Editor,
During the height of armed insurgency in Meghalaya, former Chief Ministers B.B. Lyngdoh, E.K. Mawlong, and F.A. Khonglam were not provided with heavy security cover. A simple pilot and an escort vehicle were sufficient to take them to any destination, and there was no fear even when they traveled with a convoy of three vehicles.
However, during Mukul Sangma’s tenure as Chief Minister, there was a drastic increase in security measures. The number of vehicles accompanying Sangma grew significantly, and he had a justification for this expanded security: the threat posed by the GNLA and other militant groups, who were heavily armed. In earlier times, Cabinet Ministers were not provided the privilege of travelling with a pilot or escort vehicle, except when travelling outside the state capital, and even then, it was rare.
Over the years, however, thanks to the precedent set by Mukul Sangma, such extensive security has been extended to almost everyone, leading to road accidents, including fatalities of motorists and pedestrians. It is shameful that lives are lost simply because someone else is in a rush to reach their destination. The VVIP Syndrome infuriates every citizen, and it is entirely reasonable for the public to be angry.
The outrage against the VVIP Syndrome resurfaced on November 15 after Hudderfield Rymbui, a young man, lost his life along the Shillong bypass road when he was allegedly struck by a police vehicle escorting State Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The minister’s convoy was headed to Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong, the venue for the Cherry Blossom Festival. To date, there has been no apology or statement from the state government regarding this tragic incident. The government likely believes, as it often does with such issues, that it will soon fade from public memory. Sadly, they may be right, as citizens tend to forget. We will remember Hudderfield Rymbui only when another life is lost due to the VVIP Syndrome. Perhaps Hudderfield’s demise will be in vain, given people’s short-lived memory. It will only be left to his family, friends, and loved ones to mourn his passing.
A life was lost, but the VVIPs won’t care. They will continue to enjoy their paraphernalia without consequence. It is up to the people to demand change, to make every VVIP—known or unknown—think twice before using or misusing pilot and escort vehicles. VVIPs should be held accountable for their actions. Enough is enough.
In solidarity with Hudderfield Rymbui’s family, and with all citizens who want the VVIP Syndrome to be put to an end once and for all, it is crucial that we continue to raise our voices. No life should be sacrificed at the altar of privilege and entitlement. The demand for accountability must echo loud and clear, not just for Hudderfield, but for all who suffer because of the reckless misuse of power. Only by standing together can we hope to bring about a change that values the lives of ordinary citizens over the comforts of the privileged few.
May Hudderfield’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Yours etc.,
R. Pde,
Shillong – 1
Time – The greatest revealer
Editor,
Just days after the Voice of the People Party (VPP) revealed the names of candidates for the ensuing Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Councils polls, voices of dissent were raised. Well, it is normal for dissenting voices to rise in any “democratic” party. But to the party’s embarrassment, its vocal legislator from North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum, didn’t mince words while expressing his displeasure over the candidates chosen by the party to contest from Jaïaw and Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah constituencies. Being a two-time legislator and member of the District Council, Bah Adelbert was apparently sidelined by the party’s election committee. Well, most were not surprised. They were only waiting for this moment to arrive. And time is the greatest revealer.
The formation of the VPP in 2021 was a reminder of the launch of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by so-called anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal in 2012. Now, just 12 years into politics, no political party has seen more leaders languish in prison over corruption charges than AAP. The party, which was an offspring of one of the biggest anti-corruption movements in the country, had to witness its leaders spending time in prison over corruption cases. It’s perhaps the greatest irony! Well, the cases could be politically motivated. But until the final judgement arrives, we are forced to presume that AAP did indulge in corrupt activities, not forgetting the media reports on Kejriwal’s lavish home, which sent shockwaves across the country. From an Aam to a Khaas Aadmi… the stunning somersault of Kejriwal.
Coming back to the VPP, it was seen as a political renaissance. Its debut in the Meghalaya Assembly with four legislators was widely applauded. Since then, it has only gained traction at the cost of other established political parties. We may not agree with everything the VPP says or does, but it has become a force to reckon with. In the Lok Sabha polls, the party secured a decisive mandate – an astonishing outcome for the other contestants, and it will be remembered for a long time to come.
The party’s win bolstered its confidence for the District Council polls. From the list of candidates, it was clear that the party banked on new and young faces. The tried and tested were discarded, except for one of the constituencies in Jowai, where a known party hopper was given the ticket. But as winning is the only criterion for any political party when selecting its candidates, perhaps the ardent VPP fans will forgive the party’s choice for this constituency.
The rift in the VPP may die a natural death in the days to come before it blows out of control. However, it has indicated that, contrary to the tall claims of the VPP, not everyone is actually equal in the party, and some may be more equal than others. As a party that indulges in pontification, it has to look within rather than outward. Megalomania is now a keystone in any political party. The VPP, strangely, is indulging in a megalomaniac culture, where anyone who questions its leadership or the party is branded as “anti” this or “anti” that. For a young party with many old faces, it is dangerous to tread the path of megalomania. However, megalomaniacs and narcissists will never hear the voice of the people, as they are too obsessed with themselves. Well, time is the greatest revealer.
Yours etc.,
Lang Lyngdoh,
Shillong – 1