Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to bring certain concerns to the kind notice of all. I am a resident of ward 3 in Lower Lachumiere, Shillong. For years, I proudly considered our locality a peaceful heaven, ideal for students and working individuals with family, who cherish a quiet, residential atmosphere. However, recently, one of my neighbour’s houses has been sublet to other people, probably to operate a guest house for tourist which has been the source of disturbance and disrupting my family’s daily life.
While I fully understand and support Meghalaya’s thriving tourism industry, the unchecked use of residential properties for loud, overnight parties poses a serious challenge to the residents like us. Some guests, both local and from outside the state, host noisy gatherings, often with blaring music and singing that continues late into the night. With homes spaced barely 5–6 meters apart, these events rob neighbours of their privacy, violate their peace, and deprive them of sleep essential for work and study.
Besides this, the growing trend of some local tenants using DJ sound systems to celebrate late into the night, often until 2 or 3 am, completely ignoring the presence of neighbours is another serious concern. The addition of vehicles plying thorough Hopkinson Road, especially at night, with extraordinarily loud sound systems and modified engines only compounds the problem, making weekends more dreaded than anticipated. It seems that people like us, who make a conscious effort not to inconvenience others, are slowly being sidelined, viewed as ‘fossils’ in an increasingly inconsiderate society.
I fear that the individuals to whom this message is most pertinent, will never read it, as it is typically only those with a sense of social responsibility and moral awareness who go through articles in the editorial page. Therefore, through this letter, I would like to appeal to the home-owners, guests, and especially to the respected Rangbah Shnong of Lachumiere Dorbar to take necessary measures to uphold the rights of residents, who simply seek a peaceful existence.
Let us respect our fellow residents and allow everyone to live without compromising the dignity and peace of others.
Yours etc.,
D. Bokolial
Shillong-1
OBC candidates of Meghalaya deprived of opportunities under
Central Government quota
Editor,
Apropos of the letter, “Non-issuance of OBC Certificates in Meghalaya,” published recently in your esteemed daily, the issue is of grave concern as it directly affects the educational and employment prospects of many deserving candidates belonging to the OBC category in the state. Due to the non-issuance of OBC certificates in Meghalaya, a large number of eligible candidates are being deprived of their rightful opportunities under Central Government schemes and reservations. They are unable to apply for various entrance examinations conducted by Central Government agencies where the OBC quota is applicable. This not only limits their chances of admission to reputed institutions but also denies them equal competition with candidates from other states who are availing themselves of the OBC reservation benefits. Moreover, the OBC quota in Central Government jobs allocated to Meghalaya remains grossly underutilized, as eligible candidates cannot produce the mandatory OBC certificate. This defeats the very purpose of reservation, which is meant to uplift socially and educationally backward communities.
It is, therefore,earnestly urged that the Government take immediate steps to resolve this issue and ensure that OBC certificates are issued without unnecessary delays. This will enable eligible candidates to fully avail themselves of opportunities in Central Government educational institutions, jobs, and entrance examinations,without affecting the existing reservation quotas of the state, thereby safeguarding their rightful share in the OBC quota.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry
Tura
A memorial for Captain Clifford
Editor,
The first Mahavir Chakra from Meghalaya, the highest gallantry award holder of this state till now, Captain Clifford Nongrum holds a very special place in the hearts of the residents of this state. The crowd which awaited the arrival of his last remains along the roadside from the helipad to his residence, was phenomenal. It is high time that the Meghalaya Government builds a special memorial in his honour at some prominent location in the State.
Yours etc.,
Subhasis Chakrawarty
Via email
District Adminsitration’s order flouted
Editor,
I would again like to draw attention of the district administration regarding continued disregard of the ban imposed on the movement of heavy motor vehicles along Mc.Cabe Road, Shillong issued by the Deputy Commissioner (East Khasi Hills) and subsequent directive from the Superintendent of Police. Despite clear prohibitions and warnings of levying penalties, heavy-loaded vehicles continue to ply this road daily between 9 PM and 7 AM—flouting the order with impunity. This blatant violation not only undermines the authority of the administration but also compromises public safety and infrastructure. What is the point of issuing such orders if they are not enforced effectively?
I had previously brought this issue to the notice of the district administration through your esteemed daily (DC’s Order flagrantly violated, ST dated 8th July, 2025) but the ground reality remains unchanged. I once again urge the concerned authorities to take meaningful steps to enforce the same for the sake of public safety.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee,
Shillong-1
Unlocking NE’s Export Potential through the India–UK FTA
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my views on the recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a landmark development that holds far-reaching implications for India’s economy and global trade positioning.
After 15 rounds of rigorous discussions over several years, India and the United Kingdom have finally signed a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2025. This agreement eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian goods exported to the UK, offering Indian exporters an unprecedented opportunity to access one of the world’s most advanced and mature markets. This FTA is not merely a trade deal — it is a powerful tool of economic diplomacy. With exports to the UK currently valued at $55 billion, projections suggest this figure could surpass $120 billion by 2030, potentially allowing India to overtake China as one of the UK’s largest trading partners.
Importantly, this development will benefit various Indian states, including those in the Northeast such as Meghalaya. Meghalaya has immense potential in sectors like organic farming, horticulture (pineapples, oranges, bay leaves), traditional handloom and handicrafts, silk production, and eco-tourism. With tariffs reduced or eliminated, products like Lakadong turmeric, wild honey, handwoven textiles, and indigenous spices can find promising markets in the UK. The agreement could also boost investments in infrastructure and skill development, provided the state actively participates in the national export ecosystem. Additionally, better market access may encourage youth entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises, especially in rural areas.
Beyond trade, the FTA envisions broader cooperation under the India–UK Vision 2035, including joint efforts in defence, education, clean energy, and technology. This not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also opens doors for states like Meghalaya to engage in educational exchanges, research collaborations, and perhaps attract sustainable tourism and climate-related investments.
A key challenge now lies in ensuring that Indian exports — including those from remote regions — adhere to global quality standards. The “Made in India” brand, to be truly respected, must reflect reliability, ethical production, and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the India–UK FTA is a bold step toward reshaping India’s global trade narrative. For a state like Meghalaya, it is an opportunity to carve a niche in the international market by combining traditional knowledge with modern enterprise. I urge both policymakers and local stakeholders to seize this moment and align state-level strategies with this national milestone.
Yours etc.,
S Bhardwaj
Shillong-3