Editor
It is great to see that our little Shillong is attracting tourists from all over the world. We should reap the benefits of this ongoing TREND. From the President’s/Vice-President’s visit to Bryan Adam’s much awaited concert, #Shillong is trending on Social Media platforms. But there is a fine line that runs through all these events which upsets everyone and that is the abrupt commanding voice of the Government issuing notifications to shut down all other activities due to “anticipated large influx of people.. traffic congestion and restrictions imposed.” This hits the education sector badly. After successive events, we are forced to believe that priority is shifted from the key contributors of society to the fleeting pleasures of a handful. The abrupt notification passed by the Education Department (in the afternoon of December 9, 2024 without consideration for schools who have programmes/results on the 10th of December is utterly displeasing. How unthoughtful and despotic! As educators, it seems we have to remind the Government that we also have a strict schedule to follow. Had it been once in a Blue Moon, then no one would have had any arguments. NARROW ROADS/BIG CARS, EXPENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/ALTERNATIVE ROUTES – Mismanagement from the part of the Government shouldn’t be a headache for us citizens. Growth and Development should be all round and if this is what we are heading towards, then “PLEASE FORGIVE ME, I KNOW NOT WHAT I DO.”
Yours etc.,
Kyntiewborlang Kharakor,
A Concerned Teacher,
Via email
MPSC does it yet again!
Editor,
MPSC has played with the lives of thousands of hardworking aspirants, whereby in the recently declared MCS mains results 10 candidates who cleared the exams were the candidates who could not even clear the prelims in the first list but were only included later in the so-called Additional List. I know of many meritorious candidates with excellent academic records who to their shock and surprise when their roll numbers did not feature in the list of successful candidates. Yet from the ‘Additional List,’ an unbelievable 10 candidates cleared the mains examination when they could not even clear the prelims. This is something that cannot be a simple coincidence. There is, as many have suspected all along, something deeply rotten in this whole process of the MCS recruitment and I urge the KSU and other NGOs to kindly not remain idle as the lives of many deserving candidates and the future of the State is at stake.
Yours etc.,
Ibakordor Marbaniang,
Shillong -1
Meghalaya Biological Park and Kaziranga National Park
Editor,
The opening of the Meghalaya Biological Park in Umtrew, Ri-Bhoi district, has been a long-awaited development and is poised to become an exciting destination for both tourists and locals. It offers a fresh opportunity to explore the beauty of our region, much like renowned tourist attractions abroad.
To ensure accessibility and fairness, entry fees should be structured differently for locals, visitors from other states, and international tourists. This practice is common in many global tourist destinations and could be applied uniformly across all attractions in the state. Additionally, charges for the use of cameras or video equipment, especially for documentary purposes, should be standardized in line with other tourist sites.
On another note, it is worth considering transportation between Meghalaya and Assam’s prominent tourist sites, such as Kaziranga National Park. While vehicles from Assam have easy access to Meghalaya destinations like Sohra and Dawki, it would be beneficial for our state to offer similar travel packages or dedicated transportation options for residents to visit Assam’s attractions.
If such services already exist, it seems there is a lack of effective advertising, as many people are unaware of these options. Improving promotion and outreach would not only benefit locals but also strengthen inter-state tourism and connectivity.
Yours etc.,
B.Laitphlang,
Via email
Sanbor Shullai’s call for unbiased drug checks much appreciated
Editor,
In a world where VIP culture often reigns supreme, the MLA from South Shillong – Sanbor Shullai has made a bold and thought-provoking statement that has raised eyebrows and also won applause. In an impromptu remark, Shullai suggested that even the vehicles of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and fellow MLAs should be thoroughly checked at state entry points for drugs.
This proposal is particularly significant, given Meghalaya’s ongoing battle against an alarming rise in drug-related activities. Of course, the state has increasingly become a transit route for narcotics flowing in from Myanmar and Manipur through Assam, making it a critical junction in the drug trade. The government needs to stamp out “potential loopholes” in the system that traffickers might exploit.
In recent years, India has witnessed several high-profile cases where political leaders or their family members were allegedly linked to drug-related scandals. For instance, Punjab and Maharashtra have reported instances where politicians were suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking. Similarly, in 2020, Kerala saw a case where the son of a prominent CPI state secretary was interrogated by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged connections to drug peddling and gold smuggling in Bengaluru. While many political leaders are committed to serving the public with integrity and moral responsibility, it is undeniable that some have strayed from their righteous path, as evidenced by past scandals.
The Bollywood film Udta Punjab exposes the devastating impact of drug addiction, portraying how it destroys youth, families, and livelihoods while calling out the close nexus between drug mafias, corrupt politicians, and law enforcement. This should serve as a stark wake-up call for society.
Shullai has also raised concerns over a troubling rise in thefts and burglaries in the town, which he believes could be linked to the region’s growing drug problem. His remarks address the broader social impact of drug abuse, including its role in driving crimes of desperation and addiction-related offenses. The MLA’s proposal in fact highlights the urgent need for “transparency and accountability” in public service, especially when the stakes are as high as they are in the fight against drug trafficking.
In the serious battle against the drug menace, there should be no VIP privileges, no express lanes, and certainly no diplomatic immunity. Even a small laxity in the combat against drugs now might prove too costly. It could potentially drown our own sons and daughters in the pit of addiction, ultimately leading to social degradation.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong