Editor,
It is most disappointing that just a few hours after a ceasefire was declared on X, the Pakistan Army violated the agreement, unleashing heavy shelling across Jammu and Kashmir, including areas near Srinagar, as well as in Punjab and Rajasthan. In fact, such blatant flouting of the truce is completely condemnable.
Frankly speaking, can we truly place trust in a nation that has, time and again, supported extremist groups responsible for terror on Indian soil? Over the past two decades, Pakistan has violated ceasefire agreements countless times. Do global leaders like Donald Trump and Marco Rubio fully understand the consequences of these repeated infractions? Or are they having fun tweeting “diplomacy” in 280 characters or less? One believes that before any mediation is considered, the world must understand how deeply Pakistan’s actions have wounded India for many decades, affecting its national security and leaving deep emotional scars on countless ordinary citizens who have witnessed innumerable massacres.
It’s all in vain to speak of peace when a country glorifies terrorists as martyrs and preachers. A ceasefire is only meaningful when both sides are committed to peace and the safety of civilians. What is most unfortunate is that Pakistan deliberately misinterprets India’s fight against the scourge of terrorism. Wasn’t “Operation Sindoor” launched with the singular motive of taking down terror outfits? Despite provocation, India did not target Pakistan’s military or air bases. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s indiscriminate attacks destroyed homes and religious sites and claimed innocent civilian lives. The question is, where is the humanity in that?
What more? Funerals for killed terrorists following Operation Sindoor were attended by top officials in Pakistan, including Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Major General Imran Sartaj, Brigadier Mohd. Furqan Shabbir, Punjab’s Police Chief Dr. Usman Anwar, and Member of the Provincial Assembly Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth. The funerals were led by Abdul Rauf, a dreaded US-designated terrorist. These events were carried out with full state honours, with the coffins wrapped in the national flag, as if the terrorists were heroes.
When a sovereign state chooses to honor individuals responsible for heinous atrocities against humanity, does the state not become complicit in the terror itself? One strongly believes, in such a climate, any effort towards peace becomes naïve. For international leaders, including President Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Putin, and Keir Starmer, who preach reconciliation without deeper reckoning, to attempt negotiations with a nation that glorifies extremists is not diplomacy. It is a farce. It is the height of delusion.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
India proves its strategic strength
Editor,
Apropos the headline news “PM warns against ‘nuclear blackmail’ (ST May 13, 2025) the Prime Minister rightly declared that India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and emphasized that any discussions with Pakistan will only focus on terrorism and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Navroop Singh the author of ‘The Great Reset’ and an expert in geopolitics and international affairs, analysed India’s counter-attack on Pakistan and described it as both, “a military success and a psychological rupture that was unexpected by global powers.” Operation Sindoor has unsettled policymakers in the West, China and Turkey. The Operation marked a shift in India’s approach to defence, challenging the long-held assumption that India would exercise restraint in regional conflicts. John Spencer, US Warfare expert praised India’s approach, calling it a “new doctrine” that redefined red lines in dealing with terror attacks. He emphasized that “restraint is not weakness – it is discipline in pursuit of strategic clarity.” Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s offensive and defensive military capabilities, including indigenous platforms in live combat. India responded to Pakistani escalations (such as drone swarms) with strength but avoided full-scale war – exemplifying disciplined deterrence. India managed the crisis independently without seeking external assistance, reinforcing its sovereign strategic independence.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Wake up, Gen Z; become cultural ambassadors
Editor,
Oliver Lyngdoh’s piece “For Our Own” (ST, May 13, 2025) , hit me harder than that moment when I realised the only folk song I knew is the ringtone my uncle uses. And rightly so, when we start outsourcing our own traditional performances because no one remembers the steps, what next? Hiring foreigners to teach us how to pronounce “U Khasi”?
The article lays bare an uncomfortable truth: we’re slowly ghosting our own culture. And while it’s easy to blame “the system,” let’s be honest many of us are busy being cultural tourists in our own homeland too.
Now, a humble note to my fellow millennials and Gen Z warriors: I get it. There’s nothing quite like binge-watching Korean dramas while sipping bubble tea in your oversized hoodie that says “Weekend Vibes.” But perhaps—just perhaps—we could dedicate one Instagram story, or one YouTube short film to our own folk songs or dances. Imagine the content: “Day 1 of learning how not to trip over my own jainsem.” Viral potential: unmatched.
We’ve perfected the art of digital consumption, but sadly, forgotten the recipe for our own rice cakes, or rice beer too. Culture isn’t something to dust off for tourists and school exhibitions. It’s living, breathing and desperately waiting for a like, share, and subscribe.
So, let’s stop treating our heritage like an awkward relative we only meet during Wangala, Shad Suk Mynsiem or Behdienkhlam. Let’s embrace it, laugh with it, post about it and maybe, just maybe, we’ll remember who we are before we turn into culturally confused avatars.
Yours etc.,
Sam Nongrum (a culturally concerned youth),
Via email
Traffic jams: Is there a solution?
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight the rising problem of traffic jams in Shillong. It has become a common issue that affects students, office-goers, and daily commuters.
One of the key reasons is the increasing number of vehicles compared to the population. People prefer using personal cars rather than public transport, leading to more congestion. Many love their cars more than considering the space they occupy.
Another cause is the poor traffic culture. Many drivers park their vehicles carelessly on footpaths, in the middle of the road, or along embankments without concern for others. There is also a severe shortage of proper parking spaces.
Parents often hesitate to use school buses, fearing safety and reliability. This leads to more cars on the road during school hours. If car-pooling is encouraged, it could reduce the number of vehicles.
We can take inspiration from Sikkim, where people follow traffic rules with discipline. Their traffic culture is a good example that Shillong can learn from to improve road conditions.
I sincerely hope the authorities and the public will consider these issues and work together for a smoother traffic experience in our city.
Yours etc.,
Remaiah Khrawbor Rynjah
Shillong