Editor,
If the truth be told, as a citizen of “ the abode of the clouds” one has almost given up on expecting positive and effective governance from the political class, especially elected representatives endowed with ministerial responsibilities. Life however never ceases to surprise and if our ministers and MLAs are mentally challenged in the domain of governance and public management, they are increasingly displaying their natural talent to entertain. (I looked up the meaning of entertainer on thesaurus and it explains that clowns too are defined as entertainers and as the author of this letter I put up a clear disclaimer that this is a thesaurus definition. Not mine) This newspaper’s front page headlines “Home Minister declines to comment on verbal orders” (ST Feb 17, 2022) is the latest MDA Ministerial goof-up to justify my views. I believe this calls for further clarification as the intention here is not to disparage or belittle anyone but to simply get to the truth on an activity everyone knows exist but where everyone then pretends is just the figment of the imagination. I am of course referring to the stout denials from Government of any illegal mining of coal in the state of Meghalaya and an accompanying silence of conspiracy on the daily movement of hundreds of coal bearing trucks all along the National Highway. Mystery is another topic that entertains and the authors of such ambiguity be they an Agatha Christine or an Alfred Hitchcock must be acknowledged. I see no reason why our own local mystery creators be not given their due.
Our very own Home Minister ( here again I would like to digress from the prefixing any Govt Minister as the “Honourable so and so” as I personally have yet to come across anything resembling honour in their actions, and so I beg forgiveness for my inability to conform with emerging socio -political sycophantic practices) Mr Lakmen Rymbui has declined to comment on yet another mystery of the so called “verbal orders” emanating from some powerful source from within the Government that instructed the Department of Mining and Geology from frisking coal laden trucks or even questioning where they originated from. He claims it is simply just another allegation that is not substantiated. It is not a new allegation. It resurfaced because of pro-active Assam Police action in apprehending the illegal movement of coal from Meghalaya. Why Meghalaya police have not been able to take suitable action throughout the last four years no longer makes this sad episode a mystery. It has now turned into a serious dereliction of duty and heads, whether police or political, must roll. The term ministerial responsibility ,however seems to have disappeared from the State Assembly dictionary. Holy Moses mysteries keep tumbling out of the closet
The news report continues with yet another quote from Rymbui where he states in the same breath that allegation made by a former CM of money from the illegal coal trade being used to fund militancy in the state, cannot be taken as an allegation. Then pray what is it? The truth? Lies? Opposition verbosity? So now we the public are being entertained once again with a play of words. It’s like listening to Tina Turner crooning “What’s love got to do with it” when actually the lyrics used were all about love. A real oxymoron so I rang up an ex -colleague, one who has worked closely with politicians as to what does he make of this latest political double-speak on the “ verbal orders” controversy. He snapped back, “ All of them now read the Bible every day and strictly adhere with their perverse understanding of Matthew 6:3. Nii Ktha khlieh. Thank God I’m finally out of that nut house”.
By now I too was beginning to develop a headache. So I folded my paper and picked up Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist for some light reading. Believe it or not here too the Artful Dogger ,a fictional character of that novel, was set up by Dickens to entertain with his nimble pick-pocketing fingers. Meghalaya’s artful dodgers are made of sterner stuff. Even when caught with their hands in the candy jar, they will stoutly deny the existence of either candy, jars nor sticky fingers. After all of what value are verbal orders if their existence cannot be denied.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Ban on Chinese mobile apps
Editor,
With the recent ban of 54 Chinese mobile applications by the Indian government, the total number of banned apps over the past two years has risen to 300. It must be noted that some of the apps banned are rebranded ones of the previously banned apps. The government banned these apps in order to protect personal data of citizens. On the other hand, the means it has devised may not yield the best results. The digital platforms we use transact in our personal data. In fact, India’s ‘’digital strike’’ does not provide a solution to the problem.
In fact, India’s ‘’digital strikes’’ are confined to only China. By limiting its digital strikes to China, India is actually helping other countries invade the virtual field. While Chinese applications pose a real threat, there are also other applications that cause threat. It is not possible to ban all such apps. Furthermore, India cannot impose ban every year as new versions of banned apps arrive and invade a substantial amount of personal data.
Against the backdrop of the Ladakh standoff, India’s attempts to hurt Chinese economy seem to be weak and futile. It is ironic that, despite the Galwan clashes and all the fruitless diplomatic and military negotiations, India is heavily dependent on imports from China. India must realise that a mere ban of Chinese apps will never slow down the Chinese march. Considering that Atmanirbharta is yet to become a reality, India needs to devise long-term plans and choose viable options to reduce its overdependence on China. Likewise, the government must take action to stop China from making India a dumping ground for goods of inferior quality.
Yours etc.,
GS Venu,
Kollam