Editor,
As a frequent contributor to The Shillong Times and a resident of Laitumkhrah, I commend the Government, and our MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, for their pragmatic approach to the issue of hawkers’ relocation in Shillong. I am confident that her leadership will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the residents.
In light of the concerns raised by residents, the decision to reconsider the plan to shift hawkers to Lady Veronica Lane reflects a deep understanding of community needs and a commitment to finding equitable solutions. The recent protests by residents of Lady Veronica Lane against the proposed relocation underscore the importance of engaging with communities and considering their perspectives in decision-making processes. It is heartening to see the government taking heed of these concerns and exploring alternative options to address the issue of hawker congestion in the area. One such alternative, as proposed, could be to relocate the hawkers to a parking lot near Stoneyland, opposite Eldorado Guest House, Dhanketi. This alternative location not only provides ample space for the hawkers to conduct their businesses but also ensures minimal disruption to residents and institutions in the vicinity.
By carefully considering the needs and concerns of all stakeholders, the government demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance and community well-being. The government’s willingness to reassess the hawker relocation plan and explore alternative solutions is a testament to their responsiveness and commitment to serving the interests of the community. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can work together to address the challenges facing our city and build a more inclusive and vibrant Shillong for all its residents. As we continue to address the challenges facing our region, let us recognize and appreciate the leadership of the MLA, whose commitment to the people of East Shillong is reflected in every decision she makes.
Yours etc.
Lyzander E Sohkhlet
Via email
Are the Pnars second class citizens?
Editor,
I’m again writing on behalf of our Jaintia community regarding inclusion of our language in the State’s anthem. As perceived by many, it appears that we Jaintias are not a major tribe of Meghalaya but until 1975, in my Scheduled Tribe Certificate, I was certified as Pnar, which is a recognised Scheduled Tribe. Even until the late eighties, my niece was issued the Scheduled Tribe Certificate as Pnar. So, my question is, since when have we been derecognised? For that matter and correct me if I am wrong, in Jaintia Hills all the Scheduled Tribe Certificates of the people are of the Pnar tribe. This leaves me nonplussed because I fail to understand the logic of this matter. There is this hidden agenda to devalue us as well as to treat us as second class citizens in our own State. This should not be tolerated by all Pnars and to me personally, this surely touches my heart and my emotions.
Another aspect is that if we go by the popular song Khynriam u Pnar, U Bhoi u War then why are all these dialects not incorporated in the anthem? We do not need the English language in our anthem at all. Had the MDA-2 Government done so, this debate would not have happened. But as usual our Government is not a far sighted one in almost all the decisions it has taken.
My fervent plea to all the Khasi Jaintia people based on the growing population is that now is the right time to revise the age-old reservation policy so as to have equal representation which will benefit our youths today and for the future as well. Do we have any takers here and I am asking especially the student bodies, the seng bhalang for their response.
Yours etc.,
Helen Dkhar,
Via email
New energy
in KHADC
Editor,
As a regular reader of your newspaper I feel gratified to see the new Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem take quick action on illegally run stone quarries in Laitkroh that have the potential to damage the environment beyond redemption and to dry up the water bodies in the state. In the past such quick action was missing from the district councils which in effect are tasked to conserve those forests that are out of the purview of the State Forest Department. The district councils were created to conserve the culture and tradition of the tribes of Meghalaya and that includes the natural environment which in Khasi is called “Ka Mei Mariang,”(Mother Nature). Is it part of tribal culture to kill the environment first by cutting down all the trees and then to start taking out all the rocks and boulders and expose the earth to the cruel elements? Culture does not mean only ornaments and clothes and dances. Without this earth sustaining us we will all die. It seems we did not learn any lessons from last year’s flash floods in Mawsynram and other places where houses were washed away by the flood waters. Because of the greed of a few people all of us stand to suffer.
I wish to laud the CEM, KHADC Pyniaid Syiem for rising to the occasion and doing his duty as assigned by the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.
Yours etc.,
Kitboklang Khongsit,
Via email
Whither justice?
Editor,
Umar Khalid’s bail plea has been postponed for the eighth consecutive time. Umar Khalid has become the face of the legal maxim, justice delayed is justice denied. He already spent over three years in custody after being arrested in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots in September 2020 under the UAPA. The question that naturally comes to mind is: while he has been languishing in custody year after year, what are the actions that have been taken against those who instigated the crowds with the “Goli maro” battle cry?
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata