Editor,
Apropos to the letter to the editor in the Shillong Times, dated August 6, 2024, by Aashish Ujjain, on Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynran, which classes the structure as ‘Holy Shiva Lingam,’ I would like to clarify that the structure is a “Geological Structure”-known as ‘Staglagmite.” Geologically, the area where the structure is located is a limestone formation, where water seepage takes place through cracks present in the limestone formation for millions of years. The water seepage through cracks dissolved the limestone into solution, and the flow leads to deposition of the solution as rock mass and formation of two structures: the ‘stalagtite’ hanging vertically from the roof and ‘stalagmite’ deposited on the floor. There is every likelihood that the upper ‘stalagtite” was easily destroyed due to its weight and its hanging position. The Mawjymbuin Cave is of ‘Geological Importance’ where thousands of students studying Geology course from different colleges and universities have visited, to witness the remarkable structure; the remnant of millions of years of ‘Geological Phenomena’ as part of their field and study tour program. Let “Unity amidst diversity” be a strong foundation in our life so that we can make a strong and united India. Yes, a number of tourists visit Meghalaya daily, but please verify the origin of any tourist spot you admire before expressing your religious sentiments in the media. The three points made by Ujjain are all besides the point. There is no such thing as religious tourism in Meghalaya and dragging politics into a tourism issue shows bad intent.
Henceforth, in order not to create more confusion on the structure, may I request the guides of the stake-holders of Mawsynram Tourism to focus on the Mawjymbuin Cave, as a tourist spot of Geological Importance and not an Ancient Shiva Lingam.
Yours etc.,
Dr Eladbor Laloo,
Via email
Mawsynram Dorbar bans prayers at Mawjymbuin Cave
Editor,
On the above topic I would like to remain anonymous as I belong to a particular community. What the Mawsynram Dorbar has done is a welcome move and should be strictly adhered to. The yatra may be well organized but the people who majorly participate in the yatra do so with the sole motive of picnic when such yatras should be as minimalistic as possible. The Mawjymbuin Cave is held to be a sacred site of the tribal community so it shouldn’t be acceptable in the first place to conduct such yatras as these can lead to permanent changes in the ecology of the place.
Many of the tourist places have been trimmed and distorted to suit the comfort of the tourists. But is Meghalaya only a picnic spot for people to come here to over-eat, over-drink and over-consume? An environment should be created so that only tourists who step out of their comfort zones and come here for an immersive experience of the beautiful and sacred Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Mawjymbuin Cave sacred for Khasis
Editor,
With reference to the letter by Aashish Ujjain (ST August 6, 2024) I would like to say to him and to all the Hindus that Mawjymbuin Cave is not a spiritual place for Hindus. The Cave and U Mawjymbuin are natural phenomena created by The Almighty God of the Khasis (U Blei U Nongthaw U Nongbuh). They were created for the Khasis, for Ka Ri Khasi and for Ka Bri U Hynñiew Trep. So, it is the right of us the Khasis to protect and safeguard what The Almighty had given us.
Yours etc.,
Wallambiang Rani,
Upper Shillong
Dramatic escape from Dhaka
Editor,
Sheikh Hasina Wazed is a political phenomenon who has guided the rise of Bangladesh from a rustic jute producer into the Asia-Pacific’s fastest-expanding economy over the past decade, a secular Muslim in colorful saris who fought hardliners, lifted millions out of poverty and deftly kept both India and China on her side. However, these economic gains came at a considerable cost where critics were silenced, press freedom suffered, and civil rights were systematically suppressed as Hasina consolidated her position as the sole centre of power. This unexpected development in Bangladesh serves as a stark reminder and also a lesson that resonates not only in Bangladesh but across the globe that economic progress alone cannot sustain a leader’s popularity in the face of eroding democratic values and civil liberties.
Yours etc.,
M.Haque, Advocate,
Shillong -6
Flooding due to poor drainage
Editor,
I am writing draw attention to a serious issue that has been persistently affecting my residence due to the poor drainage system near the market in our area at Nongpoh. The drainage is frequently blocked by waste, which causes water to overflow and flood my house during heavy rains. This flooding has caused considerable inconvenience and poses potential health risks due to stagnant water. The stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, increasing the risk of disease. Additionally, the flooding has caused damage to my property, resulting in financial losses. Every time it rains heavily, my family and I are on edge, worrying about the inevitable water intrusion and the damage it brings.
Beyond the immediate physical and financial impacts, this issue has also taken a psychological toll on my family. The constant fear of flooding during the rainy season has made it difficult for us to live peacefully. We have had to rearrange our schedules and take preventive measures, such as moving furniture and valuable items to higher ground, which is both exhausting and disruptive.
I understand that managing drainage systems and ensuring they function correctly is a complex task that requires coordination and resources. However, I believe that regular cleaning and maintenance of the drainage system could prevent blockages and significantly mitigate the flooding problem. It would be beneficial for the community if the drainage infrastructure could be reviewed and potentially upgraded to handle heavy rainfall more effectively.
I hope this letter will raise awareness about this issue and encourage collective efforts to improve the drainage system in our area. Addressing this problem would not only alleviate the immediate flooding concerns but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents who are similarly affected.
I trust that highlighting this issue will prompt the necessary actions to bring relief and improve the situation for all affected residents.
Yours etc.,
DB Dkhar,
Nongpoh