Editor,
Much has been written and opinions given through this paper on bad roads and road construction in Shillong city, not to speak of rural roads. I fully agree with my friend Sanjeeb Kakoty and W. Passah who had given a rejoinder on his letter. We are all concerned with public property and assets, since such roads come once in 50 years or so. The current double-laning of Mawroh – Mawkynroh road leading up to ISBT which has been long awaited is under way. Thanks to the PWD( Roads) for making this happen. However, I would once again point out as a lay person that the quality of work is not up to the standard laid down for road construction. I have seen many roads constructed, while passing through the length and breadth of this state. All I can say is that this road is of very poor quality. Roads constructed by renowned Companies/Groups as per specifications are always good. Currently we do not know who the contractors undertaking this important task are.
This road will be very busy and traffic will be enormous once it is completed. I do not know how long the road will last and the public would be the losers and sufferers. I would request the PWD (Roads) to please conduct a proper spot inspection and constant supervision to oversee the quality of work. Further, roads will not last in the absence of drains. Please see that drains are simultaneously constructed so that rain water will not erode the roads. I would request the engineers and subordinate officers of PWD to act immediately as this road is under construction even as I write this letter. Please do not leave the work to the “contractors” alone. All we want to see are good quality roads in our State and not “hellish” roads in future.
Yours etc.,
Reward Rymbai,
Via email
Police killings and silence of the majority
Editor,
Once again, accused persons (they might have been the actual persons who might have committed crimes, but still they were accused) were killed in Tangla, Guwahati, etc., in police firing. Such news has become very common of late. Very frequently, we hear and read in the media that a few people accused of crimes like drug trafficking, rape, etc. allegedly tried to flee from the custody of Assam Police, and then either got killed or injured when police fired on them. Almost all such incidents happen during the night. This is an extremely pathetic commentary on the Assam Police. Repeated incidents of these types cannot be normal nor natural. This was not the case till in the recent past. It also puts a question mark on the efficiency of the Assam Police. First, if fleeing from the Police custody is truly happening regularly, then obviously the police personnel are ill-trained or are incapable of handling people in custody. Secondly, if the police are using brute force, and trying to get rid of accused persons by using firearms, then these are heinous acts.
In Mumbai, Policemen like Pradeep Sharma, Sachin Vaze, etc. are bad examples. These are instances of policemen becoming a law unto themselves. Whether we like it or not, the rule of law has to prevail and established procedures must be followed in letter and spirit by the Police. It is the judicial courts that pronounce whether an accused is guilty or not. The whole world, including us in India, were shaken when a black man George Floyd was suffocated to death by Minneapolis policemen on May 25, 2020. The four officers involved in the manslaughter were fired immediately, and Derek Chauvin, the prime accused was sent to prison for 22.5 years. Meanwhile, Pradeep Sharma and Sachin Vaze, who were in privileged positions earlier, within and outside the Mumbai police, were arrested and are being investigated for various acts of omissions and commissions.
It is high time that the civil administration, human rights organizations, and of course, the judiciary took note of these incidents in Assam, and ensure that the due process of law is followed especially by the police. Otherwise, matters may spiral out of hand and we would be left feeling sorry for ourselves in future.
What is more pathetic is that the vast majority of the populace of Assam and the north-eastern parts of the country seem to be accepting these in silence. The consequences could be extremely brutal.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia,
Guwahati
Hijab verdict
Editor,
The Karnataka High Court’s hijab verdict is against the religious pluralism in the country. In fact, wearing hijab is not an issue. Some fringe elements raked up hijab wearing to get political advantage in the recently held Assembly elections. As a consequence, there has been a big controversy over the wearing of hijab in the premises of educational institutions. Thousands of Muslim students have been following this religious practice for a long time. Some students with the support of political leaders dragged the matter of religious practices into educational institutions and disrupted their functioning. Instead of settling the matter, the Karnataka government banned hijab. The Karnataka High Court’s verdict is in favour of the state government ban.
The case will now move to the Supreme Court . However, arriving at a decision is not easy. Those who support the wearing of hijab argue that it does not create any problems for educational system or the state. It must be understood that in many cultures men and women cover their hair. Covering of hair does not affect teaching in the classroom. As part of following Covid-appropriate behaviour, all have to wear masks. It is for the good of people. Similarly, if a particular religion requires its followers to conform to some practices, they can follow it.
Unity in diversity is an essential aspect of the people of India. Enforcing uniformity in dress, food and culture is against the general interests of the nation. A particular community cannot be discriminated against and treated badly. It is against the concept of plurality. All are equal in the country. People should not be treated as superior or inferior. They should have equal rights and freedom.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Kollam