Editor,
Reference here is made of the news item titled “Illegal discharge into city rivers put to a Halt” (ST June 12, 2025). Part of the order reads “to tackle the rising pollution levels in Shillong Rivers , EKH DC , RM Kurbah, issued a public order prohibiting the illegal discharge of waste and sewage into the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers, citing serious threats to public health and environmental safety”. As a concerned citizen who has always raised the issue of the ever increasing pollution levels in the above-mentioned rivers , I wish to put on record my heartfelt thanks to Ms Kurbah for this well timed order issued by her office.
The directive is very specific on action to be taken under Sec 223 of the BNSS and relevant provisions of the Water ( Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 together with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution ) Act 1981. Altogether a formidable set of Pollution Control Acts ready to penalize “all forms of illegal waste discharge and dumping in and around the affected river stretches and includes waste from septic tanks, residential premises , vehicles, commercial establishments and other sources.” Of interest is the wording “In and around the affected river stretches,” which literally translated means the entire catchment of the two rivers , including Municipal and non- Municipal Areas and localities. One wants to make it absolutely clear that the DC of EKHs, in the interest of the general wellbeing of the public within the district, is totally competent in passing such an order.
Now we come to the interesting part for which I am sure I shall be trolled and perhaps criticised , but it’s time to call a spade a spade, so here goes. The order speaks of penalties for violators of the order. Now how about those who abet such violations; or who turn a blind eye to such violations or who despite being responsible for the governance of specific areas, pretend they are helpless to take action when it comes to implementing the above order? Yes I speak of the numerous Dorbar Shnong and their office bearers, especially the Rangbah Shnong of localities that make up the Greater Shillong area; the entire catchment area of the two rivers. They too are equally responsible, if not more, by allowing violations of such orders to take place within their respective jurisdictions. They too must be penalized. They cannot plead ignorance. They know who directly discharges overflowing toilets into the nearest drain; they know who disposes off garbage into the nearest nalla. Such violators need to be stopped and if they refuse then it is the onus of the Dorbar to report them to the DC.
My point is that to ensure the cleanliness of the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi, all institutions; all citizens; irrespective of rank or office held, should be equal stakeholders; sharing the same responsibilities and duties; facing the same penalties and punishments. No discrimination should be made for order violation. Only then will the noble goal of Umkhrah and Umshyrpi cleaning be achieved.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
A laudable elegy to Sohra
Editor
I am writing to express my gratitude to Lyzander Sohkhlet, for his poetic piece, “Murder in the Headlines, Compassion on the Ground” (TST, June 12, 2025). The image he portrayed of Sohra villagers mourning the loss of Raja Raghuvanshi, was heartrendingly beautiful:
“In Sohra, that ancient town of rain and stone, locals gathered not in defense of their image, but in mourning for a man they never met. A candlelight vigil was held on the cliffs, in a clearing overlooking the mist-soaked valleys that Raja might have seen. Dozens of villagers stood silently, holding candles in cupped palms, their faces dimly lit by flame and cloud. Khasi men and women, elders and children, tourists and officers, all stood still as a prayer was spoken for his soul. A moment of silence, pierced only by the steady rhythm of the rain and sun. Some wiped away tears. Some whispered hymns. All felt the weight of a young life lost too soon.”
These words reminded me of a family tragedy, from decades ago. The Bengali couple had just arrived in Shillong. Here they lost their infant son, thanks to the negligence of doctors in the local hospital. The father had to bury the child all by himself, his blinding tears getting in the way. Khasi villagers came forward to comfort and console him and to help him bury the child. Clearly this basic righteousness and altruistic love still prevails in Meghalaya, despite modernity.
In the light of this incredible love for the stranger, it is all the more sad that Meghalaya’s image has been unjustly tarnished — as Lyzander Sohkhlet rightly points out. It is mainland India’s loss if they cannot see through the haze of defamation and appreciate the incredible goodness of the people of Meghalaya.
May Raja Raghuvanshi’s soul rest in peace.
Yours, etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
Call for public apology to Meghalaya from national media houses & others
Editor,
I have learnt from Rajat Sharma, the Editor-in-Chief of India TV that individuals from Indore are planning to visit Shillong to tender an apology to the people of Meghalaya. If true, this would indeed be a welcome gesture— a sign that they are beginning to recognise the truth, however late it may be.
However, I would strongly urge that representatives from media houses like The Times of India, Republic TV, and others who have played a role in defaming the name and dignity of our state must also come forward and apologise in person. A mere clarification or written statement such as The Times of India’s claim that they consistently reported the search team’s progress is not enough to heal the deep hurt caused to the people of Meghalaya.
I say this not out of malice. I am not a heartless individual, and I do not wish to curse anyone. But I do firmly believe that true accountability demands more than just distant words, it requires physical presence, acknowledgment, and humility before the very people who were wronged.
In my earlier letter to the editor dated June 10, 2025, I stated clearly that those who tried to malign the good name of our beloved state cannot be easily pardoned. Apologising from the comfort of your offices in Delhi, Noida, or elsewhere does not deliver justice.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the late Raja Raghuvanshi. May God give them strength, and may his soul rest in peace.
Lastly, I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to uncovering the truth in the Raghuvanshi case. I especially salute the Meghalaya Police for their dedication and commitment in resolving this mysterious case.
Yours etc.,
E. Syiemiong,
Via email
Murder most foul
Editor,
The honeymoon of Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam on May 22 which turned into a murder trip coupled with an extra-marital affair has sent shockwaves across the entire nation. Sonam and her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha with whom she was madly in love with should be given capital punishment and her entire family should be punished because they knew of her plans. This murder case is a plot twist straight out of the screens of crime patrol.
The murder mystery that had gripped Meghalaya and other parts of India as well has at last ended. Sonam Raghuvanshi, the bride, was found to be the conspirator of the tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi whose body was found in a deep gorge in Sohra.
Meghalaya Police had to spend considerable time and resources to track down Sonam until they found her in Uttar Pradesh. The police were also able to nab the other assailants that Sonam had hired to eliminate her husband Raja.
Meghalaya Police deserve congratulations for cracking the case that had shocked the state and the nation as well. Sohra also escaped the disgrace of being called “crime prone.”
Yours etc.,
Jubel D’Cruz,
Mumbai