Editor,
Please correct me if I’m wrong but I do not recall of any official records available with photographs of Tirot Sing Syiem, Kiang Nangbah and of Phan Nonglait for that matter, yet there are several printed portraits of u Tirot Sing Syiem and u Kiang Nangbah in many publications all with different faces. Even the statues and busts of the above two heroes erected/ installed in many locations bear different faces. The recent installation of a statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem in Dhaka, Bangladesh has a completely different face. Is this not a disrespect to the valour, contributions and sacrifices made by them to the freedom struggle of our country? In our haste to show our respect to their invaluable contributions that inspire the present and I’m sure the future generations of our people as well, are we inadvertently insulting them by giving them different faces according to our whimsical imaginations. Without blaming anyone, for this faux pas, it is time we right this wrong before we become a laughing stock to the world at large.
Even while it’s important to erect monuments of our heroes, but rather than erecting one with an unknown and a make-believe face it will be more important to remind and to remember their heroic deeds so that they may continue to inspire us to face the challenges that confront us now and even in the years to come.
Yours etc.,
Michael N. Syiem,
Via email
The Sandeshkhali horror
Editor,
First of all I would like to appreciate Salil Gewali for his write up (ST Feb 19, 2024) where he lamented the horrific episode of SANDESHKHALI, a story of barbarism by a TMC leader Shahjahan Shiekh and his affiliates. This is an untold tale of destruction and misuse of political power. Here I like to quote a few words from Gewali’s write up as, “Here I sincerely hope that my friend from Kolkata Sujit De, who prolifically writes on the menace of poverty, gender discrimination, misgovernance and decline of democracy, would not shy away from speaking out against sadistic atrocities inflicted upon women in his home state. Perhaps he is now thinking where to start from!” A true speculation and I am in agreement with Gewali. The virtue of democracy should not be endangered by such mischievous politicians. All the stories came out after ED officials were beaten up when they went to arrest the local TMC leader Shahjahan Shiekh in connection with the Ration Scam. Sandeshkhali a village in North 24 parganas district, Bengal which has now a tale of barbarism and a place of revolt is populated mostly by people from downtrodden families as their earnings are limited and their way of life very simple. Hence the mighty TMC goons took advantage of their helplessness. Villagers have alleged torture and human rights violation at the hands of Shajahan and his affiliates had been perpetually outraging the modesty of women. The police department is totally demoralised as they are working hand in glove with the TMC. So it was possible for Shahjahan to hold the entire population to ransom and for them to keep mum over the barbarism and cruelty inflicted on them over the years as he and his affiliates are encouraged by the ruling dispensation. It’s praiseworthy to note that West Bengal Governor, CV Anand Bose warns that he will fight against the democratically elected state government to ensure justice for protesting women in Sandeshkhali.
The Lok Sabha elections are arriving and we all aware of the past election scenario of West Bengal which tell stories of barbarism with bloodshed, raping of women’s modesty, arson, ransacking public properties and what not. In such circumstances hopefully this time the central government will gear up it’s forces to tackle such unfair means by TMC goons. The demography of West Bengal is under threat due to nefarious politics by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. Illegal immigrants – a strong vote bank of TMC is not only a threat for West Bengal but also a threat for the entire nation’s unity and integrity.
It’s true to say that fury of the tempest can wipe out everything when it’s in force so accordingly we can hope the women of Sandeshkhali will overcome all the trauma they faced by what was meted out to them by the goons of TMC with their (women)will power to fight for justice .
Yours etc.,
Biswajit Ghosh,
Shillong -2
SC ruling on forest conservation
Editor,
The Supreme Court issued an interim order on February 19, 2024 emphasizing that States and Union Territories must adhere to the definition of ‘Forest’ as established in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumalpad vrs Union of India judgment of 1996 during the hearing of a public interest litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Act, which was amended by the Union government in 2023. The Godavarman Judgement is a landmark environmental case in India commonly referred to as the “Godavarman Case”. Originating as a Public Interest Litigation filed by Mr. Godavarman a retired Forest Officer, it addressed concerns about forest degradation due to various developmental activities without proper environmental clearances.
Key points from Godavarman judgement
1. Defining Forest: The order defined a forest as any area recorded as forest in the government record irrespective of ownership. This definition is broad and encompasses any area recorded as forest in government records, regardless of its legal status or ownership.
2. Impact of the judgement: The case led to stricter interpretation and implementation of forest laws, focusing on conservation and protection. It clarified that the Central government’s authority under the Forest (Conservation) Act extends to all forests, irrespective of ownership, emphasising stringent regulation. The Court stressed the importance of sustainable development in forest conservation and protecting the rights of the forest dwellers and tribal communities.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s 1996 definition of ‘forest’ emphasizes the need for conservation, sustainable development, and protection of forested areas, regardless of their legal status or ownership.
The Supreme Court order of 19 February 2024 affects forest conservation in India by:
1. Reinstating the broader definition of forest: The Apex court directs States and Union Territories to act as per the definition of ‘forest’ laid down by the Supreme Court in 1996, which includes any area recorded as forests in government records irrespective of ownership. This means that more land will be legally protected as forest and subject to conservation measures.
2. Requiring prior permission for Zoo or Safari: The order also directs that the Supreme Court’s prior permission will be necessary for setting up any Zoo or Safari in a forest. This will prevent such activities from being organised inside forests without proper scrutiny and safeguards.
3. Seeking report on forest land identification: The order also directs States to file reports on forest land identified as per Supreme Court’s ruling in the T.N. Godavarman case by the end of March. This will ensure that the States comply with the court’s directions and provide accurate data on forest land.
Yours etc.,
V.K.Lyngdoh
Via email