Editor,
It is shocking that a little-known fundamentalist radical group from Assam called Kutumba Suraksha Parishad is talking rubbish about blocking the National Highway between Assam and Meghalaya. The signatories of the letter should know that there is no state directive to forcefully declare a tourist site as a place of worship or pilgrimage and by the way the said cave in Mawsynram is under the jurisdiction of the Village Dorbar of Mawsynram while the District Administration is there only to resolve issues. Notwithstanding the insidious false accusations on Christians it appears that the Kusumba Suraksha Sanhita is no less like ISIS for trying to impose its will on others and it should be dragged to court for defamation and be sued. They should also know that the land laws are different and to presume or assume anything against anyone is the greatest danger of all. The Supreme Court has a set of guidelines on the designation of places of worship, perhaps they should read the law and the Constitution well.
Yours etc.
Dominic S.Wankhar
Via email
Safety of labourers a state responsibility
Editor,
It is a shame that without proper disaster preventive measures, construction workers are often forced to build, repair, or paint the outside wall of a multi-storey building, and pandal workers make a gigantic pandal. Recently, Adwaita Hatua (44), a pandal worker, died after falling from a height of 28 ft while trying to tie a bamboo pole of a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata without having any safety measures in place. There should be standard operating procedures for pandals and construction workers. They must be provided with mandatory safety ropes, safety nets, and other necessary safety measures, plus insurance coverage. Often, we read reports like what has recently happened in Kolkata. The government must impose harsh punishment on the agencies for flouting the standard operating procedures so that no one can dare to play with the lives of poor workers.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Impact of tourism disruption in Meghalaya
Editor ,
It has been a week since the agitation that led to the halting of tourists from the neighbouring state in Meghalaya. This event has significantly disrupted not just the tourism sector but also the broader economy of the state.
The once bustling streets of the city are empty. Hotels, which were fully booked just a week ago, now have vacant rooms. Guest houses and Home Stays – a vital source of income for many local families, are experiencing a sharp decline in bookings. The cafes, restaurants, and shops that relied heavily on tourist traffic are seeing a drastic drop in customers that come from outside.
This agitation has highlighted the fragile inter-connectedness of our economy. Tourism is a critical driver of economic activity in Meghalaya, but it is deeply entwined with other sectors. When tourists stop coming, the ripple effects are felt across the board. From transport services to local artisans, the chain of dependency is extensive.
It is crucial for people to understand that we live in an interdependent economic system. Our livelihoods are inter-connected, and we cannot thrive in isolation. The concept of a closed economy is outdated; we need to embrace the reality that our survival and prosperity depend on mutual support and cooperation. In the long run, fostering a welcoming environment for visitors is essential for the state’s economic health. We should all start being more open-minded and come together to find a solution that balances the concerns of the local community with the economic benefits of a thriving tourism industry.
Yours etc.,
Manisha M Pala,
Via email
Illuminating the issue: Unreasonable electricity charges
Editor,
I am writing to express my frustration and disappointment with the exorbitant electricity bills since October/2023 charged by the MePDCL. Despite no significant increase in consumption, the bills have skyrocketed, causing financial hardship for me. It is a clear case of daylight robbery when a basic necessity like electricity is priced out of reach for the average citizen.
The recent bills I have been receiving have been shockingly high with no clear explanation for the sudden surge in charges. I believe many others in the community are facing similar issues. I urge the electricity board to review their billing system and ensure transparency and fairness in their charging practices.
I request the authorities to look into this matter and take necessary steps to relieve the affected consumers. This letter also draws attention to an issue that affects ordinary, voiceless citizens who often don’t know where to go and who to approach for such grievances.
Yours etc.,
C Sangma,
Tura