Editor,
Apropos of the letter “NPP: An ensemble of entertainers we don’t need at all,” by Prof Lakhon Kma, (ST Feb 3, 2023), it would be more appropriate if the entire MDA comprising the UDP and the HSPDP are clubbed alongside. The BJP was lucky not to swim with NPP since day one. The only matter of concern is that while they knew that Conrad Sangma only needed them to get the attention of Prime Minister Modi, they still played along. The NPP was trying to get the national party tag despite having only one NPP MP in the 540 strong house. The BJP-NPP divorce came too late. Even with the fearful writing on the wall when the Assembly dome collapsed in absence of any seismic disturbance, the BJP still swam with NPP, despite getting in return no respect or gratitude at all from CM Conrad Sangma in the last 5 years.
We who were there in front of the State Central library on that counting day and who escorted Mr HS Shylla home to bring the 3 flags had witnessed all events. INC was invincible then but sadly the 2 flags still alive, indulged in uniting before election to splitting after the swearing in. In 2018 it advantaged the NPP versus Congress though the latter had a larger mandate. Had they clubbed with the Congress Meghalaya won’t be as it is today with the state hanging by a thread.
The behaviour of these regional parties had compelled the Congress government at the centre to pass the Anti Defection Law but with disgruntled elements inside, there was a time when even an Independent MLA had become Chief Minister of the state! Henceforth Independent MLAs became very costly in the horse trading market a week before swearing in and lucrative portfolios like Power and PWD would go to them.
From 2018 to 2023, the UDP & HSPDP both lovers of the Jaidbynriew (the indigenous people) did not stand up against CAA. They were least interested about lending support to CM Conrad Sangma when he and a few Assam NPP leaders flew to Delhi to protest against it. And quite amusingly they did not know that Agatha Sangma in the winter session of 2019 had voted for the CAA. Whereas university students in Delhi fought heart and soul and had to face teargas in the fight against CAA, in Meghalaya we did not bother until it reached a dead end.
The border areas of Maikhuli and Philingkata were surrendered to Assam despite them being very much part of Meghalaya. The Shillong Times of 2019 April 11 says, “It may be seen how the powerful government of Assam took over the schools, the cultivated lands and even graveyards and then they threatened and kidnapped an 85 year old man who is still alive today at 87. Regarding the graveyard the case is pending in the Supreme Court.” At the time Prestone Tynsong consoled us by stating that Assam has given the puny Maikhuli lake. We Meghalayans are duped to devastation.
Elated by the first MoU signed between Assam and Meghalaya in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, the Modi government now boasts of resolving the border stalemate between the two states. Before the second MoU could be signed Mukroh happened as if by a stroke of fate. Although Rs 5 lakh was given to families of the injured by the Assam Government but a month later Assam had strengthened the Mukroh police outpost while all the lovers of the Jaidbynriew are in deep deep slumber. Thus, Rs 5 lakh was of no value at all if land is forfeited.
Then comes Amit Shah’s obsession with Hindi as the national language. This too was endorsed by CM Conrad Sangma and Hindi is now compulsory up to Class 10. His reasoning is that it boosts employment. Why does he not understand that for MBOSE it would prove disastrous. CBSE and ICSE already have Hindi but our MBOSE students would waste their years learning Hindi. He needs to know that for academic excellence in India or abroad English is a must. The Union Education Minister Ramesh Pohkriyal Nishank has ranked MBOSE 2nd from the bottom with Bihar being the last. On this issue too, the UDP and HSPDP did not raise any objections.
On pastors and church elders, the less said the better. The saying, “Many use religion as the cloak for their vices” is very true of our State having two of the most populous Christian denominations. Look at West Jaintia Hills where 3 churches received freebies of cements, cash and a 4 km bituminous road. And that a particular candidate dare not contest simply on his/her non-populous denomination exposes that secular values and essence of religious beliefs are heavily diluted.
In Meghalaya freebies have been wantonly distributed for more than a year now and one candidate even has videographic evidence but that failed to prove a point as the model code of conduct was not yet in place. And now with the MDA burning the midnight oil and trying to make good the promises made 4 years ago in 5 months with foundation stones erected right, left and centre, the electorate is confused. Even a highway directed by the High Court to be completed within a stipulated time might not meet the deadline. This in short is mis-governance in Meghalaya. And the NPP wants to have a second tenure!
Yours etc.,
J.C Wahlang
Via email
Bollywood dances during Chhath puja
Editor,
Apropos of the eye-opening letter by Usha Kakoti, “Stop noise, drinks and vulgarity during puja” (ST January 30,2023), I also wish to share my views on how some of our youths struggled to stop Bollywood dances in certain Chhath Puja venues in the town in 2022. This practice has been going on for some years. I think the Puja organizers do not know what is devotion to God and what is enjoyment. It is indeed a matter of shame that the two are mixed up.
Chhath festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his wife Usha (dawn). This festival is observed to express gratitude for supporting various natural phenomena and objects like rivers, oceans, hills, and mountains on this earth. We seek the blessings of the Sun God for harmony in the universe. To express devotion to the Sun God, it is recommended to observe complete fasting. Many fast for four days with two days without water. Devotees stand inside rivers for several hours and offer prayers to the Sun. This is known as ‘tapasya.’ It is through such sacrifice and penance that God blesses us; not by Bollywood dances.
People who believe in entertainment may enjoy dance and alcohol at birthday or marriage parties or New Year’s eve but not on sacred days connected with the worship of gods and goddesses. It is a grave sin as per the holy books.
Therefore, whosoever allows such vulgar dances and songs during Durga Puja and other sacred festivals have a wrong understanding of religion. They have not read the holy books. Such people should not be permitted to organize puja of any kind. This nonsense should be stopped in society. I completely agree with Usha Kakoti that whatever is happening in God’s name is a direct INSULT to God and against our holy books. It should be condemned. Kudos to Salil Gewali for raising this genuine issue and opening everyone’s eyes. I look forward to reading more inspiring letters from him.
Yours etc.,
Deepak Shah &
Sanjay Yadav,
Via email