Editor
When many of us read the piece by Marbiang Rymbai entitled “A Plea from Meghalaya’s Youth” (The Shillong Times – 15 Aug 2025), we could not help but cry deep inside, with pitiful thoughts about the tormenting journey on their road to uncertainties our educated youth have to undertake. It was not only a simple letter to the editor but it is a letter to the government, the educators, the employers, and the society at large. It was a letter that expresses the unspoken truth and anger, the grim facts and despair, the harsh reality and frustration, not only of the author but of thousands of unemployed youths and their disgruntled parents.
Our youths have spent a quarter of their lives preparing themselves for various job avenues in the state, only to find that no matter how big their resume is, it is all going to waste once they realise the system’s apathy towards their cause (as pointed out in the letter – the criteria, the salary, the guarantee). Students do not know what it takes for one to secure their future in this unjust, cruel environment, while parents keep sending their children with expectations. Sadly, many are beginning to lose faith in the educational system, the government and some in society altogether. Does our conscience permit us to remain silent for long?
From where does such a negative aura originate and who is responsible for creating such a mess in our future generation’s lives? The answer already lies in the above letter and the culprit is already accused of not only creating the unemployment fiasco but of many other fronts. Yes, in our very own state, it is the MDA Government that pampers party workers more than they deserve and sacrifices our very own to feed the outsiders of the state.
Getting a permanent government job these days is pure lottery, since for 50 posts/seats minimum of 25,000 applicants are running to try their luck. We are sure, if a WhatsApp group entitled “Jobless Youth of Meghalaya” is formed, it would be ever-growing with lakhs of members. Yet it is surprising to see the government turning a blind eye to this nightmare but can roll every budget into a magic show – then you see the crores, now you don’t! Alas, they are truly investing where it matters – employment to benefit their toadies, i.e., the Government-owned Defeated MLAs, Advisers, Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Co-Chairmen, etc, who, as proud profligate consumers of public money, have no shame to see our youth begging for jobs but undeservedly squander away lakhs in a month – a sum our struggling youth cannot even make it throughout the year.
Unfortunately, unemployment has already become a neglected affair and a scary topic to bring to the table. Not to find a job has become a daily struggle, mind you – it has become an acceptable way of life for many. To add salt to an injury, the spendthrift attitude of the MDA confirms that the government does not have the will to overcome this crisis; rather, it pleases to invest in entertaining our youths with unfruitful festivals that benefit the few. It is like they purposely built an airport in a place where there are no passengers – but hey, unemployed youths can always go there to enjoy the AC.
It is high time the Government admits that a rise in unemployment is a tragic reality. In fact, unemployment in Meghalaya in particular and Northeast India in general is higher than the rest of India, but the ‘10 billion dollar’ question is whether it wants to do something about it or keep the circus running as usual? It is time to act before letters from frustrated youths turn into something uglier.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Rusievan Shangpliang,
Via email
Silence the Siren: A Civic Appeal to End the Misuse of VIP Privilege
Editor,
The siren was never meant for announcing a VIP’s travel – a sign of pride. It was designed for emergencies to save lives, to rush the sick to hospitals, to reach accident victims in time. Yet, in Shillong, we now hear this urgent sound not for medical and other emergencies, but for a wedding procession. A white Bolero bearing the ML01 registration moves through traffic with police clearing the way. Sirens blare, vehicles halt, buses wait, and ordinary citizens lose precious time. What if an ambulance is stuck behind? A life could be lost not to fate, but to privilege.
Public roads belong to everyone, not just the powerful. Sirens are not for comfort, convenience, or ceremony. They are for emergencies. Not family celebrations. When police are deployed to clear a path for a private event, it sends a dangerous message: that some people matter more than others. This undermines the very spirit of independence and equality that India stands for. We fought for freedom so all could be treated fairly not so that a few could misuse authority while the rest suffer in silence.
Behind every traffic police officer standing on the roadside is a person who took an oath to serve with fairness and dignity. Yet, day after day, many are forced to clear roads for unofficial VIP convoys not because it is right, but because they fear action from above. They know it is wrong. They feel the guilt when a school bus waits or an ambulance is delayed. But they obey, not out of duty, but out of helplessness. Your uniform deserves respect, not misuse. You are not traffic enforcers for the privileged you are guardians of justice on our streets. We see your silence. We feel your struggle. And we stand with you when you choose to do what is right not what is ordered.
Using VIP facilities for weddings or personal events is not just unnecessary. It is wrong. It puts lives at risk, disrespects the duty of our emergency services, and erodes public trust. Real dignity does not come from breaking rules or demanding special treatment. It comes from following the law, standing with the people, and leading by example. No one should have to wait in traffic or miss a job, an exam, or medical care just because someone else believes they come first.
To those who misuse this privilege, we urge you to reflect. Was it worth it? Did your moment of convenience come at the cost of someone else’s health, dignity, or livelihood? If you hold a position of respect, use it to inspire fairness not fear. Travel like a citizen. Arrive without escorts. Let the siren remain sacred and reserved only for those fighting for their lives.
It is time to stop silently giving way. Every time we pull over for unofficial VIP convoys, we accept injustice. We allow privilege to override principle. But change begins with us. Stay in your lane. Do not stop for unmarked processions. Report misuse. Raise your voice. The road belongs to all of us and no siren should ever drown out the rights of ordinary citizens.
On this Independence Day, let us reaffirm that true freedom means no one is above the law. Let us commit to justice, humility, and equality not just in words, but in action. Because a nation does not grow strong by how it treats the powerful, but by how it protects the ordinary.
Yours etc.,
Tynshain K Lyngdoh
Via email