Editor,
Those are very perceptive words from a certain Rakhi Mitra of West Bengal, who also identifies herself as a BJP representative and an activist. Elections are coming indeed and everyone is adorning their own motley attire of disguised altruism. The needs of the people, “our people”, are placed under a magnifying glass. We are for the people. Our people.
This is exactly the sentiment expressed by Ms Mitra in her seven-minute video about the recent protest in the state regarding the status of unemployment. Mitra has taken it upon herself to highlight the racism in the state that has been ongoing for “forty years” against the “dakhars.” She highlights a very important issue of conflict and communal tension that has been going on for many years in the State. Of course, this happens only in the State of Meghalaya. One will never forget all those days one walked the streets of Park Circus in Kolkata and seeing men in their middle age pull out their private parts in front of you. Oh, and let’s not forget the occasional grabbing of young girls’ breasts on their way to college and the favourite name-calling of “chinky” and god knows what else being uttered in a language unfamiliar to one. Never mind that! Racism only ever happens in Shillong or the “Northeast” to use a more convenient term for people. I agree completely that racism is an ugly monster that hurts and divides people. But what will I, a so-called “sane Khasi” , know about it?
Coming back to the issue of unemployment, the root of all evil. Mitra has provided the answer to the problem! Khasis are unemployed because they are “unemployable” and are content to live in “that well of ours”. Who doesn’t like to live in a cold, dark, well right? There is unemployment and yet we get “easy money” to spend on drugs and alcohol. A profound observation indeed! This is how all Khasis in particular and the “Northeast” in general love to spend their time and money. We are savages. We have always been savages. A tourist would know better. Of course! The lovely pictures on her phone tell the complete story of the lives of our people. Listen to her. She knows best. She knows the inner workings of the state and the problems that plague the society. She pays us after all with her generous contributions through her occasional visits.
So there, all the Indian brothers and sisters, this is Shillong for you. We use foul language, we are drug addicts, we are savages who live in wells. Dear Indian brothers and sisters, Ms Mitra has singularly decided to be your spokesperson and wield the authority of Bharat Mata and has suggested for you to start a movement to “throw us out” because clearly, we are not part of India. What do you do then? She, of course, speaks with goodwill whilst proudly outlining her objectives through her political affiliation, clearly there is no hidden “Tamasha” there.
Yours etc.,
Lusaka Blah
Shillong- 6
Let not history repeat itself
Editor,
The FKJGP rally on October 28 last was marred by scenes of bashing up of innocent non-tribal people. Thirty years have passed since the era of violence and calm and peace has been prevailing in our state. And so far during those turbulent times, we the people of Meghalaya have been lucky enough not to be dealt with a tit for tat from the people of other states many of our sisters and brothers, uncles and aunts are living either as students or office employees. The reason is because the majority of people in our country are peace loving and shun vengeance.
Please, let history not repeat itself because if we do so there is no guarantee that our people in other states are not going to be targeted. Social media after all is a great equaliser.
Yours etc.,
W. Passah
Nongkrem
May harmony prevail
Editor
I am writing to express my solidarity with those non-tribal “outsiders” who were attacked and injured by masked protestors on Oct 28, during the FKJGP anti-unemployment rally. It is sad that the police did not intervene like they should have. But it has also been heartening to read the many letters (in your esteemed newspaper) protesting this violence. Several of these exemplary letters are from Khasi citizens. This goes to show that conscience is still alive in Meghalaya.
Unemployment will not go away through unjustified and reckless violence against those perceived as outsiders. The class tensions caused by capitalism do not disappear through violence. Capitalism is a strange beast that may be exploitative and destructive at the macro- level, but can be an engine of economic growth at the micro-level. One can protest capitalism and yet appreciate the free-enterprise model and the power of technology.
For young people to be employable, they must, at the very least, be ethical, disciplined, and qualified. No employer hires a lawless hooligan. Besides job skills, youth today also need strong entrepreneurial skills, professional training, and a spirit of service. They need an infrastructure conducive to economic growth. This includes the servicing of easy loans. None of this is possible without the basics of law and order.
I hope fervently that the injured make a speedy recovery and that intercommunity peace and harmony are restored.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
Demand for creating C&RD Block justified
Editor,
Recently a delegation of leaders from Warsan Lyngdoh, Phlangdiloin and Umdohlun areas under South West Khasi Hills District, which is one of the most under-developed Districts of Meghalaya, met Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, demanding that a Community and Rural Development Block be set up at Umdohlun or Wahkaji Village. The demand is perfectly justified in all respects. In fact, several villages under this land-locked geographical areas comprising of upland Langrin Syiemship, War San Lyngdoh of Nongstoin Syiemship and the Western Sector of Nobosohphoh Syiemship, are all, geographically, distant from Nongstoin, Mawkyrwat and Ranikor Blocks. As a matter of fact, the average distance by the worst M.P Road in Meghalaya from the existing mentioned CRD blocks is not less than 70 kms. Moreover, these areas are isolated and have remained totally neglected in every aspect for the last 50 years of Meghalaya’s statehood. The other demands for setting up of C&RD Blocks are at Rambrai village (which has been a long demand), Langja village (under Muliang sector), Umdang village (under Ri Lyngngam) and at Maweit Village (which is also the most neglected area in Meghalaya). These demands are not only justified but also ought to be given top-most priority and should be execute immediately by the MDA government under the leadership of Conrad Sangma. Otherwise, the MDA may miss the opportunity of reaping the rich electoral dividends in 2023. In fact, these Blocks should have been created before the creation of the Districts during the MUA regime under the stewardship of Dr Mukul Sangma.
Yours etc..
Philip Marwein,
Senior Journalist i
Shillong-2