Editor,
The recent chaos in the city, and the series of unfortunate events taking place makes one doubt the government, it’s system, it’s capacities and its ability to deliver justice.
To make myself clear let me state upfront that I am against terrorism of all kinds. And I strongly disagree with those who think that taking up arms is the answer. There are better ways to redress grievances and make our voices being heard. Violence and terrorism will only lead to misunderstandings, unnecessary hatred and tension which will go on in infinite cycles with no positive outcomes.
Firstly, I condemn the barbaric acts of the people who went into the streets and escalated the situation instead of acting sensibly and responsibly and in a more humane and civilised manner, I also condemn the recent IED blast. Fortunately there were no serious casualties. But, we were all in shock when the police who are meant to enforce the law, went and unlawfully killed the former HNLC General Secretary, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew who was defenceless, in his residence. We were dumb-struck at the action of the police force, Aren’t they trained to counter a knife attack because that what they claim it was. Whether or not Mr Cheristerfield was involved in the IED blast, it is a violation of human rights to execute someone without a fair trial. I remember someone’s statement when Ajmal Kasab got himself a defence lawyer: “The proudest moment for me as an Indian was when Kasab the terrorist of 26/11 attack (he killed 72 people during the attack), got a lawyer to defend himself in court. That’s when we realised that we are the world’s biggest democracy.”
So what really went wrong in Meghalaya? The rules are still the same, the laws are still the same, the country is still the same. Simply put we are either discriminated against or the people running the Government are incapable of governing. One kept on wondering how in the world the MLP could be so sure that Mr Cheristerfield was involved in the blasts because police are not capable even of tracing and finding a stolen motorcycle of a friend in Laitumkhrah way back in 2018, or my family member’s wallet which was picked-pocketed in Motphran since 2015.
Secondly, from what I’ve observed, the rich and powerful can say whatever they want. It doesn’t matter who their words hurt, simply because they are exercising the freedom of speech and expression. But that same freedom is taken away when it comes to the helpless and the illiterate. The common persons must be very careful of what they say or what opinion they voice online or on any other platform because a single mistake means they could be packed-up and thrown in jail.
Thirdly, this is related to the second point made above. Isn’t information and communication our fundamental rights? I strongly disagree with the Internet blackout because as ridiculous as it may sound, the internet is the backbone of our daily communications in this century. Businesses, banking, development works, education, news, entertainment and almost all forms of activities require digital connectivity; not to mention the dependency of the healthcare institutions on the Internet to battle Covid -19.
To conclude, I have a few open questions: Who really is acting like a terrorist organisation? Sure we are a democracy but why do I feel like we are being governed by a communist, where the hierarchy, the demonstration of power, and the mafia like operations are very evident. Are we really free? What has happened to the so called government of, by and for the people (when citizens have to go to the extent of protest and public demonstrations to make a single small demand from the Government)? Is the Government trustworthy?
Yours etc.,
M. Khyriem
Via email
Power at all costs
Editor,
That a senior political leader of the UDP said that his party will not pull out of the current coalition government shows that the Party doesn’t care a damn about what public sentiments are towards this coalition in the backdrop of a recent alleged ‘fake encounter’ in Mawlai area of Shillong. The regional parties cannot wash their sins away by claiming they are not in the know of things. Neither can they also point fingers at the current Home Minister of the State or on the Chief Minister. If they have the courage and political will they can easily walk out of the coalition and not play with the mood of the common public. Elections are not far away and this incident will surely will be brought centre stage by the regional parties who would try to portray themselves as ‘innocent’ sheep that are not aware of the acts of omissions and commissions of the MDA government. There is a saying that you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time..
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Shillong
Voice of a young Khasi mother
Editor,
At the very outset I wish to express that this letter has no malicious intent to any group – government or non-government. I grew up in Mawlai and was proud to say that as residents of Mawlai we are united for a cause. We have seen and heard what has happened in the past few days and the manner in which a surrendered HNLC cadre was killed in what can be termed as a violation of human rights. But we cannot take the law in our own hands because two wrongs don’t make a right. Can’t we be patient to wait for the judicial probe? Yes, pressure groups are required to keep the government on their toes. Can we not have non-violent protests? Is the show of masculinity and pride required by driving the stolen Scorpio to the cheer of bystanders? Is thug life the way of life? What message do we want to transmit to our children? That might is right? That abuse of power by the government is the way?
My young children are innocently asking me “Mei is war required? Is stone pelting required? Mei will papa be caught in a cross-fire when he goes to work?” As a young mother I too am confused and need to reflect and think of the best possible answer to give to these hopeful, yet scared children. The fear psychosis I felt as a teenager wearing a salwar kameez which I deemed comfortable going to college, is the fear I do not want my children to face. I do not want them to face an identity crisis. They need to be clear that they can be both Khasi and Indian and yet be fearless. That one act by the police triggered the sleeping giant and the dormant volcano became alive yet again. The government had better solve the problem tactfully and I still hope in the fair judgement of the law. The guilty should be punished. We need an accountable government. This is not an easy juxtaposed position to take.
People may call me a coward for writing this anonymous letter, but I do not want to give them a reason to vandalise my home for the security of my family…But I want my voice to be heard.
Yours etc,
A concerned mother
Name withheld on request
Via email