrov’s visit to India enabled us to take stock of the positives in the ties between the two countries and the issues on which the two countries disagree. India and Russia have always maintained strong relations though many factors have caused fluctuations in the relations over the years.
Neither Russia nor India can be blamed for the strained relations between the two countries. The last three decades have witnessed a lot of changes in the world. China has emerged as the number two global power. Russia-US ties have deteriorated. Russia and China are under pressure because of the West. Consequently, both have formed a stronger strategic partnership. Further, Russia-Pakistan ties have strengthened in recent years. Similarly, India-US ties have strengthened and the US has become India’s partner in many ways.
India and Russia need to review their close ties through these changes and adapt their policies in accordance with them. Sergy Lavrov held detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on a range of bilateral and regional issues and also on preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India later this year. There has been longstanding partnership between the two countries in nuclear, space and defence sectors.
Sergy Lavrov’s visit to Islamabad after his visit to India is a cause for concern for India. Moscow has expanded its relationship with Pakistan in recent years. It maintains good relations with China as well though the relations are contentious. The fact that Russia supplies over 6% of Pakistan’s conventional weaponry has adversely affected India-Russia relations. Both countries have convergent views on the peace process in Afghanistan, the place of importance given to Taliban in power- sharing. On Afghanistan, India’s perspectives do not match that of Russia’s.
Notwithstanding the cordial relations between Russia and Pakistan, the ties between India and Russia have had a broad range. True, many factors have affected the stability of the relations between the two. The present status of the relations between the two countries in the changed circumstances can only be understood after Putin’s visit to India. It remains to be seen if India will go ahead with the purchase of S-400 anti-missile defence system from Russia in the face of severe US restrictions on this.
Against this backdrop, India needs to devise plans for strengthening India-Russia ties. Even though India-Russia ties have had their ups and downs, both countries cannot afford to sever the ties. Strengthening of the ties will help moderate Russia’s tilt towards Pakistan and China.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS Kollam,
Kollam