Editor,
It’s so wonderful to read the genuinely honest and lucid essay: Much more than Conflict of Interests, by Albert Thyrniang and be educated with clarity on the politics behind, “The City of Jewels,” and Abode of Clouds, (ST June 28, 2023). The phrase,” this theatre of the absurd’,’ drew a pursed- lipped smile to my face.
The Manipur ‘Inferno’, (staying clear of words and phrases attached to the bloody mayhem; though privately I believe otherwise), educates me on the deeper, sinister and obnoxious politics of the BJP. Modi’s obsession with himself and his populist image abroad, never mind the orchestrated political carnage, not just shocks, but disgusts me!
Anything is acceptable as long as BJP comes out winner. In my observations, the politics of BJP is playing out across the country, even where they are not in power. And Meghalaya is a classic example. Toeing the line of disruptive politics, divisive politics and bloody mayhem politics is the order of the day! When will our state politicians and electorate wake up to the writings on the wall? I do anticipate, not very far off, turbulence in the state given the flippant attitudes of politicians, the cover-ups and the contradictions as highlighted. Upright and strong leaders must carry the public with them by putting an end to institutionalised corruption! Remember, we all need to make it right with ourselves first for God is not mocked!
Yours etc.,
Kevin Phillips
Shillong – 19
Construction failures
Editor,
Taking into account the construction failures in Meghalaya, from the Assembly dome crash, ISBT, bridges, football grounds, which have proven to be construction failures causing loss to the state economy and risk to human lives, the question arises as to why Government is giving projects to such contractors who do shoddy work? They don’t seem to be professional but seem to have got the contract more as a favour done to hand-picked contractors. Why is the Government not sincere about giving such work to the very best in the field of construction and stop doing favours? This is a complete misuse of public funds. Sadly, it seems more such projects have been given to the same contractors. What if a building collapses in the future and leads to casualties? Then the explanation will be that there will be an inquiry as always which ultimately leads to nothing.
My repeated question is why is the work not given to genuine contractors of this country who are professionals? Why are favours given to the same firm? Who benefits out of this public loss? As a taxpayer I demand cancellation of all projects to such dubious contractors, and also demand that the government not treat public money like the personal funds of some minister/s. I hereby request all other political parties who are in the Opposition to kindly stop such practices of giving public contracts to personal favourites. Government should remember that public money that is being lavishly spent comes from the taxpayers of this country. I also request all pressure groups to show more interest on such matters of public interest and stop doing politics in the name of development. We don’t see development happening in Meghalaya at the desired pace. The Government should follow the Assam model of development.
Yours etc.,
Rohit Shah
Shillong – 2
Government intervention needed against hopeless JIO service
Editor,
Apropos of the letter, “Is Jio short-selling is customers?” by Salil Gewali highlighting the disappointing services of Reliance Jio, I am also compelled to share my own viewpoints. As a concerned parent, I have encountered numerous challenges when attempting to fulfill account-related work. The service has been so poor that even basic page downloads is not possible, with speeds lingering less than 1 kbps. This poses a tremendous hurdle when trying to assist our children with their school projects and other important work. I am confident that countless parents are facing the same frustrating situation that I have been experiencing. It is evident that Jio has amassed substantial revenue from its millions of subscribers while failing to deliver on its promised service.
Salil Gewali has rightly questioned the discontinuation of the Rs 345 plan, leaving subscribers forced into recharging the Rs 666 plan—an act that can only be described as blatant money-grabbing like thieves in the streets. Such actions amount to a grave offence, in my opinion. I sincerely hope that others will unite with Salil Gewali and Larry Kharkongor to expose the deceitful tactics employed by this company, which shamelessly victimizes its poor subscribers. The government must promptly take necessary and stern action against this Company in the larger interests of the public.
Yours etc.,
Chandra P. Swami,
Shillong -2
Non-tribals in continued distress
Editor,
The issues highlighted by A R Sinha regarding the plight of non-tribal residents of Meghalaya (ST, letter to the Editor, 28th June, 2023) deserve special attention by the Government for mitigating their sufferings. Meghalaya is a state where the minority community is constantly being subjugated on various pretext be it in the name of Trade License, Labour Licence, influx, appointment in Government jobs etc particularly by the so-called pressure groups with the tacit support of the Government and administration. The committee recently formed by Meghalaya Government to review State’s Reservation Policy does not include a single non-tribal although they are one of the stakeholders on the issue. Government’s interaction with the non-tribals is restricted to all faith forums and not in any other domain of governance or issues. Despite having a decade old judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court for conducting Municipal Election for electing Ward Commissioners no serious efforts have ever been taken by successive State Governments to hold the poll ostensibly due to opposition from local pressure groups who think that few non-tribal Ward Commissioners if elected, would be detrimental to tribal interests.
These kinds of issues in our state are not only anti-democratic but also un- constitutional. If one considers the plight of non-tribals here since the birth of Meghalaya, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the very presence of non- tribals appears to be a ‘crime’ in itself in our state. In Meghalaya the democratic and constitutional rights of minority non-tribals are constantly being trampled upon, whereas the tribal community is enjoying special privileges and protection guaranteed under the Constitution (being a minority in India) but does not even allow basic democratic and constitutional rights to the minorities of the state. What an irony!
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar
Shillong-3
Lack of decorum
Editor,
I wish to bring to the attention of the authorities the erratic habits of Shillong residents who recklessly stop buses or taxis so that they can embark for their next destination. I find it upsetting to have to see this practically daily as a commuter. I would like to know why people lack the civility to stop cabs and buses at a convenient location or at the very least at specified stopping zones without bothering other people and creating a traffic jam. However, it is also important to take note that unknown burglars are stealing even the steel and iron chairs that are placed in bus sheds. Everything that should be available for public use in Shillong seems to be taken even before they are even used.
Yours etc.,
Gracefulness Rymmai,
Via email