Editor,
I write this letter with a heavy dark cloud hanging over the skies of North East India and our heads as an avid motorcyclist and on behalf of others, who I am sure are feeling the same. The journey began with a motorcycle and we first started traveling the length and breadth of North East India, whether it was for pleasure, tourism, planting of a few trees or plainly to just meet more people from the region (the eagerness to learn and live from each other is a lesson we will remember for many years to come). We saw how different we are from each other, yet we built a bond (a brotherhood) accepting these differences with a respect forged through understanding.
We were accepted and welcomed by families and communities across the length and breadth of all the North East states without a hint of doubt, hate, jealousy or greed. Our motorcycles slowly became a medium to learn from the knowledge of each of our states, their culture, religions, food habits, ways of living, languages etc. The harsh terrains, landslides, snow, rains, floods, heat and dust we endured, became minuscule with just the warm welcome by different homes and families. Our thirst for knowledge from each other pushed us on.
The axe of politics to break this forge built over the years, hangs heavily and sadly over our heads.
We also wait patiently for the virus to go away someday so our motorcycles can weave through the region again to rebuild what is being attempted to be broken. The different motorcycle clubs, individuals and associations in India have been instrumental in bringing regions and people together with a sense of love, respect and acceptance of each other. Even if some of us hang up our boots with age, I hope the Motorcycle Communities will continue to weave these broken threads in the years to come.
Yours etc.,
Ashley Erasmus Lyngdoh
Green Route
Via email
Lessons from Tokyo Olympics
Editor,
The Tokyo Olympics offer many lessons for the Government of India and Indian sportspersons. The incredible performance of Indian sportspersons hailing from villages proves that if talented sportspersons are given proper training and training facilities are available, their skills will develop and they will put up brilliant performance. The incredible performances of wrestler Ravi Dahiya, discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur , boxer Lovlina Borgohain point to the fact that if sporting talent is nurtured, sportspersons will achieve their full potential in sport. It must be understood that these sportspersons defied heavy odds to carve a niche for themselves. In spite of the difficulties they faced, they performed in incredible ways and made great achievements. They overcame the obstacles in their path such as poverty, patriarchy, discrimination, prejudice and so on.
It is a fact that a great deal of sporting talent is available in our villages where facilities for sports are grossly insufficient. Budding players in villages do not get adequate training when compared with players in cities. In fact, if their skills are properly developed, they may be able to excel in sport. It is worrisome that many talented sportspersons are forced to abandon their dreams due to lack of practice and training. Hence, it is of paramount importance to build and maintain sports complexes with advanced facilities in every district. This will attract prospective sportspersons. Stadiums in big cities must be used for hosting major events and organising training camps.
Other states must take a leaf out of the book of Odisha. The state will host the Men’s Hockey world Cup in January 2023. Astroturf grounds are being constructed to tap local talent. Apart from this, all necessary facilities will made for local players. It is a fact that investment at the grassroots is of paramount importance for nurturing sporting talents and achieving sporting glory.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Kollam
Take the politics out of borders
Editor,
It is interesting that the regional committees on border disputes headed by different MLAs are branching out into the different areas under dispute between Meghalaya and Assam and are also reporting back about the ground situation obtaining there. The group headed by KP Pangniang, HSPDP chief and MLA had reported that while the majority of residents in the disputed areas have stated their preference to remain with Meghalaya, there are some that have expressed a desire to remain with Assam. As someone who knows the border disputes between Langpih in West Khasi Hills on the Meghalaya side and Lampi on the Assam side, the border residents have confided that it is easier to get their grievances and to obtain their documents such as Aadhar etc., from the Government of Assam because they are non-tribals and it is difficult to get any response from the Government officials of Meghalaya.
It is a fact that Assam is proactive in providing documents to people in the disputed areas. Assam is also keen on building road connectivity between the border residents and the district headquarters. Meghalaya has been very slack in bringing development to the border areas. Everywhere, the border areas of the state are least developed. What have those MLAs representing those border areas, especially the disputed ones, done over the decades?
Then there is official apathy and politics too. In Ri Bhoi district when people from the disputed areas come to Nongpoh to get their names registered for Aadhar etc. the pressure groups intimidate and protest that these people should not be given documents because they are of doubtful identity, merely because they are non-tribals. But such is not the case with Assam where they are even asked to come and get their documents, including the EPIC. People residing in borders are interested in politics only to the extent that it brings development. They have no special affinity to any state in particular. They want to live peaceful lives and to carry out their economic activities without any hindrance.
Meghalaya has identified 12 areas of difference with Assam and submitted documents on these, since August 2011. Meghalaya has also been asking for the creation of a boundary commission monitored by the Centre to resolve the disputes. The total disputed area is around 2700 sq. km. The question is why has this demand for a boundary commission not been met by the Centre. Is Delhi also playing its own games?
On the Meghalaya side, resolving border disputes has been part of the election manifesto of the regional parties in particular, for several elections since 1972. Once elections are over, borders are a forgotten topic until the next election comes. Let us hope that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma resolves the border issue once and for all and calls the bluff of the regional parties. Let’s see what agenda they have for the next elections.
Yours etc.,
Ksankupar Syiem,
Via email