Editor,
It is utterly appalling to see the pictures of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma with different attire in almost every poster of the 2nd edition of North-East Olympics on display throughout the city from Barik point to NEHU. Even the Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh appears in very few of them. Is it more of a PR stunt than anything else? Just two questions-who sponsored these banners/posters with the CM’s photo everywhere or was lakhs of rupees spent from the State Treasury which is unable to pay even the salaries of teachers and health workers in time. The second question is – why not the names and posters of our past or present sports personalities from within the State instead of the CM or Minister? It only reflects our apathy towards our sportsmen and women by the ruling class which does not miss any opportunity for a PR stunt. No wonder, we fared so badly in the recently concluded National Games. Apparently, our politicians have forgotten that fans are drawn to these games and sports because of good and genuine players and athletes and not politicians.
Yours etc.
Prof. Lakhon Kma
Lawsohtun
Hearsay is not an opinion
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to express my sincere appreciation to your column and your editorial page in particular. I have been an avid reader of your daily paper and in fact my day wouldn’t start without a glance at your paper. Each and every day is spent devouring the paper from the headlines, the editorial, the op-ed, entertainment, sports etc. I never miss reading the editorial column, letters to the editor and in particular the articles contributed by columnists, intellectuals, bureaucrats, teachers and people from all sections of the society.
The flavour of a good editorial is a class in itself as it expresses an opinion and moulds the opinion of the readers. It critically analyses and presents a refreshing perspective on an issue. An editorial is not only a literary piece but also expresses a firm and balanced opinion. I am writing this with reference to Albert Thyrniang’s column under the caption “ Should not the slogan ‘In our own land we do as we wish’ be banned?” in which he rightly condemns the protest and rally of the FKJGP on October 28 and the vandalism and hooliganism that followed thereof.
Let us not scrutinize this further. Instead, as responsible citizens we should offer constructive opinions to the youth by suggesting and putting forward other avenues for jobs. What is shocking to me and many other like-minded people is how a person like Albert Thyrniang, a reputed journalist, stoop so low as to make false and baseless allegations that for MPSC posts candidates have to pay 40-50 lakhs and 10-15 lakhs for lower posts! Does he have solid evidence for this or is he just a part of the riff-raff who just mouths out unsolicited opinion? Or is it just a resemblance of slanderous talk of the hoi polloi ? As an intellectual, he should be counselling these youths regarding jobs in other aspects instead of relying on government jobs. I would suggest that he also tries to offer constructive advice on how and what kind of work they can do rather than fill up their tender minds with filth and callous talk and a negative approach towards life. If, at all, he wants to preach about fearing God, let him do so from a pulpit and not vociferously through a print media. Why doesn’t he try writing more about politics, environmental problems, social and economic aspects in the country as well as in the world and enlighten the youth more about what is happening in other parts of the country and the world and broaden their minds?
I would suggest that he does some research work and find out how the recruitment process is carried out in the Public Service Commission in the Centre and in all the states as well and encourage these young boys and girls to venture out into other fields and make a living out of their own efforts.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email