Editor,
Though I prefer to remain anonymous, for obvious reasons relating to the uncivilized nature of some of the characters described below, let me assure the reader that I am a Khasi who is as keen as the next Khasi to preserve our tradition and culture; our value systems and social practices and our identity as a distinct indigenous society. A video on a social media news platform – “Shillong Mail” has gone viral and raises serious doubts about the commitment of this generation of our youth to preserve and project the Jaidbynriew as a community that prides itself on the tenet of “Ka Jaidbynreiw Tip Briew Tip Blei,”(a community that respects man and God). The video shows a group of masked Khasi youth cursing, bad-mouthing and name-calling the Rangbah Shnongs of Jaiaw Pyllun. Reports from eyewitnesses to this unsavory incidents on the streets of Jaiaw have identified the masked youths as members of prominent student and youth organizations.
From accounts available it seems a meeting of the Rangbah Shnongs of the area was in progress to discuss and confer on increasing cases of assault and battery, especially of non-tribals within the Jaiaw area that had been on the rise for the last six months or so. It came to light that even innocent specialist Doctors from CMC Vellore who had come to Roberts Hospital to assist the hospital and its patients (99% of whom are locals) also fell victim to these unprovoked attacks. The law and order in the area was deteriorating and keeping within their traditional mandate to preserve peace and tranquility within their areas of jurisdiction, the Rangbah Shnongs had gathered to address the problem. It now appears that local goons of the area, most of whom belong to so called “Seng bhalang” disapproved of this meeting of their elders. They barged in uninvited, condemned the agenda under discussion and started calling their own elected elders as anti-jaitbynriew. All this has been sincerely recorded and filmed in the above mentioned video and is not a fabrication of the writer.
From available eyewitness accounts it appears that most of the perpetrators were either school dropouts or under-matric louts. They however claim themselves as patriotic members of organizations whose avowed self declaration is safeguarding and protecting the Jaidbynriew. How do you protect us by attacking the very traditional institutions (The Dorbar Shnong) that defines our identity? In which way is the Jaitbynriew elevated when its elders are publicly abused and mocked at, by illiterate school dropouts, just because the Dorbars were trying to perform their duty in ensuring public peace and tranquility? What sort of dysfunctional families produced such hoodlums for whom respect and deference of elders is ignored and discarded? I voice my protest because enough is enough and this is not behavior becoming of a civilized society. Khasi culture and tradition frowns on such uncouth behavior. For how much longer can Khasis allow themselves to be led, fooled and brainwashed by criminals who hide behind the façade that their crimes are justified by the desire to protect the Jaitbynriew? If truth be told the Jaitbynriew actually needs protection from the thinking of such gangsters!
Finally, if the various “seng bhalang” we have are really serious about preserving the indigenous institutions, practices and identity of the Khasis, then stern action against the condemnable act by ruffians mentioned above, should be used to prove the sincerity of their intentions. Identify the youths involved even if they belong to your respective organizations. Place your love for the Jaitbynriew above the loyalty you have for the organization you belong to. They have insulted the dignity and sanctity of the Dorbar (lah bein Dorbar). Produce them before the Dorbar to be judged by their peers (ban shah bishar shnong). Allow the wisdom of our elected elders to pronounce judgement on their actions. This is the only way to enforce the edict of the Khasi Dorbar, “ban bret is kaba sniew ban pdiang ia kaba bha; ban shim rai da ka nia ka jutang,” (to discard what is vile and embrace the good; to arrive at a decision through judicious debates). If you shy away from observing the tradition of our own institutions; if you undermine the authority of the Khasi Dorbar, then take it from me that you have betrayed the very cause you claim to champion.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Congress’ flip – flop show
Editor
Politics is an amusing game and a deceptive one too if the opponent catches you with your pants down. The Congress has always been the “favourite ship” competing against other “ships” in the race to get more passengers but then till recently the jolt it suffered due to a collision with an iceberg and a quick fix somehow prevented this ‘ship’ from sinking to the bottom of this vast political ocean. The irony is all this while the party was screaming against the MDA after the exit of the 12 MLAs from its fold. Having seen that remaining in a minority position would be outgunned by the majority this very party has now “agreed” to advocate rather than oppose as a responsible opposition in the Assembly. Their methodology is simple “if you can’t beat them, join them.”
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Via email
Police Bazar should be pedestrianized
Editor,
It is that time of the year again where Christians celebrate Christmas; people attend weddings and various other events. The season has already kick-started and all of us are in a festive mood. The markets and shopping complexes are thronging with buyers during this season. The mood is one of enjoyment where people shop for themselves, their families and friends.
Since Christmas is approaching, I happened to go shopping with a friend of mine at Police Bazaar which is located at the heart of the city. As we were walking through the once pedestrianized lane (now allowed for vehicular movement) leading towards Umsohsun a number of four and two wheelers passed by, making it difficult for us to walk since there are no footpaths. We had to make way for vehicles to pass. In all this melee cars are honking and adding to the noise pollution Firstly, the movement of vehicles disturbs the pedestrian since one has to give way for the vehicles to pass. Secondly, it distracts the vendors and people buying their requirements from them. Thirdly, it may also cause accidents due to reckless driving especially in an area that is choc-a-bloc with vehicles throughout the day.
As a concerned citizen, I request the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) to put a “No Entry” sign in this lane so that the movement of pedestrians is not disrupted and also to prevent any mishaps from occurring and so that people can do their shopping with ease especially during this festive season.
Yours etc.,
Alvinson P Syiem
Shillong – 3