Editor,
The headlines “B’desh should occupy NE States if India attacks Pak: Yunus aide” (ST May 3 2025) was amusing. Major General (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman has gone crazy. My advice to him is to read history. I would suggest that he should see the historic photograph of Pakistan Army Chief, General AAK Niazi in the presence of Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora. Pakistan had surrendered with 93,000 troops, ending the war. Let us see what will be the fate of Bangladesh when it tries to occupy NE States. Now what had happened to Gen Niazi who is also called the Butcher of Bangladesh?
The story of 1971 ended with the signing of the surrender document on Dec 16, 1971, but Niazi’s story continued. Very few people know that Pak General AAK Niazi was brought to India as a prisoner of war after the 1971 surrender agreement was signed. On the day the surrender document was signed, Niazi went on to have breakfast, meet fellow personnel. In Dhaka. He also met journalists and the Indian Army officers in the Governor House. He was then taken into custody by the Indian Army, along with Pakistani Army personnel. The Bangladesh government wanted Niazi, and other Pakistani officials to be charged with war crimes and various other acts and possibly even be given the death penalty. However, India did not do so.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Dearth of IAS representation from Meghalaya – A matter of deep concern
Editor,
I write this letter to express a growing concern that deserves urgent public and government attention—the shockingly low number of Civil Service Officers from Meghalaya, particularly those clearing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination.
Since 2013, Meghalaya has seen barely a handful of candidates clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination, and in recent years, not even one; same for this year too. This stark under-representation is not merely a statistical gap—it is a reflection of systemic issues that continue to sideline tribal and local youth from accessing India’s highest levels of bureaucracy.
Civil servants are not just administrators; they are decision-makers who shape policies related to land rights, tribal welfare, environment, education, and governance. When people from outside the state—often unfamiliar with our culture, customs, and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule—occupy these roles, we risk policies being implemented without sensitivity to the unique social fabric of our state.
This situation also creates a psychological barrier for our youth. When no role models emerge from within their own communities, it leads to a lack of confidence and the belief that such exams are not meant for them. The cycle of exclusion continues.
It is high time the state government steps in with concrete steps:
• Establish state-funded UPSC coaching centers in Shillong, Jowai and Tura.
• Provide scholarships and mentorship programs for tribal aspirants.
• Integrate UPSC awareness and foundational learning in schools and colleges.
• Create a database of successful officers from the Northeast to act as mentors.
We need a collective effort to ensure that our youth not only dream big but have the means and guidance to achieve those dreams. Representation matters—not just for the sake of numbers, but for justice, cultural understanding, and equitable development.
I urge the concerned authorities and civil society to take this matter seriously. Our future deserves nothing less.
Yours etc.,
Patrina Fayth Bareh
Shillong
Full spectrum of proxy warfare in NE India?
Editor,
A recent remark by a retired major general in what was then the Bangladesh Rifles (Border Guard Bangladesh) ALM Fazlur Rahman that the country should invade and occupy all the Northeastern states if New Delhi launches retaliatory attacks for the Pahalgam terror incident require deep analyses. Historically speaking, the Pakistan military gained greater control after the assassination of the founding fathers of independence, which also fuelled a rapid transformation of Islam. Foreign assistance solidified organizations like the Jamaat-e-Islami, establishing Bangladesh as a potential operational base. As Beijing is inching closer towards the Northeast, the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar in its analysis, ‘EAOs Control Four Trade Stations on China Border’, mentions the trade value of approximately 10 billion US dollars or roughly about 97 per cent of the gross cross-border engagement between China and Myanmar.
The chink in the armour of security analysts would be South East Asia while China is still thirsty for the jade industry and rare earth elements to topple the balance of power. Indian intelligence has to bolster its capability through counter-intelligence collection, partnering with and partaking information using innovative tactics and strategic operations against non-state actors. With adversaries adapting on the grand chessboard, diplomatic channels have to be opened which could leverage the playing field and, in the same vein, securing these embassies is imperative. Finally, understanding the network of foreign banking institutions which aid and finance, collect reports of investments, transactions and companies guarding against current and future threats is important.
‘Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power’ by Pravin Sawhney and Ghazala Wahab explains why the Indian security architecture has to change for the better.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
Menace of stray dogs in Laitumkhrah”
Editor,
I am a resident of the Laitumkhrah locality, and I wish to draw your attention to the alarming rise of stray dogs in our locality. These animals have become an increasingly visible presence, roaming the streets and parks, presenting a substantial threat to public safety, especially for our children and the elderly.
Their unpredictable behaviour can be intimidating, and their potential to carry diseases poses serious public health risks. Many of these dogs appear malnourished and frightened, yet their defensiveness may lead to aggressive encounters with pedestrians.
Beyond safety concerns, the presence of stray dogs also contributes to sanitation issues within our neighbourhoods. They often rummage through trash, scattering waste and create unsightly conditions in our public spaces. This situation not only affects the aesthetics of our community but also raises concerns about hygiene.
To address this pressing issue, I urge our local authorities to consider implementing the following measures:
1. Strengthening animal control initiatives to manage the stray dog population effectively.
2. Launching community awareness programs to educate residents on safe practices around stray animals.
3. Collaborating with animal welfare organizations, if any in our city, to ensure the humane treatment of these dogs.
4. The Urban Affairs department and Municipal should also take action.
The residents of our locality would deeply appreciate your immediate attention and action on this critical matter, as we strive for a safer and cleaner community for all.
Yours etc.,
Etaduale Pame
Shillong-3