Editor,
I am writing this with the hope of touching, if not everyone’s mind and heart but at least a single soul. Addiction, mainly substance abuse has flooded our streets and robbed the lives of both the young and old. It is like a generational curse that has entered almost every household and like death, affects both the rich and poor. While not just certain, extra measures must be taken to eradicate its cause. I would like to emphasize something that society has forgotten. We don’t condone addition but we should also not condemn someone in the grip of substance abuse. Every person has flaws but given the right support, they have the potential for a detour to start things over; start things right.
What breaks my heart is in witnessing how people easily discriminate instead of uplifting one another. The irony is how health care workers in treatment centres and small organisations treat such people – with utterly no respect and indirectly telling them that they can never change so why bother trying? There are some though, that choose to be chained by such influence over and over again. Now each to his own, but again there are many who are trying really hard to face themselves in the mirror or even wake up to face another day. Trust me! Speaking from experience, our support can change them – despite and in spite of the addiction.
Yesterday I cried on seeing my best friend who has been sober for 3 years though still dependent on prescribed medication to be able to lead a normal life. He’s trying day in and day out to reduce his medication so that he can finally embrace a life free of medicines. He needed aid for treatment of some other illness but yet again because of his medical history he was suspected, disrespected, shamed, questioned and doubted even more. Well, he’s not the only one but their voices can never be heard because they are considered taboo to begin with.
But they need help, so if we think that we are not like them and are better than them then shouldn’t we be the ones acting with empathy? Yes! Our tone and choice of words do matter! If a single drop of blood can make a huge difference, so can a single smile, a kind gesture, a non- judgemental attitude. Imagine one single person can contribute so much to the world. If you’re reading this I hope it starts with you!
Yours etc.,
Aletheia Hitgallut.
Via email
Reckless two – wheeler riders and violation of no entry
Editor,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the STP for their recent efforts in cracking down on tinted glass violations, as reported in The Shillong Times dated September 7, 2024. This initiative is greatly appreciated by many citizens, including myself, as it enhances public safety and helps uphold traffic regulations across the city.
However, I would like to bring to your attention several other pressing traffic issues that require immediate action.
Reckless Driving by Two-Wheelers : There has been a growing concern over the reckless driving of two-wheeler riders, commonly referred to as “street hawk or Chapri riders.” These riders not only create a nuisance on the roads but also pose a severe risk to pedestrians as well as four wheelers. The recent accident in front of Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) is a glaring example of the dangers posed by such reckless riding. The fate of the young boy involved in the accident remains unknown, raising concerns about the safety of pedestrians in our city.
We are also left questioning whether any action has been taken against the rider responsible for the accident. While the installation of CCTV cameras around the city is commendable, I have doubts about their effectiveness in such situations. If a reckless rider strikes a pedestrian and flees without a visible/altered registration plate or sometimes without a registered number plate, will the cameras be able to track them down? I have personally observed two-wheelers passing by traffic officers without any apparent fear of consequences, which further undermines public confidence in these surveillance systems.
I urge you to address this issue by not only enforcing stricter penalties for such reckless behavior but also ensuring that the presence of CCTV cameras and traffic officers genuinely deters such violations.
Violation of No Entry and One-Way Rules on Don Bosco – Stephen Hall – Gold Gym Road.
Another critical issue is the blatant disregard for No Entry and One-Way rules by both two- and four-wheelers on the road stretching from Don Bosco, via Stephen Hall, to Gold Gym. This road is permanently designated as a One-Way route, yet many vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, frequently violate these rules. The road is especially hazardous due to its blind curves, where drivers tend to speed up, assuming no oncoming traffic. These violations create a dangerous situation for law-abiding road users who may not expect oncoming vehicles in a One-Way zone.
No Entry Violations at Jacob’s Ladder Road.
Additionally, I would like to highlight that many two-wheelers are blatantly flouting the No Entry rule at Jacob’s Ladder Road, even during broad daylight. The frequent violations raise a serious question: who is going to catch them? This lack of enforcement emboldens reckless behavior, putting everyone at risk. It is crucial to ensure that these rules are enforced consistently, not just at select times or locations.
Suggested Solution: Auto-Fine System Based on Camera Records.
To address these issues effectively, I suggest introducing an automated fine system based on camera records, similar to the systems already in place in many other states. This system could automatically issue fines via SMS directly to the registered owner of the offending vehicle. Such a system would not only improve compliance with traffic rules but also reduce the need for constant manual enforcement, making our roads safer for everyone.
I sincerely hope that the Shillong Traffic Police will take these concerns seriously and implement the necessary measures to address them. The safety of pedestrians, drivers, and all road users should remain our collective priority. By combining technology with stricter enforcement, we can create a safer environment for everyone in Shillong.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. I trust that the necessary steps will be taken to address these concerns and prevent any further incidents.
Yours etc.,
P Majaw,
Shillong-1