Editor,
The age-old social fabric of Laitumkhrah, the prime and prestigious locality of Shillong is disturbed due to power struggle among its Rangbah Shnongs.
One of its Dorbar Shnong Andrew A Jyrwa to fulfil his aspiration and ambition to grab power is mis-utilising a handful of local youths in the name of Seng Samla and subsequently maligning the image and prestige of Seng Samla as a whole. It is the need of the moment for the Seng Samla, Central body, to look into the matter and stop itself from becoming a pawn in the hands of power-hungry individuals. Jyrwa is arm-twisting everyone with the help of these bunch of youths in Laitumkhrah creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust. Sadly, the Acting Syiem of Mylliem, Ainam Manik Syiem has also fallen prey to his arm-twisting.
According to an article published in your esteemed daily titled “Action of Hima Mylliem towards Laitumkhrah Dorbar arbitrary” (ST Sep, 1, 2022) and a news report “ Acting Syiem of Mylliem revokes appointment of headmen” published on August 29, the issue of delay in election of executive committee of Laitumkhrah Dorbar Shnong Pyllun has forced the acting Syiem to suspend the existing three Rangbah Shnongs and again ironically reinstating one of its suspended Rangbah Shnong, Andrew Jyrwa as caretaker Rangbah Shnong to conduct elections within the next one month. This has confirmed the doubts that the Acting Syiem is working according to Jyrwa’s pre-planned strategy falling prey to his muscle power.
The decision makers and elders in Laitumkhrah should understand that a free and fair election with 100 percent voters’ participation could not be held during the pandemic. Seniors and elders will definitely stay away from voting due to the fear of Covid infection. In fact, many organisations across the world postponed elections and important general meetings due to Covid. However, few in Laitumkhrah including Jyrwa and his gang wanted a quick election without the participation of elders and wise residents of Laitumkhrah, so that they can influence the election results to their benefit.
In fact, everyone in Laitumkhrah wants election, but in a free, fair and peaceful manner upholding the culture of our rich tribal society. Hence, in view of the forthcoming Dorbar election, the local MLA, District Council, acting Syiem and other authorities should take necessary steps to prevent future conflicts among the elected Rangbah Shnongs, because, as far as we understand, the same set of people will contest the forthcoming election and will become Rangbah Shnongs. Hence, it is imperative to resolve the existing conflicts among the suspended Rangbah Shnongs and plan for a strong future Dorbar which will work for the development of Laitumkhrah devoid of fear, extortion, intimidation and arm twisting.
Yours etc.,
James Lyngdoh,
Shillong -3
A catch in the advertisement
Editor,
I read with consternation the advertisement appearing in The Shillong Times dated September 2, 2022 by the District Project Coordinator, RMSA calling for Assistant lecturers in different subjects at Tirot Sing Memorial Government Higher Secondary School, Laitkynsew. The advertisement is silent on the salary except to state that it will be determined according to receipt of funds from the Ministry of Education (MoE).The posts are initially for one year and may be extended, subject again to receiving of funds from the MoE. The bait is such that when you’re caught you cannot protest or complain for not receiving your salary because you have accepted its condition i.e subject to receipt of funds from the distant MoE.
The experience of SSA funding from MoE has seen teachers in the streets. Why adopt a policy which is vulnerable to teachers’ agitation? Government policy should be pragmatic and practical. One should think of other funding alternatives. Unemployment among our educated young people has grown to such an extent that it is like a volcano ready to explode at any time.
Yours etc.,
Torist Mark,
Via email
Rainwater harvesting
Editor,
Meghalaya is situated in the highest rain-falling zone on the earth. This state has an average of seven to eight months long period of rainfall in a year. Sadly, we have not yet, so far seriously thought of conserving this natural source of abundant water, for our later use during the dry periods. During three-four months of dry spells, people are usually seen reeling under acute shortage of water for their household use. Year after year, newspapers report the woes of people living in the Greater Shillong area. Surprisingly, there is no plan yet for any alternate supply or augmenting of the existing source of supply of potable water.
A few days ago, one Ms Reakor Shisha Kharkrang (ST Aug 18, 22) had written about the necessity of rainwater harvesting, in detail, in this column. Since then, there has been no follow-up or response from any quarters. This has prompted me to remind people as well as the Government of Meghalaya to take some action on this important issue. Why should we always wake up and be active only there is a crisis? The signals of the impending problem are already there. We have read in this very newspaper that trees and other wild vegetation are fast vanishing from the catchment areas, which are the natural reservoir of water. This is evident from the fact that our perennial rivers of the bygone days are now turning into dirty drains. Should we let this happen and continue, thinking everybody’s business is nobody’s business? The situation that may arise because of our inaction is for everyone to visualize. The much hyped about Jal Jeevan Mission or Har Ghar Jal will then be a pipe dream. From where will the water tankers, that we see plying every day, for the needy, get their tank replenished?
It is high time now, that we plan to avert this alarming situation. Augmentation of the existing water resources is an inescapable necessity. And to supplement our existing source of water supply, rainwater harvesting is a must.
As the state agency is the sole supplier of potable water in Shillong City, much of the initiative for rainwater harvesting should come from the Government or its urban bodies. Like the Roof Top Solar Plant subsidy provided by the Central Government (ST Sep 4, 2022 ) the State Government may also consider providing a similar subsidy to those who intend to construct Rainwater Harvesting Plant (RHP) in their existing buildings. A step further would be that all building plans in future, should be approved by the concerned authority, only when there is a provision for RHP, in the building blueprint. All large building projects of the government should also have RHP in their site plans. To ensure the availability of skilled workers for the construction of RHP the state government may consider imparting training to the local youths, well in advance.
Yours etc.,
Krishna Chettri,
Via email