Editor,
The loss of two precious human lives in Ichamati on March 27, 2024 has once again exposed the vulnerability and insecurity being faced by the minority populace in Meghalaya. It is unfathomable how killing of innocent persons can help in achieving the goal of the anti CAA protestors. Although such type of killing is not a new phenomenon in Meghalaya the moot question remains- how long will this type of killing continue and why? No one knows.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee,
Shillong-1
When will non-tribals get justice?
Editor,
The horrific killing of two innocent men in Ichamati on 27th March, 2024 once again brought forth the hatred prevailing in Meghalaya against non-tribal people. The protest against CAA in a place which is outside the purview of the said legislation is nothing but a pre-planned racial and genocidal attack on the non-tribals residing in Ichamati. Meghalaya’s history is stained with blood of many innocent non-tribals since its birth and will continue in future as well till the State becomes “non-tribal mukt.” The Government machinery and administration will wash their hands by ritualistically putting the entire blame on ‘unknown miscreants’ as they have been doing for the past fifty years till the next innocent non-tribal life is lost in some other part of the State.
It is really baffling to observe that the conscience of the civil society, particularly the majority community who are duty bound to protect the minorities, never gets awakened in Meghalaya on such racial killings and they remain as ‘useless silent majority’. The non-tribal, in the State is not in a position to come out openly and protest against loss of innocent lives for fear of being targeted by ‘unknown miscreants.’ Their only option is to offer silent prayers in the confinement of their dwellings for eternal peace of the departed souls.
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar,
Shillong-3
Too early to predict results of Lok Sabha elections
Editor,
The news item “Every vote cast for NPP will be a vote for BJP, says Pala” (ST March 27, 2024) made interesting reading and if one reads this news between the lines there is contradiction in the statement made by the sitting MP with reference to the BJP votes, “The BJP votes will not go to NPP but they will come to me.” Vincent H Pala predicted that the BJP will suffer in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. But he has not predicted who will suffer in the North Eastern Region or for that matter in Meghalaya, given the fact that ABP-CVoter has predicted that out of 25 seats in the North East, 21 seats will go to the BJP led National Democratic Alliance which includes 2 to the NPP from Meghalaya while 4 seats will go to others. As of now, there is no definitive prediction that the BJP will suffer in the five states referred to by Mr Pala. However, political dynamics can change rapidly, and electoral outcomes depend on various factors such as local issues, candidate selection, and voter sentiment. Since the status of sitting MPs remains unchanged until the transition of the new parliamentary term is completed. Once the election results are finalised, the newly elected MPs will replace the outgoing ones, and the 18th Lok Sabha will commence its proceedings. Until then, the sitting MPs retain their parliamentary roles and responsibilities. Therefore, here are some observations based on the current political landscape in respect of the five states referred to by the Member of Parliament from 1 Shillong Parliamentary Constituency:
1. Maharashtra: The BJP has faced challenges in Maharashtra due to coalition politics and internal disagreements. However, it remains a significant player in the state with 23 seats in Parliament from this state while the INC have just 1 seat as things stand now.
2. Karnataka: In Karnataka there is a seesaw battle between BJP and other parties. But still the BJP has 25 seats while the INC have only 1 seat at the moment in Lok Sabha.
3. Delhi: In NCT of Delhi the BJP has faced stiff competition from AAP. AAP may have been successful in the Assembly elections but still BJP has 7 seats in the Lok Sabha as things stand at the moment and the INC has zero as well as AAP. Hence BJP remains a strong contender.
4. Punjab: The BJP with only 2 seats in Parliament from Punjab has limited influence. The INC is no doubt in a better position with 8 seats in Lok Sabha as things stand now.
5. Himachal Pradesh: The BJP has traditionally performed well in Himachal Pradesh. Local factors and anti-incumbency sentiments can impact electoral outcomes. But it has to be noted that BJP has 4 sitting MPs from Himachal Pradesh as of now while the INC has none.
One must not lose sight of the fact that political scenarios are dynamic, and it is essential to keep an eye on developments as elections approach. The final verdict will be determined by voters’ choices during the election.
Yours etc.;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
There is no such thing as “being more Khasi.”
Editor,
With reference to term “More Khasi”, I had never come across the term in the past. But as a daily newspaper reader, I saw the term in the article by Bhogtoram Mawroh (ST March 23, 2024). Personally and in actuality I do not like the term. My understanding is that the Khasi people (having religion or having no religion, having clan (kur) or having no clan, rich or poor, physically- abled or physically-disabled; white, brown or black, tall or short, thin or fat, who think, who speak, who write and who work for the good and well-being of the community and society in a non-violent way, are “The True Khasis”. In our Khasi society, we are all aware that we never had a caste system or class system; we are all equal, and therefore, the terms, “more Khasi, far more Khasi” should not have been used by Bhogtoram Mawroh or any other writer.
Coming to the traditional faith practitioners (Niam Khasi & Niamtre), they must not use the terms, “more Khasi/Khasi paka/Khasi nylla”. The terms, “are divisive and mischievous.” They must not use the terms in public, in educational institutions, workplaces, writings, etc. The practitioners must also not use the terms in Seng Khasi, Seiñ Raij, Seng Khihlang, Seng Kut Snem and while reciting “Ki Phawar” on marching to the Seng Khasi Hall after the Shad Suk Mynsiem and the Seng Kut Snem’s gatherings are over in the Seng Khasi College’s ground.
The leaders and members of the above organizations must refrain from speaking or writing words or doing anything that may hurt the people practising different religions or those who do not practise any religion.
In conclusion, the community (The Khasi Community) is above all. All Khasi people belonging to different clans (Ki Kur), different religions and so on must be peaceful, united and try to do good for our community.
Yours etc.,
Wallambiang Rani,
Upper Shillong