Editor,
The events of the past few days have been a really difficult pill for us to swallow. No one can say for sure what has caused such chaos in our city. Yet we all know each conflict has its own roots. There is a school of thought which believes that the incidents of the 13-15 August might have been scripted. The point they raise is that we are possibly nothing but just victims of the ‘destabilise North East’ project. We are tribals and our reactions to situations are usually emotional, fiery, intense, passionate or angry on most issues. Hence the need of the hour is for us to remain calm, composed and most of all to remain peaceful. That is not to say that we should remain quiet and say nothing at all. We are a small community and we should all be together in any movement that matters to each one of us. However, to me our approach in all this should be serene and temperate and not to resort to violent means to achieve our goal.
We are all reminded of what happened to Jammu & Kashmir and how with a Resolution and a Bill the Government scripted a historical change in the status of Jammu & Kashmir two years ago. On August 5, 2019, the Union Home Minister introduced a proposal in Parliament for ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir had a special status granted under Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution which was immediately abrogated. We too are unique in the administrative structure among all Indian states. The entire state is covered by the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India under Article 244 of the Constitution. This provides us autonomy in the administration of these areas through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and the Regional Councils empowered to make laws in respect of areas under their jurisdiction, which cover land, forest, cultivation, inheritance, indigenous customs and traditions of tribals, etc. and also to collect land revenues and certain other taxes. The Sixth Schedule infringes upon rights of the non-autonomous residents no matter how long they have resided in the state. This has been a thorn in the side of many who are not in favour of the Sixth Schedule. Now that they are in power, are we giving them reasons to make Bills and Resolutions against the Sixth Schedule status to be passed in Parliament? This letter is a reminder to each one of us right including honourable representatives, the bureaucrats, the bourgeois, the NGOs not to fall into the trap of this destabilise North East project.
In the past we have seen a similar problems where there were rumours of international support to disrupt the law and order situation in the North East. The same problem perhaps is looming large; not of international sponsorship of terror but of destabilising Governments in the North East. The recent border issues between North Eastern States causing instability are small examples. So the call for us is not to open the door to unwanted chaos allowing central forces to be deployed or to give the impression that there is instability in governance of the state. Let us resort to peaceful means of agitation. These types of agitations too can have positive results for us in our several demands not only from the state but from the central government too.
Our state historically also has the distinction of being politically unstable, so let us not allow the prevailing situation to turn into a blame game and to turn it into a means for more political power. No one wants central governance or President’s Rule.
Let our leaders take responsible decisions not only for personal benefits but for the benefit of the general public, not decisions to cause anger but decisions that can unite a society. We should be very tactful in our approach. The state needs the central government for various development projects but in the endeavour to appease the Centre let us not forget the sentiments of the autonomous people.
We are also reminded that we are a very young community with very little history. It is difficult for us to compare ourselves with the intellect of mainland India which has a long history of civilizations – one of the oldest in the world. We have well educated leaders in our society from individuals to leaders in the Durbar Shnongs and NGOs, so let us think with our minds and not our hearts; let us not seek only media popularity but let us think of the future generations. Let the law take its own course; let us be patient no matter how displeasured we are.
Yours etc.,
Wanjop Warbah,
Via email
Whither public safety
Editor,
The IED explosion at Laitumkhrah conspired and executed by the Hynnniewtep National Liberal Council (HNLC) has brought about much unrest in the otherwise peace-loving city of Shillong. Since then, a lot has transpired, including the shocking gunning down of the former General Secretary of the militant group, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, in an operation carried out by the state police. Both the state government and police have drawn a lot of flak for the alleged killing. The event has paved the way for a series of violent protests across the city after the deceased was laid to rest. The Greater Shillong agglomeration was then promptly put under curfew and internet ban to prevent matters from escalating further.
But the question that arises is – was the same degree of promptness and foolproof plan put in place to avoid the entire ordeal in the first place? At the centre of all this debacle is the Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui. His portfolio is far from being spick-and-span. He has had his fair share of shortcomings and political scandals. In addition, the Laitumkhrah IED blast does not stand out as an isolated event during his tenure. Rather, it is reminiscent of the IED blast that shook the Police Reserve in Khliehriat in July this year. Rymbui had then very strongly asserted that there had been no failure on the part of the intelligence agency, further attributing the swift arrest of those responsible for the blast to the efficiency of the intelligence unit.
One would assume that after such an incident the Minister would have deployed all possible measures to prevent the occurrence of another event with disastrous consequences. The Laitumkhrah blast, however, proves otherwise. It seems as though no stringent and foolproof strategies were laid out to prevent the unfortunate state of affairs that now cripple the capital city of Meghalaya.
While it is imperative to book the people who masterminded the blast, mortally injuring the former leader of the HNLC isn’t the most viable solution. It is no surprise that hundreds thronged the streets to protest the extreme step taken by the police. Many have deemed the killing of Thangkhiew as an act of barbarism, with some even considering it an outright violation of human rights, requiring a fair and judicious trial. One cannot help but ask if the ordeal could have been avoided altogether in the first place had the Home Minister carried out his duties judiciously? And with word going around that Rymbui failed to prevent the blast despite adequate warning from intelligence further complicates the situation.
The Home Minister admitted to intelligence failure. In fact the manner in which the situation was handled was hasty. All the backlash has led Rymbui to offer to resign from his post. The Chief Minister, however, has thus far refused to accept the resignation. But the question remains – how do we trust a leader who has repeatedly landed himself in hot soup, and much worse, acknowledged a severe lapse in a system crucial to the safety of the subjects he vowed to serve?
Yours etc.,
Gunjan Dhar,
Via email