Editor,
As far as we know the forested slope along the Wahumkhrah river on the side of the Polo-Demseiniong road, is part of government land. The portion of land just opposite the Puja Idol immersion point, is a long stretch of land which the government could actually use to widen the road so as to ease traffic congestion along this part. What leaves every citizen in perplexity is the mysterious project that seems to be going on there. The high rise blue dyna roof barricade hides something suspicious behind. The public would like to know if this is government land and what project is actually going on here. It is mysterious as well that a wine store has already come up in this government land. Is this wine store a government project or has it been sold to a private party?
When traffic congestion is the nightmare of the city, road widening (wherever possible) should become the government’s priority. This portion of the mentioned government land should have been used for this purpose and not for other dubious constructions. Unfortunately, Meghalaya is a state where citizens prefer to remain silent or even stay complacent in the midst of glaring irregularities in the government functioning. I am sure if it were in other states RTIs would have been filed and investigations would have taken place already. In this connection our NGOs and pressure groups like the KSU, HNYC or the FKJGP should take up this matter and if irregularities do exist seek for legal actions. It is abdication of one’s civic duties to keep quiet and just sit and watch when corruption is glaring at our faces.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie sdb,
Via email
An unwarranted response
Editor,
With reference to the letter, “NO UNFAIR TREATMENT” (ST Sep 1, 2022), we are deeply concerned and aggrieved by the fact that in response to our previous letter, one Mr Laloo, in his letter says that we seek recognition for our son in the “media”. However, it seems Mr Laloo has either completely failed to understand the crux of the matter or has misread our previous letter. As a matter of fact we do not seek any publicity from the media for our son, we had just asked for information which the authorities of St. Edmund’s school refused to provide. For his kind information, I too hold this same institution as my alma mater and was taught by the Irish Brothers themselves. So “reading the school diary” will not compare to the values instilled in me by this same institution.
Furthermore, our son’s hard work and result precisely embodies the motto of the school “Facta Non Verba” (Deeds not Words). He does not need such publicity to prove his worth. His results speak for themselves. WE JUST REQUIRE ST.EDMUND’S SCHOOL TO ACCEPT THE FACTS AND PROVIDE THE CLARIFICATIONS WE HAVE BEEN SEEKING. Damage to the school’s reputation is in no way our intent or purpose as it is deeply connected with our emotions as well. Anyone who thinks otherwise is either misinformed or is looking through the eyes of prejudice against a sixteen year old.
Yours etc.,
Sazeed Zamal,
Via email
Love thy neighbor in this difficult time
Editor,
Despite so many technological advances, we can hardly understand nature’s fierce calamities that strike us almost too often. Look at how abnormally continuous rain in Pakistan has played havoc with the lives of millions of its citizens. There are sufficient “causes” for such eccentricities of nature these days. Of course, climate change due to our wrong pursuits is also to blame. It has been reported that more than 33 million people have been affected by the monstrous monsoon. The flash floods have mercilessly washed away bridges, roads, houses, livestock and people across the country. More than 1100 people have been killed so far. Just imagine their plight and how each individual is struggling to survive in these difficult hours. Practically speaking, with almost nothing to eat and nothing to drink, innumerable stranded citizens are also gasping for breath, as reported. Their lives are floating on the bubble of uncertainty. I believe each one of us should learn a lesson or two from here. We should take a cue from it and conduct ourselves in this mundane world more thoughtfully. The profound TRUTH is that human life on this planet is unquestionably “impermanent and unpredictable”.
Needless to say, what has happened in our neighbouring country might also happen to us. Any time our wealth and luxurious gadgets and accessories can be devastated. A similar situation was experienced by millions of people in Assam a month ago. Well, our Prime Minister has conveyed his good thoughts and prayers in these difficult times for Pakistan. Of course, our prayers may be different in words, but the CREATOR is the same. The style of worshipping Him may be different, but the devotion is the same. So, let’s keep the Pakistani people in our thoughts and prayers now. Let’s keep aside the narrow dogmas of our religions and think for humanity. While religions may divide us, humanity will unite us, making us spiritually more evolved. The compassion shown to our fellow brothers never fails us.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
(Member, International Human Rights Commission)
Shillong
Via email