Editor,
As a resident of Guwahati and a frequent visitor to Meghalaya, I wish to express my concern over the proposal by James Syiemiong—Guinness World Record holder and local BJP leader—to establish a viewpoint in Sohra in memory of Raja Raghuvanshi, the victim of the recent honeymoon tragedy.
While the incident was undeniably tragic and merits empathy from all quarters, the idea of commemorating it through a public viewpoint in Meghalaya seems inappropriate. Meghalaya is a state that thrives on tourism—people come here seeking natural beauty, peace, and healing. A memorial associated with a brutal crime risks casting a permanent shadow over that spirit of respite and joy.
It is also important to recall that, in the immediate aftermath of the incident, sections of the national media unfairly blamed the state and its people. This caused hurt and damage to Meghalaya’s reputation—something its residents are still working to overcome. Installing a memorial here might inadvertently revive those memories, doing more harm than good.
Memorials serve as reminders. And while remembrance is important, it must be rooted in context. Raja Raghuvanshi’s hometown—or the communities personally connected to him—would be more suitable places for such a tribute. Meghalaya, which had no direct connection to the victim or the accused beyond the location of the crime, should not bear the weight of this memory.
I respectfully urge James Syiemiong to reconsider the proposal in light of its broader impact on public sentiment and tourism.
Yours etc.,
Prashant Goswami
Guwahati
A preposterous suggestion!
Editor,
While saluting the Meghalaya Police for their efficiency with which they handled the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, one is equally appreciative of the fact that the Government is working to upgrade and enhance the feasibility of the Meghalaya Tourism Service Provider App, an online portal in order to provide safety and security to the tourists and the local community as well. It was indeed unfortunate that Raja met with his end on our home ground and succumbed to the cold blooded murder scripted by his wife and her accomplices but to come up with a suggestion to establish the Raja Memorial Viewpoint at the site is preposterous and fanciful. Granted that the incident gained national momentum and the authorities worked diligently but do we really need to name it after the victim and historicise it and keep the event alive for posterity?
Rather this incident must make us more vigilant and alert. Thus the need of the hour is to monitor the entry and exit of the tourists, provide reliable transport, monitor their place of stay, mandatory engagement of certified, verified and uniformed tourist guides; implementation of safety guidelines, promoting ethical tourism to safeguard tourists as well local communities and protocols for handling emergencies, etc. One feels it would be more productive if the Government sets its priorities right and channelises its time and exchequer on more crucial matters since our state has huge tourism potential.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Publicity stunt or temporary insanity
Editor,
The suggestion by a BJP office bearer that a view point in Sohra be names after Raja Raghuvanshi reflects only one thing- the BJP in Meghalaya has too much time on its hands and has nothing of substance to offer by way of good governance so it wants to create news by suggesting something outrageous. Why should any tourist coming to Meghalaya want to be reminded about a murder most foul committed by hardcore contract killers? That this murder happened in Meghalaya is bad enough but to create a memorial to remind us of the dastardly murder is nothing short of insanity. It has been correctly stated by Mark Twain, “If you have nothing to say, say nothing.” This statement is appropriate here and on many other occasions when people speak out of turn or hold forth without actually saying anything of substance. But as a reader of your daily I am appalled that you would even consider giving this piece of rubbish front page coverage. Is there nothing of consequence to report about? Truly this calls for introspection on the part of the media as to what actually constitutes news and that the opinion of one person holding some position in the BJP is not necessarily news.
Yours etc.,
Marybell Nongrum,
Via email
An article that touched me
Editor,
I am writing in response to the article titled, “Nation Should Know: Gratitude and Hospitality Run Deep in the Hearts of Meghalayans” by Salil Gewali. I just had to share my appreciation, as the article deeply touched me.
At a time when so much of what we hear and read is filled with negativity and division, this piece felt like a ray of hope. It reminded us that a sense of gratitude and humanity still exists, no matter what language we speak or what beliefs we hold.
Gewali’s story offered a beautiful glimpse into the goodness of everyday people in Meghalaya, especially those from farming communities. I was particularly moved by the story of his father, who gave notebooks to children from poor families, even though he himself had very little. In return those families, out of gratitude, offered him whatever they could such as fruits, vegetables, firewood, or fish. That is the true picture of village life, so simple, sincere, and full of empathy.
Thank you for publishing such a touching and meaningful piece. It is a reminder that there is still so much goodness in our state. Unfortunately, many people outside do not see this, especially when some national media and TV channels portray our region unfairly following Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder orchestrated by his wife. Articles like this deserve to be disseminated outside the state also to help to correct those misconceptions and highlight the simplicity, hospitality and gratitude of our people.
Yours etc.,
Marbud Pyrbot,
Via email