Editor,
The horrific incident of rape that happened to the young doctor in Kolkata is not only unfortunate but frightening. We’ve seen these uproars during the Nirbhaya case when the entire nation stood up in protest. The culprits may have been awarded punishments with ironically the juvenile getting less to nothing when he was more violent in his act, and that violence could have been the cause of Nirbhaiya’s death. For no fault of hers, Nirbhaya was made to leave this earth when she had not even lived half of her life. The loss is felt by her parents and near and dear ones. It’s an irreplaceable loss.
What we need to ponder upon is that no amount of protest and even stricter laws can stop the human monsters from committing these heinous crimes. Instead of reducing in frequency, rapes are now rampant. On August 9, the horrendous rape, torture and gruesome cold blooded murder of the lady doctor shook the entire nation leaving Kolkata burning with fury. What we must not forget is that such acts had happened in the past too in many other states where attempts are made to hide the cases especially when the rape victims are Dalits or of a lower caste. If the law takes too long to deliver justice such incidents will be repeated.
The point is that the law should come to the rescue of women and girls and take an exemplary stand once and for all and make our country a safe haven for women. Since time immemorial girls and women were subjected to subjugation, suppression, discrimination. Today along with all of these are added violation, torture and murder. Today, in the 21st century girls and women are even more terrifyingly suppressed to the point of losing both their honour and lives. Every time a woman is violated we need to search our conscience and ask ourselves if we feel no fear and remorse to trample on another being? As a woman I feel a sense of fear and desperation for women who could be attacked any time of the day or night. Have we become so bestial that we are no longer willing to differentiate between right and wrong and being human with the ability to think and reason? Besides everything else what is more degrading is the fact that the loss is entirely that of the victim and the family members. Isn’t it painful that as a society, we can no longer live in peace and harmony but are steeped in immorality and inhumanity? Unless the law steps in and treats rape as a crime that needs swift justice we will continue to hear the same stories repeat themselves even while women and girls are reduced to a state of utter helplessness.
Society has to discuss these issues and find out the reasons for such bestiality.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Dangers of instant justice
Editor,
More often than not, instantaneous justice, be it in the form of an encounter or bulldozer, is used to shield the real culprits or other powerful culprits. This is the most dangerous aspect of instant justice, apart from its ethical downsides. It strikes on the legal guarantee of the rule of law. The rule of law is like a barbed wire fence. It protects us from the rule of the jungle which is based on the survival of the fittest. The custodial death of one of the convicts of a gang-rape case in Assam’s Dhing area has raised suspicions in our minds. As a matter of fact, any custodial death always raises a question as to whether it has deliberately been orchestrated to protect more powerful culprits.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Enough of political violence
Editor,
Atrocities against any woman anywhere is unacceptable and condemnable. But such unfortunate cases in West Bengal are viewed in a different light because of the complicity of the administration, police and ruling political party in shielding the criminals. Sandeshkhali and R.G. Kar incidents are two recent classic examples of Government-criminal-TMC nexus which are amongst umpteen numbers of past incidents in West Bengal where the ruling party be it Left (Communist) or TMC went overboard to protect the criminals. Such a dark legacy prevailing only in West Bengal for many decades now needs to be stopped and the civil society need to take a call to come out from such political slavery.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee,
Shillong-1
Shillong: From City Aspirations to Town Challenges
Editor,
Shillong, once celebrated as the “Scotland of the East,” is increasingly overshadowed by significant urban challenges that threaten to undermine its potential. Despite its role as the capital of Meghalaya, the city’s burgeoning issues highlight a growing disconnect between its aspirations and realities.
Congested streets and insufficient infrastructure: The area stretching from Garikhana to Motphran, encompassing Police Bazar and Nongthymmai, vividly illustrates the frustrations of both residents and visitors. The lack of well-maintained footpaths—often encroached upon by vendors—creates perilous conditions for pedestrians. Additionally, the overwhelming presence of parked vehicles, particularly in Stand Jeep, near Paltan Bazar exacerbates traffic flow issues. The congestion, most evident at the iconic Motphran, disrupts movement and highlights the dire need for better traffic management and parking facilities.
Motphran, a pivotal area in Shillong, is plagued by persistent traffic jams. The shortage of adequate parking and the absence of a designated taxi stand aggravate the problem, with vehicles frequently idling for passengers. This congestion extends from Police Bazar to Motphran, illustrating a broader issue impacting smooth vehicular movement throughout the city.
Noise pollution and neglected areas: Police Bazar suffers from severe noise pollution. Vehicles passing through this busy commercial zone create considerable trouble for pedestrians, with constant honking adding to the disturbance. The absence of effective traffic management and noise regulation enforcement further degrades the quality of life for residents and workers in the area.
Additionally, Police Bazar, often compared to MG Marg in Sikkim, is in a sorry state. Littering is rampant, and the overall appearance of the area is marred by waste and neglect. The contrast between the intended vibrancy of Police Bazar and its current dilapidated condition is stark and concerning.
A call for action: The palpable frustration among residents regarding the perceived inaction of local legislators and officials is evident. The frequent absence of elected representatives and administrative officers from the streets underscores a troubling disconnect between policymakers and the daily realities of Shillong’s inhabitants. Many believe that effective solutions require more than office-bound decisions; they necessitate on-ground surveys and proactive engagement from those in power.
Shillong’s challenge lies in reconciling its administrative significance with the practical needs of urban infrastructure. While it remains a crucial city in Meghalaya, persistent issues like traffic congestion, inadequate facilities, and environmental concerns cast doubt on its readiness to be recognized as a modern metropolis.
To truly realize its potential, Shillong must undertake urgent and comprehensive reforms. Improvements in infrastructure, more effective traffic management, and a responsive approach to governance are essential steps towards transforming Shillong from a quaint town into a vibrant, modern cityscape.
Yours etc.,
A Sarki
Shillong