Editor,
On July 3rd, 2023, I arrived in Meghalaya with my heart full of hope and dreams. The journey to my appointment as Assistant Professor of Law at the National Law University Meghalaya had not been an easy one. It followed three rigorous rounds of scrutiny—research presentations, interviews before panels comprising vice chancellors, emeritus professors, and academic stalwarts from across India. When the appointment letter finally came, I felt the weight of expectation and the promise of a new beginning.
I remember stepping out of the Shillong airport for the first time. The air was crisp, the hills lush and misty. My cab driver greeted me with a warm smile and offered me *khawai*—betel nut wrapped in *paan* leaves with lime, a tradition deeply rooted in Khasi culture. He patiently taught me how to say ‘bah’—the Khasi word for “brother,” akin to ‘daju’ in Nepali. That small gesture made me feel at home. What followed were months of joy and dedication. The faculty team was more than a group of colleagues—we were a family. We worked together to build something meaningful. At NLU Meghalaya, we weren’t just teaching from classrooms; we were reaching out to the very community we lived among. Through our legal aid clinics, awareness drives on the POCSO Act, domestic violence, and customary law documentation, we tried to bridge the gap between law and society. Our students, many of them locals, led grassroots research on traditional healers, legal pluralism, and the evolving challenges of customary norms.
We had big dreams—to build the School of Constitutional Studies, a Centre for Criminology and Victimology, and an Indigenous Law School that would reflect the richness of Northeast India’s legal and cultural tapestry.
But two years down the line, the warmth has slowly given way to a chill. Agitations from the Khasi Students Union (KSU) have cast a shadow over the university. I have found myself at the center of unfounded allegations—targeted not for my teaching or research, but for having earned my Master’s and PhD from IIT Kharagpur, and for being a doctoral student of someone the Vice-Chancellor happens to know through familial ties. It is perplexing and painful.
The very community that once welcomed me now seems divided, stirred by politically motivated misinformation. The toxicity has taken a toll. In just a few months, six colleagues—four Assistant Professors, a Research Fellow, and a Post-Doctoral Fellow—have silently left. Not in protest, but in quiet sorrow.
It breaks my heart. Not just because I am being personally targeted, but because a project we all believed in is unraveling. NLU Meghalaya was envisioned as a people’s university—one that listens to the hills, learns from its tribes, and builds with its people. That vision still lives on, in the hearts of those who came here not for power or privilege, but for purpose. I still hope that NLU Meghalaya grows, and grows well. I hope that the genuine intentions of its founding faculty are not forgotten. I hope the students remember that we believed in them, worked with them, and saw their potential as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
Meghalaya gave me a lot more than a job—it gave me a reason to believe in law as a tool for justice, healing, and community. And that is something I will always carry with me.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Ankita Chakraborty,
Via email
Genuine pet lovers always care for stray dogs
Editor,
In view of the growing number of stray dogs and the resulting menace in the state, people have barked complaint after complaint. But sadly, that did not quite draw the attention of the concerned departments. The public continues to bear the brunt, mainly due to frequent dog bites and faeces littering public spaces. It seems that public grievances in Meghalaya invariably fall on deaf ears.
However, there’s finally a glimmer of hope. In response to the PIL filed by a concerned citizen, Kaustav Paul, the Honourable High Court has issued strict directives to address the stray dog menace across the state, “High Court seeks steps to check stray dog menace” (ST, May 16, 2025). More than anything, the concerned departments must immediately undertake a massive drive for sterilisation and vaccination. It is highly praiseworthy that the court laid extra emphasis on the need for permanent shelters for stray dogs, since the existing temporary arrangements are simply not enough. Of course, a roof today can certainly save a bite tomorrow. The court has also directed the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and state authorities to expand temporary accommodations while permanent facilities are developed.
Incidentally, what is heartbreaking is that many concerned animal lovers in Meghalaya have also raised concerns about the cruelty of pet owners towards their dogs. One lady officer from a certain government administrative department lamented that there are several cases in our state where humble pet dogs are cruelly tortured by their owners, often during drunken fits. Some, perhaps, just derive sadistic pleasure from hurting their pets, as pointed out by the lady officer. Reports have also surfaced of unkind pet owners abandoning their helpless dogs or puppies during the rainy season. Isn’t it hypocritical that those who claim to be animal lovers still ill-treat their loyal and playful pets?
Less than two months ago in Hyderabad, a pet keeper was captured on CCTV killing five newborn stray puppies that had taken shelter in his basement. He did this by violently smashing them against the floor and wall. The man, identified as Ashish, admitted to the cruel act, claiming he was trying to “control” the puppies. This incident sparked a massive public outcry and led to widespread calls for strict legal action.
In another disturbing incident in April, in Thodupuzha, Kerala, a dog was found severely injured with deep cuts near its spine and head. According to news reports, the animal was attacked and abandoned by its own owner. This act of cruelty shook the local community and reignited calls for stronger animal welfare laws.
Another shocker — a pet dog belonging to an animal lover was subjected to cruel abuse at a “pet clinic” in Thane, Mumbai. Viral video footage showed clinic staff beating the chow breed dog, leading to public anger and the arrest of the perpetrators. The real concern here is how one could trust a “pet clinic” when the staff, who are supposed to give tender care to animals, turn out to be callous abusers. Well, if trusted hands betray, who will defend the ones who suffer in silence?
Given these unsettling facts, there is a need for sustained efforts on the part of the municipality and the state’s veterinary department to raise awareness about cruelty to animals. The authorities should not hesitate to enforce tougher measures to prevent such acts. The department concerned should make it mandatory for all pet owners to register their animals and ensure their vaccination. I believe surprise inspections by veterinary doctors could be highly effective. As human beings, animals too depend on us for kindness, care, and protection. After all, what sets man apart from the beast is not just brute power but compassion and love.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong