Editor,
There appears to be something fishy that stinks to the high heavens relating to the reported dumping of soil and felling of trees at the so called Law Syiem at Mawroh. The latest report to this puzzle is what came out in your daily on September 30, at page 3 under the caption, “Soil Dumping at Mawroh raises concern.” As an ordinary citizen of Shillong I vaguely remember some reports a few days back appearing in the ST on the above mentioned caption, gave it a glance and thought no more about it , thinking that responsible officials of the Hima and the KHADC would have dealt with the problem. Imagine my surprise when the problem apparently refuses to die and continues to raise its ugly head. I think this pernicious problem needs further investigation.
What puzzles me most are the contents of the above cited report which claims that the Syiem of Mylliem can dump his own soil ( read personal garbage) in the so called Law Syiem. Is this true, even when the area has been declared as a Law Adong, which to me declares that the above forest no longer belongs to the Hima Mylliem, to do what it pleases there, but that the above forest is now the property of the Khasi community that is supposed do be cared for, maintained and protected by the KHADC? As a citizen I really wish the Syiem clan and the KHADC to clarify this. Until such clarification, the matter is beginning to stink and is fast turning into a major scam.
Last but not least is the ridiculous statement attributed to Pynshngain N Syiem, Deputy CEM of the KHADC. This official is reported to have stated, “We will take action if we receive an official complaint.” Will the Dy CEM act only when he receives a complaint? Is this how the KHADC functions that even reports of an environmental crime appearing in the papers are ignored by their office? The last time I had a look at Para 3 (b) of the Sixth Schedule it clearly states that the ADC is empowered to make laws relating to the management of any forest not being a reserved forest. The KHADC has made a law and declared the Law Syiem at Mawroh a Law Adong. So please stop making these nonsensical excuses and get cracking at properly managing that forest as you are supposed to. I would sincerely advice you to send your Forest officers to make an on the spot inspection and if the allegations in the papers are proven, to take action against the Syiem of Mylliem as per law. Otherwise the impression of personal collusion between the Syiem Hima Mylliem and the KHADC officials cannot be ruled out.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Promoting Respectful and Clean Public Spaces
Editor,
I’m writing to gently highlight an issue that has been concerning me lately. During my daily commute behind the MBOSE Office towards the Youth Hostel, I’ve noticed a persistent odour of urine coming from the walls nearby. Sadly, I’ve also observed drivers, especially of commercial vehicles, stopping to relieve themselves in broad daylight, seemingly unaware of the discomfort it causes to those passing by, particularly women and young girls. It’s disheartening because there is a public toilet just 50 meters away. Many people cover their mouths and noses as they pass this area, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
As we embrace initiatives like the Swachh Bharat campaign, which emphasizes cleanliness as a virtue, it’s important that we all contribute to maintaining a clean and pleasant environment. Public spaces are meant for everyone to enjoy respectfully, and these actions detract from the beauty of our city.
I humbly request all to everyone to consider using the available facilities rather than public spaces for such needs. Together, we can ensure Shillong remains a clean and welcoming place for all residents and visitors.
Yours etc.
S Bhardwaj
Shillong-1
Collateral damage in the Middle East
Editor,
A high stakes game is currently at play in the Middle East, with the death of Hassan Nasrallah, a one time charismatic political leader of Hezbollah or ‘Party of God.’ It would definitely change the Middle Eastern geopolitical chessboard. Russia has condemned the attack, terming it as ‘political assassination.’ History is definitely unforgiving in this region. Joint operations in the past between Mossad and Shin Bet, with constant help from Washington, have nailed down strong figureheads like Yahya Ayyash, known as ‘Engineer’ to Imad Mughniyah. The Iranians were dealt a body blow from the death of its top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr earlier this year. The constant bombardment in Switzerland of the Middle East has displaced tens of thousands of people, affecting many women and children, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). What implications will this have in the Arab world? Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent and CEO of Soufan Group, in a report ‘Foreign Fighters in Syria’ says exposure to radicalizing literature or social media content have influenced many from Iran, Somalia, Bangladesh to take part in such conflicts. Repercussions in the current Israel-Palestine theatre can ignite the ideological fuse as next-door neighbour Bangladesh with its unstable governance can pose a threat on an economic and religious scale which is against India’s interests.
Former BBC’s Middle East Bureau Chief Paul Danahar’s book ‘The New Middle East’ weaves a 360 degree picture about the past, present and future of this volatile region and which players define the power politics.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10