Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar has feigned ignorance about the pesky nature of the VIP cult even while covertly accepting that MLAs, ministers, IAS and MCS officers fall in the category of Very Important Persons (VIP). Dhar has in fact callously brushed aside the insolence and high-handed nature of the VIP culture where a few so-called dignitaries who forget they are public servants bully their way through traffic. Dhar in effect is insulting those asking him about the VIP culture with specious arguments. What has riled the public is the death of Late Hudderfield Rymbui allegedly after his two-wheeler was rammed at by a VIP convoy – the VIP being Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh near the ICAR complex on November 15 last. The Tourism Minister’s defensive stance is what has ignited public anger. He could have shown empathy and even expressed deep regret at the tragic incident instead of trying to defend his security convoy. When public emotions run high the least that the Minister could do is bring down rising tempers and stand with the grieving parents and relatives.
Of all the political parties in Meghalaya, only the Voice of People Party (VPP) has jumped into the fray to call out the VIP culture. It would be interesting to watch if the VPP would demonstrate its commitment to shun the VIP culture if it comes to power in the Autonomous District Councils and in the State Assembly elections in 2028 which is still a long way away. The VPP has pointed out that it is not just the high- ranking public servants – ministers, IAS officers, army and police officials who flaunt their VIP privileges but also their relatives, including their wives and children. At the moment even non-VIPs have sirens installed in their vehicles and use it to get past traffic. Another privilege is the use of black tinted glasses to hide the multitude of sins and also get past traffic even when the vehicle is privately owned.
The Khasi society was known to be egalitarian and there are enough elders who keep chanting this like a mantra without realising that things have changed drastically. Today a category known as the ‘high level’ class has emerged which takes for granted its VIP status and which filters down to every member of their families. That the society has remained silent on this cultural fault-line is what has emboldened the silent take-over of a caste system in the erstwhile classless society. With time this cult of privilege has only entrenched itself to a point where even those serving the VIPs flash their importance and expect the same privileges and courtesies. Public debate on this issue should continue. This issue like most others cannot be relegated to the backburner until another unfortunate death happens. One death should be enough to bring the much-needed equity in a society that shudders at the evils of a caste system.
