Editor,
The repeated brutal attacks by Bangladeshi nationals on residents or shops, even by knocking on doors, should serve as a loud wake-up call for every citizen in Meghalaya. The recent early-morning assault in South West Khasi Hills, where armed men, including a policeman wielding pistols and lethal weapons, was extremely horrifying, “Bangladeshi criminals, including cop, attack youth in SWKH” – (ST, Aug 10). Given the strained ties between India and Bangladesh at present, such incidents must push the state government to remain on high alert.
Yes, we cannot afford to overlook the lessons from Assam, our immediate neighbour. What happens in Assam can spill over into Meghalaya as well. For decades, illegal immigrants, not permanent citizens, in Assam have inflicted deep wounds upon indigenous communities. Backed by special support networks, they have seized forest land, encroached on temple trust properties, and even occupied ecologically sensitive areas like Kaziranga National Park and Dibru-Saikhowa. This has worsened human-wildlife conflicts and stripped native people of their rightful resources. Those who do not want to believe me can check the facts for themselves.
Who can guarantee that Meghalaya will be spared the same fate if we continue to remain complacent? Our “vulnerability” is crystal clear — we share a long, porous 443 km border with Bangladesh, where extremist ideologies have been given dangerous breathing space in the past one year. How can we ignore the fact that in the past two years, the Assam government has arrested numerous illegal immigrants linked to Bangladeshi terror outfits like ABT/AQIS, with some suspected of having ties to the dreaded ISIS?
If West Bengal and several districts of Assam have already become unsafe for their natives, due to unchecked infiltration and years of political apathy, then every citizen here must remain vigilant. I believe that each individual has a role to play in safeguarding Meghalaya, whether tribal or non-tribal, as long as they are permanent citizens who genuinely love this abode of clouds.
Yes, those who attacked a few people near the border today could strike with greater brutality tomorrow, targeting hundreds more. Please don’t ever say that the tiger hasn’t attacked you yet for when it does, it’s too late to escape. Meghalaya must wake up before the threat at our doorstep becomes an irreversible reality, when intruders from across the border knock on your doors with lethal weapons. The madness of extremism knows no boundaries; the madness of fundamentalism knows no humanity.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
SC order on stray dogs
Editor,
The editorial “Dogs and human” (ST August 13, 2025) made interesting reading. The Supreme Court on Monday August 11, 2025 ordered all stray dogs in Delhi NCR to be shifted away from residential localities to dedicated shelters, following an increase in stray dog attacks, particularly on children and the elderly, and endangering public health. The order, however, contradicts the Animal Welfare Board of India’s 2022 advisory, which clearly stated that stray dogs should not be relocated. While animal rights groups gear up to challenge the court, let’s find out what veterinarians have to say.
The intent of the Supreme Court is valid but relocation alone is not sustainable. Dr Kunal Dev Sharma (MaxPetZ) New Delhi, recommends mass sterilization and vaccination drives, he calls for a stray dog census involving RWAs and feeders, rehabilitating aggressive dogs, the community should engage and waste should be managed. Dr. Michelle Simoes (Pets of Paradise) calls the order “a death sentence” for community animals and expressed his concern that shelters may become overcrowded and unsafe. Rabies risk persists from other sources (e.g., unvaccinated pets) and advocates for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) model used successfully in Goa. The expert consensus is that removing dogs will not eliminate rabies or aggression. Therefore, a humane approach is needed that is data driven, collaborative strategies involving vets, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local authorities for long-term impact.
Relocating stray dogs raises serious ethical and practical concerns, especially when we acknowledge that dogs or for that matter creatures are sentient beings – capable of feeling pain, fear, attachment and joy. Relocation is problematic as:
1. Stray dogs often form bonds with their territories, feeders and even residents. Forced relocation can cause distress, disorientation and aggression.
2. Most urban shelters lack the capacity, staff and infrastructure to humanely house thousands of dogs. Overcrowding leads to disease, neglect and suffering.
3. Many strays are vaccinated, sterilized and cared for by feeders. Removing them disrupts this balance and may invite unvaccinated dogs into the vacuum.
4. Experts like Dr. Michelle Simoes argue that relocation doesn’t reduce rabies or bites; it merely shifts the problem. TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is proven to be more humane and effective. TNR has been proven to be effective in Goa and Chennai.
Indian Law Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act recognizes animals as sentient and deserving of humane treatment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Office International des Epizooties (OIE) recommend TNE and community engagement over mass removal. The Veterinary consensus advocates for sterilization, vaccination and behavioural rehabilitation not isolation. The bottom line is humane coexistence, not displacement, honours both public safety and animal dignity. Creatures too deserve respect as they are also able to have a subjective experience of life.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
On protecting and promoting local artists
Editor,
This refers to the thought-provoking article “Protecting and Promoting Local Artists in Meghalaya” by Bhogtoram Mawroh (ST August 13, 2025). The writer deserves appreciation for bringing to the forefront the challenges faced by our talented local artists, and for highlighting the need to protect, promote, and sustain their creative journeys.
We have in Meghalaya a wealth of local artists—unexplored, unnoticed, unrecognised, and not encouraged—whose work deserves to be in the spotlight. They are not merely creators of beauty but custodians of our cultural identity and heritage. By narrating their struggles and aspirations, the author has reminded us that art can only flourish when given a platform, recognition, and fair opportunities.
It pains us all when the hard work of an artist is copied, claimed by others, or goes unacknowledged. Such acts of plagiarism or neglect not only discourage the creators but also undermine the cultural richness they strive to preserve.
I am reminded of the character Farhan Qureshi in the film ‘Three Idiots’, who had a deep passion for photography but was compelled to follow a conventional path to satisfy family expectations. Like Farhan, many young artists in Meghalaya possess immense talent yet are forced to suppress their creative ambitions due to societal or economic pressures.
Mawroh rightly highlights that Meghalaya is home to numerous such talents whose work deserves to be in the spotlight. They are not merely creators of beauty but custodians of our cultural identity and heritage.
On important state occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day, these deserving artists should be given special recognition and honour. Such gestures, I believe, will not only encourage them but will also inspire our younger generation to value and pursue the arts.
As citizens, cultural bodies, and government agencies, we need to act on such calls—through regular exhibitions, state-sponsored art fairs, training initiatives, and digital outreach—to ensure Meghalaya’s artistic voices are heard far beyond our borders. In doing so, we not only support individual artists but also preserve the living soul of our traditions.
The writer’s sincere effort to amplify these concerns is commendable, and it is my hope that his words inspire collective action to safeguard and nurture the artistic spirit of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry,
Tura