Editor,
Two headline news reports on the front page of the Shillong Times 28th Dec 2021 made entertaining reading. The first is titled “HSPDP determined to seal regional bond” and the second “Party to push for Khasi Jaintia State”. Lets talk about the first heading. The issue, news, information, gossip, rumor, here-say or by what ever name you call it about the Regional parties coming together under one flag , has by now become an old wife’s tale. Or to put it in its correct perspective ‘a widely held traditional belief that has long proven to be unscientific, unrealistic and impractical’. It’s ethereal in nature, devoid of form and substance but usually emerges for public consumption just before elections and apparently it’s no different this time.
Now hold it. Hang on a second. Perhaps I got it all wrong. The news report further adds that the call for unity among the regional parties is, quote “It is high time for the regional forces to work together in the best interests of the people of the state’, unquote. Ah Ha, so the goal of regional unity is in the best interest of the people and the state. The statement however leaves the definition of “best interest of the people” unclear and dangling in the air. An enticement for the unwary electorate and voter. OK! OK ! Lets cut the suspense and let me take the bait. There is the economic interest of the state. It is mainly concerned with policies and strategies to promote livelihoods, employment, improvement of infrastructure etc. Then there is the social aspect which in our case is the concern we have about the poor prevailing state of healthcare, education and the rapid deterioration in our traditional value systems and culture. Then last but not least is the political issue. Of concern here is the fast disappearance of the political ethics and will to serve the people and which has been replaced with perverted values and principles where political power is a business platform to loot the state and to enhance business and self interest. The task for the advocates of regional unity is very simple. Just come out with a detailed plan of action on the above (its called a manifesto, if they have ever heard of the word. It spells out in clear detail the policies and strategies of the party). Then leave the rest to fools like me. We will ensure you are returned to power.
Then we come to the second headline which speaks for a push for a Khasi-Jaintia state. It’s pretty confusing. One report speaks of “best interest of the people and state of Meghalaya” while the second speaks about splitting Meghalaya into two halves so as to benefit both the Khasis and Garos. As God is my witness, even after prolonged head scratching, I fail to identify such benefits for either community. Divided or united as one, we will continue to remain land-locked; lacking and deficient in revenue we survive only through doles and the good will of New Delhi; we lack governance and whatever little there was has been thoroughly demolished by an inward thinking political mindset. We have failed our youth and if there ever was a brain-drain one only has to see the despair of our educated youth to realize the import of the word. So what benefits of the people are we talking about? How will they come about? The only benefit visible will be for mediocre politicians. Their tribe and opportunities for them will increase. There will be two CMs instead of one; two legislatures; two sets of cabinet ministers with all the pomp and glory that comes with it; two meaningless budgets instead of one. Of improved services to the people the less said the better. So please don’t talk of benefits for the people when there are none. Allow me to quote George Orwell “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure hot air”. I think he had Meghalaya and its politicians when he said this.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
The case of PSOs in Assam
Editor,
The Chief Minister of Assam recently commented that he would request his party colleagues in his political party (that is BJP) for withdrawal of Personal Security Officers (PSOs) assigned to them as they need not fear anyone and that assigning PSOs is a Congress culture. Great thoughts indeed! But the question remains as to who decides to spend taxpayers money on personal security of important people? Is it political leaders themselves? Or, is it the duty of the Police, or the people given the authority? The CM seems to indicate otherwise.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia,
Guwahati – 24
Need to be alert and ready for Omicron
Editor,
The Central government is justified in giving extensive publicity about the new Covid variant Omicron. It is the responsibility of any government to inform people about the health crisis the world as well as the country face. We can never forget the harrowing experiences that we underwent during the Covid-19 second wave. The healthcare crisis and deaths that occurred have alerted the government to the great perils facing the country.
True, the data from across the world on Omicron is not frightening. On the other hand, no country can afford to take the transmission of the disease lightly. Researches on the nature of the transmission of the disease, the potency of the virus and the impact of the disease are in progress. Fortunately, the virus has not resulted in high number of hospitalisations or deaths so far. Data from different parts of the world shows that the virus is milder than the delta variant. It is hoped that the impact of the transmission won’t be as severe as that of the second wave. We cannot think of a situation in which thousands struggle to get hospital admission and oxygen support. True, India’s healthcare infrastructure has not developed much. On the other hand, remaining on high alert and preparedness will help us combat the impending third wave. It is a relief to know that the Omicron infection rate in India is not very high. However, within a few weeks there will be a substantial rise in the number. Appropriate policy formulations and strategies would help us deal with the lurking crisis effectively. The government has taken a wise decision to roll out booster doses and vaccination for children.
It is worrisome that a large section of the population is unvaccinated. While the government claimed that adult population will be fully vaccinated by the end of this year, that objective is difficult to accomplish. The vulnerable sections, that is, people who have not yet been vaccinated with a single dose, must be given priority. It is of utmost importance that people follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. Many state governments have imposed new restrictions in the wake of the emergence of Omicron. However, the strategies adopted must be logical. What is the logic of imposing night curfews when markets and public transport remain crowded during the day? There must not be any political biases in imposing restrictions. Covid protocols are applicable to both the ruling party and opposition parties. Instead of postponing assembly elections in some states, it must be held by following strict Covid protocols and through medical readiness.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam