Editor,
At the very onset let me clarify that I belong to no political party; support no particular party or individual nor am I penning this missive to glorify any particular politician. If you ask me I think most of them are opportunists ; most are in politics not to provide service, benefit , advantage nor do a good turn for the state and its people. Most of the politicians moving about in our midst are pure business men who see political power as the best means to make money; indulge in some shady business deals with the least risk of being exposed or as the best way to circumvent the law. Most of us have reached this stage of skepticism and cynicism about our political system and our politicians not because we want to but because the politicians themselves and their actions have forced us to come to such inglorious conclusions. I am the first to admit that it’s the worst type of conviction and faith to have of one’s leaders but the truth is, there is no alternative. Just can’t be helped. It has simply come to a stage where a politician’s word is not even worth the breath of air he spends in expressing it.
So when a politician opens his/her mouth and express a universal truth, it does come in as a breath of fresh air. The basis of my statement is based on the 3rd Jan 2023 ST headlines “NPP not for bifurcation of Meghalaya: Ampareen”. Whatever one thinks or says about Kong Ampareen I think on this occasion she deserves to be applauded for not trying to be evasive but for speaking facts which incidentally happens to be the naked truth. There is no possibility of further bifurcating Meghalaya either into an exclusive Khasi State or an exclusive Garo state. Such a belief might be grist to the mill of those who believe that only politics can and is the saving factor for the ethnic communities that make up Meghalaya. Such people tend to forget or are ignorant of the fact that Meghalaya as it is, is already economically unviable. None of the small, diminutive North Eastern states, based purely on ethnic considerations are economically viable. We exist only because of the charity and financial doles we receive from the centre. Demanding further bifurcation of such uneconomical unproductive political units would therefore make no sense to New Delhi. Repeated acts of violence and mayhem are simply strengthening the views of those who see these small ethnic political units as unproductive and in need of better management.
As mentioned above our own political leaders have not been able to convince the Centre otherwise. If this continues New Delhi might lose its patience and come up with steps inimical to our own interests. Recent actions on Jammu & Kashmir is an obvious and glaring example. So be careful with your unproductive political demands lest we lose what we even have; lest Shillong becomes a Union Territory; lest we regret when it is too late to be repentant. For those who might not know, there already exist an underground demand to turn Shillong into a Union Territory. Be careful lest we aid them by our own foolishness. So on this score I would like to congratulate Kong Ampareen Lyngndoh for her foresight and timely political analysis of what might result from emotional demands that have no substance.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Democracy and secularism
Editor
Democracy and secularism are two of the greatest achievements of Independent India. Secularism suits the genius of a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country like ours. Secular democracy works best in an environment of pluralism, respect and tolerance toward others, where there is the freedom to practice one’s beliefs. Democracy is now threatened by religious majoritarianism, claiming that the basic definition of nationalism derives from religious communities. Recently, the letter, purportedly from the Assam State police’s Special Branch, sought information from all SPs on Christian activities, validating an attempt to curtail the freedom of religion as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
In the context of the Indigenous communities, most indigenous societies have seen their traditional orders disrupted through contact with the more powerful societies. The impact of colonialism saw the erosion of traditional indigenous social structures. Hence, there is a need for indigenous spirituality to be recognised as a religion and belief, so that freedom of religion and belief for the indigenous Khasi-Jaintia can be effectively promoted and protected. It is the government’s obligation to protect the minority indigenous groups.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
Kiang Nangbah’s unseemly attire
Editor,
Come December 30 and various NGOs as well as the government heaps rich tributes on the sacrifice and heroism of our own Woh Kiang Nangbah, a freedom fighter and martyr of Jaintia Hills who fought against the atrocities of the English people.
But what is painful about watching the commemoration of u Woh Kiang Nangbah in front of the Civil Hospital Gate, is his attire in the statue. I had drawn attention to this matter in July, last year urging that whoever built the statue should correct the glaring mistake of having made Woh Kiang Nagbah wear some kind of a skirt or a sarong. This is absolutely wrong. According to our Pnar tradition, no male member should wear a skirt or sarong as this attire is exclusively meant for womenfolk. I had even mentioned in my letter that whoever built the statue could take a look at the attire of Woh Kiang Nangbah at Syntu Ksiar, Jowai in order to get a true to life image of our hero.
The statue of Woh Kiang Nangbah in front of the Civil Hospital Gate, Shillong is an eyesore and it is painful to behold this glaring error. Hence my only request and appeal to the concerned party once again is to correct this error as soon as possible. This will give Woh Kiang Nangbah a true and honest recognition that he deserves.
Yours etc.,
Helen Dkhar,
Via email