Editor,
Lately, we have seen a sudden shift in the political scenario in Meghalaya, especially in the eastern half of the state. A new brand of politics is emerging or unfolding, in my opinion, a politics inclining towards the Ultra-Left where ethno-centricism and neo-Marxism are the focal points. The other day I happened to come across a video where the President of the VPP was giving a speech in one of his election campaigns. He was trying to persuade the crowd by saying that his party is for the downtrodden and the poor whereas the NPP is for wealthy and affluent. After pondering for a while I can clearly see the motive of Ardent. This is a classic case of driving a wedge between the haves and the have nots of the state and this clearly translates to a tactic used commonly by the ultra-left to further extend their influence over the people.
Secondly, anti-establishment is another strategy of the ultra-left to oppose or challenge the existing power structure and coincidentally here the VPP is challenging the age old traditional institution i.e. The Dorbar Shnong, Thirdly, the criticism of the media for perpetrating fake news against the VPP clearly indicates the haughtiness or egotism of its leaders. This is a major red flag if any so called political party is against the ‘Fourth Pillar ‘of Democracy. Lastly, the VPP from time to time have been adopting strong arm methods which advocates protests, sit-ins and rallies in order to achieve its political goals. As a citizen, I am deeply concerned about this new political development in our state. Every individual has the right to ascribe to any political ideology they choose. I’m a Right winger myself, but I will never subscribe to any group or party that undermines the democratic ethos of our state.
Yours etc.,
W. Tariang
Via email
Proposal for naming & beautifying the Umiam bridge
Editor,
Our dam has been beautifully illuminated since last year, and with the water level remaining high for quite some time, it looks stunning at night. However, the bridge in Damsite has yet to receive an official name.
In contrast, the long bridge in Umroi, which overlooks the flyover, remains unlit and neglected. Despite attracting numerous tourists who stop to take pictures, its paint has faded, and the solar lights are no longer functional.
I sincerely request the concerned authorities to designate a name for this bridge, repaint it, and install proper lighting, similar to the bridge at the dam. Additionally, the dam itself should have a clear identity—if it already has a name, a well-designed signboard should be placed to inform visitors of its existence and its year of construction.
Enhancing these landmarks will not only improve their visual appeal but also contribute to tourism and local pride.
Yours etc.,
B. Laitphlang,
Via email
Inhuman mode of deportation
Editor
No nation can afford porous borders — not in these dangerous times. Yet, given the harsh economic and political situations that many are fleeing, illegal immigration is a reality today. But not all illegal immigrants are escaping turmoil. Some are naked opportunists, who are seeking to exploit the generosity of western nations. One unrepentant deportee recently asserted that he would return to America again — illegally. Then there is asylum fraud and birth tourism. These are harsh realities. But they obscure the person for whom generous asylum policies were originally designed — the genuine refugee, fleeing murder, mayhem, and torture.
Mr Trump, the new emperor of America is keeping his campaign promise of deporting illegal immigrants. But his actions raise at least three concerns. First and foremost, what is his motive? To protect America, or to boost his own image? My guess is, he is expressing the vengeful will of his voter base, relishing in the sadism of it all. Protecting America is just a side-effect. Is he racist in his actions? Prima facie — no. He is simply doing his job as head of state. But what lies beneath the surface? Perhaps this deep-rooted fear of the Caucasian far right — loss of the white identity, or demographic annihilation through illegal immigration from the global South. But second, even if his actions seem morally tenable, the hypocrisy of it all takes one’s breath away. Mr. Trump, a convicted felon, is raising a storm over the illegality of it all, without stopping to distinguish the moral from the legal, or the horrific plight of the illegal immigrant in the hands of cartels, people smugglers, and violent thugs. When a felon tries to enforce the law, he does it with far greater harshness than anyone else.
If you want to enforce the law, begin with neighboring nations. Make sure they prosecute the shady characters who send drugs and illegal immigrants to America. Then prosecute the US companies that hire illegal immigrants at substandard wages that no American citizen would accept — even in a dream.
Finally, even a criminal has the right to human dignity. While some illegal immigrants are hardened criminals and deserve to be deported in handcuffs, etc., not all merit this substantive loss of dignity. Indians today have a bad reputation in the west — as scammers par excellence. But this does not mean Indians deserve the loss of dignity we saw recently in the deportation of 104 Indians who entered America illegally, or overstayed their visas. We do not know if they were scammers, or if they willfully meant to be illegal, or fell into this situation. American authoritarianism has always displayed itself at its harshest, in the treatment of its prison populations. So, we should not be surprised that these Indian deportees were handcuffed and shackled. One can only hope that Mr. Modi will raise this issue of the dignity of the deportee (Indian or otherwise) — when he meets Mr. Trump in the near future. One can also hope that the Indian government will actively encourage economic opportunities and better infrastructure in India, so that young Indians do not have to sacrifice so much to get here illegally, often risking their lives, livelihoods, and personal dignity. Finally, one hopes that should there be a second batch of Indian deportees, Mr. Modi will send an Indian plane to carry them back.
Indeed, immigration laws should always be enforced. The American laws are already generous enough. Nobody should exploit them. A nation is a home and not even a nation of immigrants like America can let anybody and everybody into their home. With the times being as dangerous as they are, even legal immigrants should be vetted carefully. But all this, and the deportations could be done more professionally — without sadism, authoritarianism, or loss of human dignity. I remember sadistic and lawless border patrol personnel in the India of my youth, who would tear up the documents of frightened migrants fleeing into India from neighboring countries. This kind of sadism should always be protested.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email