Editor,
It is the contention of this Open Letter to the Honourable Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that the quality of debates in the Assembly Sessions have degenerated to such poor and substandard stuff; the silence of most legislators so deafening, that such images aired on National DD TV brings not only discomfort to the viewer but a vast sense of shame and embarrassment to Meghalaya to be depicted in such a manner before the whole nation. I sincerely hope that our elected representatives ( I hasten to clarify that it is being stated with all due respect to the honourable House) cannot be satisfied with the fact that only a few familiar faces, countable on fingers of one hand are the only members with sensible questions and comprehensible answers for the public to listen to. Our chagrin and shame stems from the fact that the other MLAs remain mute or appear unable to express themselves; are indifferent to or are ignorant of the various thorny and complex predicaments faced by the state and its people. Hence this resounding shameful silence from our Temple of Democracy!
For want of space allow me to briefly list out the important public and social issues we, the public, want our elected representatives to bring forward boldly and thrash out, through lively and meaningful debates on the floor of the August House. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Them Metor issues are not the only matters of import. There are other challenges that negatively impact our society that also need immediate redressal. On the basis of priority, a discussion on ‘poverty’ and how to alleviate it is a must. An equally distressing issue is that of our Education system and what reforms are needed to make the curriculum relevant to the needs of today. Meghalaya needs an Education Policy that is relevant to the present challenges and problem solving.
An issue that is adversely impacting our society but one that is being constantly swept under the carpet is the matter of teenage pregnancies and growing numbers of unwed single mothers! These are some of the burning issues in our state but we have yet to hear them being debated in the Assembly. Why are our MLAs avoiding discussions on such social issues however problematic they might be? I would like to believe that these are subject matters that perhaps our representatives are aware of but lack the confidence to speak on. So, they shy away from them. Can the system therefore try to help them out?
There are two aspects here. First, we have a growing number of research scholars, keen to do further studies on the Social, Economic, Political issues in our state, but lack the resources and opportunity to do so. On the other hand we have the MLA funds with 2.50 crore per MLA per year. Now why can’t just 1%, of that amount which comes to Rs 2.5 lakh only ( from the 2.50 Cr) be earmarked by the MLA to promote study and research on subjects he/she feels need to be introduced and discussed in the House?
The MLA will then have ready-made research- based data to share on the floor of the house. His/her confidence and authority to speak is given a boost. Unemployed educated youth will be given a chance to further their search for learning and knowledge (admissible under the Local Area Development Scheme). The state and society will benefit. Democracy in Meghalaya will get a much-needed face lift.
It’s a win-win situation for all concerned. It simply requires that much needed political will. My earnest request is – Will the Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly take steps to see that such an initiative is undertaken through perhaps a Resolution of the House? Or is it too much to expect? If this does not happen then democracy in Meghalaya will be upended even as MLAs sit as silent observers throughout their 5-year term.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Will the force of law prevail?
Editor,
The Meghalaya High Court directed relocation of hawkers from Police Bazar (SMB Ward 9). On July 16, a Special Officer appointed by the High Court approved the plan to relocate vendors. The process follows a coordination meeting with the district administration and relevant stakeholders. Now the administration will proceed with the relocation of vendors as per the High Court order – issuing vending certificates to authorized sellers and finalizing the list of licensed vendors which is still pending. Only licensed vendors may operate during the 12.30 to 2.00PM and 7.30 to 9 PM time slots and vendors must avoid blocking traffic and pedestrians. Unlicensed vendors are barred from selling in Police Bazar. All hawkers will be shifted to designated vending zones once operational and new applicants may apply through formal channels.
In view of this development, it is pertinent to pinpoint that the law caps the number of hawkers in a city to 2.5% of its population. Since there is no Census data for 2021 as such the estimated population of Shillong in 27 Wards as of 2025 is 2,07,000 which is up by 1.44 times when compared with the Census population of 2011 which stood at 1,43,229. Hence the maximum number of Hawkers permissible in Shillong City (Municipal area which is 10.36 Square Kilometres or 2560 acres) is 5175 Hawkers. Based on information from genuine residents residing in Ward No.9 of SMB it is estimated that population is around 1800 as of 2025. If this population is correct then as per the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 the number of Hawkers permissible in Khyndai Lad (Police Bazar-Ward 9) stands at 47.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh.
Via email
She was there too!
Editor,
As Meghalaya observes U Tirot Singh Day each year with pride and reverence, these are the times I question why Phan Nonglait, our first female freedom fighter, remains an unsung hero in state history?
Ka Phan Nonglait was no mere footnote in the Anglo-Khasi resistance. She fought with strategy and unmatched courage alongside U Tirot Singh in the early 19th century. Oral accounts recall her disarming British soldiers at a waterfall, an act of bold defiance that aided the Khasi forces. She reportedly led an ambush that killed over 30 British soldiers. Yet her legacy is barely mentioned in textbooks, and her name is unknown to many, even within Meghalaya.
It is only recently, thanks to scholars and movements like Maitshaphrang, that her heroism has resurfaced. A book was launched written by T. Daniel Stone Lyngdoh Nonglait, and the Ministry of Culture acknowledged her as an “Unsung Hero,” but this is not enough. The absence of a state recognised day, a memorial, or any educational institutions in her name reflects a glaring gender bias in how we honour our freedom fighters.
December 6, the day she left for heavenly abode, should be declared Phan Nonglait Day. More importantly, her story deserves a place in our school course or extracurricular. Future generations must know that women, too, stood at the frontlines of resistance, with bravery, wit, and leadership.
Your’s etc,
Shivani Pde,
Via email