Editor,
It was certainly a heartwarming news to read in your esteemed newspaper (ST Nov 19, 2021) that Shillong – Dimapur flight will commence from November 22. Thanks to Alliance Air, Airport Authority of India, Govt of Meghalaya and Govt of India, Shillong Airport at present is already connected with Kolkata, New Delhi, Imphal, Agartala, Dibrugarh and Silchar.
While acknowledging the initiative taken by the Union Government under RCS Udan Scheme, I would like to invoke upon these agencies and all stakeholders whatsoever that another flight could be easily connected between Shillong Airport and Siliguri (Bagdogra) Airport. This will cater to the needs of a large chunk of passengers travelling to Siliguri and its adjoining areas like Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Jalpaiguri, Dooars, Nepal and Bhutan.
Yours etc.
Madhu Rawat
Shillong -2
Dire need for goods train
Editor
A survey on various social media platforms will overwhelmingly indicate that the majority of our people favour the railways that is for goods and essentials as a primary initiative. However, the opposition stems from the fact that in spite of the continued demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) this subject has been put on hold. What the majority favour is economic upliftment that would benefit many in the long term. The railways can be said to be the lifeline of this nation’s economic development and also a public transporter. The coming of the railhead for goods and services will not only give direct and indirect employment but also support the livelihoods of many of our entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, local industries and other sectors. The taxes paid and levied on road transport has a detrimental effect on prices of essential commodities and in turn causes a stress on the common people. We have seen how the pandemic had wreaked havoc on livelihoods and necessities for food. Perhaps those who shout for the Jaitbynriew should stop shedding crocodile tears. Rather they should be more pragmatic in their approach for an equitable society.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar,
Shillong
Non-functioning electric crematorium
Editor,
The only electric crematorium which we have in Shillong has not been working for the past three months because of major repairs. This has caused immense problem for the people. On discreet inquiry with the staff running the crematorium, it is leant that the repair works have been completed but for want of the permission from the Managing Committee, the crematorium is not operational.
From past observations, it is found that death rates go up during winter months. Due to non-functioning of the electric crematorium, people are forced to cremate the dead bodies of their deceased family members either in the Gorkha Cremation Ghat or in the adjacent Cremation Ghat managed by Marwari Community. Dead bodies being brought to these two cremation ghats have increased. At present, there are only two firewood suppliers for these two ghats. There is a limit beyond which these suppliers can meet the demand for firewood. As we all know, firewood is scarce these days and the source from which these suppliers are bringing firewood for us is depleting. This has caused a lot of problems for the personnel managing these two ghats which are somehow fulfilling the needs of the people but this cannot continue. The cremations ghat run by the Marwari Committee has started availing help for firewood from the Gorkha Samshan Ghat. A sort of emergency situation has arisen and we can only imagine how difficult it is going to be to cremate dead bodies.
I fervently appeal to the Managing Committee of the Electric Crematorium to activate their crematorium at the earliest, to mitigate the hardships faced by the people. Till such time, people are also requested to judiciously utilize firewood available at ghats while cremating the mortal remains of their departed dear ones.
Yours etc.,
K Chettri
General Secretary
Gorkha Samshan Ghat,
Shillong
Pakistan gets tough on rapists
Editor,
With a view to speeding up conviction and imposing tougher sentences in rape cases, Pakistan Parliament has passed a new legislation. Sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes in Pakistan could face chemical castration. The passage of the Bill came in the wake of a public outcry against recent rise in the number of rapes of women and children in the country.
A person subjected to chemical castration is rendered incapable of performing sexual intercourse. It reduces sexual activity. It is a legal form of punishment in several countries. Chemical castration reduces perpetrators’ testosterone levels and thereby sex drive is lowered.
A large number of people believe that people who subject women and children to brutal rape and murder must be hanged. On the other hand, hanging is not an internationally accepted punishment. Even though countries like India have introduced hanging for rape of children, in most cases, offenders get off scot-free. The rise in the number of rapes of women and children in India is alarming. Even in such a situation, severe punishment is not meted out to offenders. Furthermore, inordinate delay in the judicial process adversely affects imposing of tougher sentences. It is generally accepted that severe punishment for rapists will act as a deterrent to other offenders.
True, chemical castration deprives offenders of their rights. On the other hand, considering the brutality of crimes, it is justified. It is imperative that the dignity and rights of women and children are safeguarded. For this, strict punitive measures need to be adopted. Unless the well-being of women and children are ensured, no country can progress.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam