Editor,
The events that occurred on August 17 at Ïew Mawkyrwat have brought to the fore an issue that has long been festering. That of how those who have climbed the social ladder tend to lose compassion or empathy towards others that haven’t. In this regard, the anger exhibited by the people of Mawkyrwat against their Block Development Officer was clearly warranted. I say this not as some mere spectator with little knowledge, but with clear empirical proof of the same. Studies conducted by the Department of Psychology at the University of California by Paul Piff and Dacher Keltner among others, have clearly shown that those with a higher status by virtue of the jobs they hold, or the wealth that they possess have a clear disregard for those that are less fortunate. This is a universal issue anywhere else in the world just as well.
It is pertinent to note that his actions equate to taking away the food that a struggling individual is trying to put on the table considering the present circumstances and hardship we are all in, the outcome of which, is quite obvious to anyone.
Further, it is important to note that this is not an isolated incident but one of many over the years to the point that such officers have developed a reputation of which there is a collective dislike towards them. Most of these officers are surely picked up and dropped off home. Their tea is brought to them while they sit comfortably in their nice offices with a “Yes Sir” and a “Yes Ma’am” at every turn. Clearly they do not understand, or rather, no longer do so, as to what it means to have to sit on the floor or on a “Lyngknot,” while barely making ends meet for their families. Their salaries are deposited to their bank accounts at the end of every month, and even an unprecedented catastrophe like Covid does not affect them the same way it does for those that are less fortunate in terms of employment and wealth. With regards to what that officer did to those people in Mawkyrwat, it was a clear misuse of the respect and privilege that his post commands, and must be met with commensurate action.
The posts that these officers hold come with immense privilege and power, while also commanding great respect to their names. To them I would like to say, carry yourselves accordingly, but remember to treat those that are less fortunate than you with respect. For, the moment you lose that respect, you gain a certain disdain that will surely and gradually take an ugly turn. Your status, wealth, and privilege has given you a new perspective to life as you know it, but in no way does that mean that you treat those unlike yourselves with disrespect. A little empathy goes a long way.
Yours etc.,
Peter W Shylla
Shillong – 22
Dysfunctional intelligence?
Editor,
When the Meghalaya Chief Minister agreed after days of pressure to bring a judicial inquiry into the August 13 raid, one would still be baffled with the sequence of events which transpired with the Congress leadership in New Delhi, terming the events as dangerous. It all began with the low intensity explosion at Laitumkhrah, which showed that intelligence failed. The resultant effect is on the deteriorating economy of the state, diminishing our credibility and increasing our vulnerability to future attacks.
If it was a capture mission to find out more on the scheme of things, non-lethal munitions such as rubber bullets, taser or pepper spray would have done more good, than harm. Escalation in such raids which goes into public space sparks tremendous backlash among the population and it brings a grim reminder of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in ‘disturbed areas’.
On September 19, 2011, the Open Society Foundations released a report ‘The Cost of Kill/Capture: Impact of the Night Raid Surge on Afghan Civilians which violates human rights, creating a toxic environment between civilian and men-in-uniform.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui seems to create cops like ‘door-kickers’ in Afghanistan, literally. His statement on the night of August 15 asking to be relieved from his position of HM is an example of evading responsibility and accountability. In reality this is the reason the chain of command within the political circles of the United Democratic Party is shadowy; from the President to the other members all are literally confused over their management of portfolios.
Fixing intelligence requires a firm response from the public for reforms, analysis and sharing of raw data not only on criminal networks but on unemployment and school dropouts. This is another factor which makes or breaks national security. The state government should start preparing a strategy directed towards confidence-building measures with various stakeholders.
For the Meghalaya Police and their leadership, a refreshing look would be Kishalay Bhattacharjee’s book ‘Blood on my Hands’ on how extra-judicial killings undermine democracy and in order to gain public trust, police manuals and leadership, using ‘carrot and stick’ policy has to be back on the drawing board because Singham and Dabangg look good in movies not in reality.
Yours etc.,
Cordelia Sawian
Via email
A Moment of madness!
Editor,
A tumultuous MDA at the moment looks far-fetched from the otherwise potent looking government at the helm just a month back. A “moment of madness” is all it takes to throw the whole government off balance. A hurried press conference called by the CM immediately after his arrival from Delhi to clear the air on that uneventful August 13 encounter, provides us with more questions than answers. We have not seen a more “bewildered face” from the CM than the one we saw in him facing the press that evening. It is one thing to come to the aid of your fellow ministers on the floor of the House, but a different ball game altogether to try fend off something that was as “inhumane” as that incident. What is even more embarrassing is the then Home Minister who claimed to be unaware of the whole exercise, considering that the Police department comes directly under him.
Further, a new advisor to him, who also happened to be an ex-cabinet minister seems to be harping more on his own government’s failure than offering him any source of advice at all. Even more distressing, is that a major constituent in his coalition, is more content on distancing itself from the present pandemonium than acting like partners in tow. It is true when they say, “The position at the top is the loneliest place ever.” Surely, how unpredictable our politics can get? Whatever the outcome we hope the common man will not be at the receiving end but rather when all else fail, may common sense prevail.
Yours etc.,
Lawrence Pherliam Sumer,
Via email
Will Police Dept answer?
Editor,
I would like to express two concise points through your esteemed daily. First, I would like an answer from the Police Department on whether they have the ability to safeguard the citizens of the state or do we have to purchase bullet proof jackets. The episode showcasing how police personnel fled their vehicles leaving behind their arms in the safe hands of black masked goons has shaken the whole of Shillong. The general population is still in a confused state of mind on why there hasn’t been any arrests of these militants. It’s also infuriating to know that the Police haven’t been able to recover the stolen guns till date. Will the Police be held responsible if someone gets shot at by those stolen rifle(s)?
Second, I wish to ask why the democratically elected Chief Minister of the State of Meghalaya has to request with folded hands to the dacoits to return the stolen rifle(s). Further, why should he state that the name of the dacoits would be kept anonymous and will also be exempted from any charges. Does this not betray the oath taken by him that ensured that he is to keep the constitutional and legal principles above everything else? Does this mean that if anyone loots a police rifle and returns it quietly, he/she will be exempted from any penalty?
If the Chief Minister lacks the courage and will to take strong action against the enemies of peace then he should definitely come out clearly and say that upfront.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email