Editor,
Two incidents occurred on the 11th Oct 2021 that brought on smiles of derisive cynicism to the faces of those who frequent social media news channels but who also pay avid attention to the political developments within Meghalaya. The first piece of news relates to Mr John Kharshiing attaching himself to the NPP bandwagon. Now that was an anticipated surprise for a political rolling stone, but what followed next was a jolt from the blue as it refers to the statement of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma and NPP leader that his party, a so called National Party was willing to discuss issues related to the historic and controversial Instrument of Accession signed in 1948 between the Federation of Khasi States and the Union of India, whereby the Khasi States individually and collectively acceding to the Dominion of India. Point of interest is, after 73 years of Independence, is the IOA an issue of priority for a political Party with national aspirations?
Now isn’t it a bit late in the day and akin to flogging a dead horse to be raising the question whether the Khasi Hills are really part and parcel of the Republic of India? Claims have been made, to the contrary, that prominent mainland Indian politicians and leaders have forwarded these concerns of The Grand Council of Chiefs to the President of India for his consideration and that such action by these VIPs signifies the authenticity of the claim for review of the IOA. All one can say to such naive arguments is that courtesy should never be equated with political empathy. A review of the IOA now would open up a Pandora’s box. What happens to the Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills who were never parties to the IOA? What happens to the state of Meghalaya and the Provisions of the 6th Schedule? Will the map of India have to be redrawn again to accommodate the 25 Khasi Himas and that the entire administration of the Khasi Hills portion of Meghalaya will then revert back to the tender, traditional and customary administrative care of the erstwhile 25 Himas? One shudders to even dream of such a prospect. One can only suggest that for those who still question the validity of the Indian Constitution, to have the courage of (L) Wickliffe Syiem and simply walk away from India. Now that’s what I call a principled stand. Any takers?
As a simple citizen of this state let me on behalf of a majority of people like me express and make clear the real priorities before the state and its people. Our Governments ( Not only the MDA) have denied quality education to our people. We have failed to distinguish literacy with education and in the process simply produced graduates with paper certificates who are unemployable in today’s world. No wonder there is such massive unemployment where both pressure groups and militants view extortion as the most viable means of livelihood. Efficacious Healthcare, especially for the rural poor is another area of concern and we need to make conscious efforts to increase the doctor: patient ratio for our village folks. Then there is agriculture where 80% of the population depend on for its livelihood. We need to improve our agriculture production; provide our agriculture produce with adequate value addition to make it viable for competitive markets. Our urban centres are crying for attention but sadly we have yet to see an Urban Minister with any initiative, passion or desire to improve the lot of our urban citizens. Despondency is growing all around.
If we want development; our future generations to thrive and survive, the above infrastructural amenities will have to be addressed and augmented. If we don’t seriously address the above lapses no ILP, no IOA, no HPC report on Them Iewmawlong, no Sur ki Nong…… for Khasi unity etc will be able to prevent migration of our people to other parts of the world. We shall simply become, as all of us dread, carriers of water and hewers of wood for others far away from our homeland, for by then this state will no longer be a liveable place under the sun. What we really need is visionary leadership with the foresight for the future not a backward looking leadership that only glorifies an imaginary past for its own selfish political gain .The sorriest part is that we have yet to start a debate on how all of this should come about.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
End of a joyous Durga Puja celebration
Editor,
The festive season commencing with Durga Puja augured well amid receding Covid-19 pandemic in our state especially in Shillong city. The spirit of festivity limped back with cautious optimism as was evidenced from healthy participation by people of all age groups. The SOPs issued by Government were carefully adhered to by the Puja committees with only some minor aberrations. The best part of this year’s Puja celebration is that the people appeared to have overcome the fear psychosis of the pandemic and have realized that life should go on amidst this new reality. This, however, was not at the cost of safety, as most people were found to be wearing masks and taking precautions against Covid-19 as far as possible.
The District administration was active in enforcing the protocols without stifling the festive spirit, which deserves appreciation. A sizeable number of tourists were also spotted in the capital town enjoying the unique Puja revelry one finds only in ‘The Scotland of the East’. Such a peaceful and disciplined celebration of Puja in Shillong needs to be showcased before the entire country to give a much-needed fillip to the tourism industry. Let us all continue to behave responsibly in the coming days so that all of us can enjoy Diwali, Christmas and New Year in a befitting manner.
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar
Shillong-3
No intent from NEHU
Editor,
It is a well-known fact that almost all the colleges in the city have been reopened for offline education. One institution which has still not opened its doors is NEHU. It is absolutely disappointing that the authorities continue to offer online classes even when there is a window of opportunity to restart physical classes in a phased manner. What’s even more dejecting is the intent on their part. Every time a student raises a query in this regard, his/her concern is brushed aside. Through this letter, I wish to request the authorities to take this matter seriously as online education cannot replace offline classes in any way. Online classes were a temporary solution at a point when going out was not an option. Things now are steadily improving and it is about time to explore opportunities to get life back on track. We are all aware of the importance of physical and social interaction for young boys and girls and thus, the resumption of classroom learning is the need of the hour.
Yours etc.,
Alex Kharsyntiew
Shillong- 8