Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the visible transformation that has taken place at Police Bazaar. Today, as one takes a stroll through this heart of our city, one breathes a sense of fresh air and order, both literally and figuratively as the hawkers have moved to their newly designated vending zones. What was once a congested and chaotic thoroughfare has become a pleasant, walkable space, giving our beloved commercial heart a vibrant and orderly new look.
I recall having written in these very pages an article titled “Civic Rights vs. Privileges and Personal Rights” on November 25, 2024. It is truly gratifying to witness those words translated into reality.
This positive change did not happen by accident. It is the result of visionary leadership, meticulous planning, and immense cooperation. Therefore, it is only fitting to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those who made this a reality.
A word of thanks is due to the Government for its decisive action, and in particular to the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Minister for Urban Affairs and others whose vision and leadership have made this possible. The Shillong Municipal Board, with all its officers, deserves deep appreciation for implementing this initiative with diligence. Equal gratitude must also go to the Hawkers’ Associations and their leaders who understood the spirit of the move, and to the hawkers themselves for their cooperation and adaptability.
We must not forget the many silent contributors who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this a success, nor the ordinary citizens who co-operated patiently through the transition. This collective effort is a shining example of what can be achieved when responsibility, dialogue, and goodwill come together for the common good. May this spirit continue to guide us in shaping Shillong into a city that is orderly, vibrant, and livable for all.
May I suggest that the government put up a transparent polycarbonate roof and renovate the floor with decorative tiles and prunable or ornamental trees along the side and also shop owners to beautify their shops so that the place will be a hotspot destination.
Yours etc.,
Gervasius Nongkseh
Shillong-1
Implementing Humane Stray Dog Management
Editor,
This is with reference to the recent judgment delivered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India regarding the management of stray dogs in the Delhi NCR region. The Court has rightly emphasised that the issue of growing stray dog populations must be addressed not through cruelty or ad-hoc measures, but by adhering to a structured process grounded in compassion, legality, and public responsibility.
The directives reinforce the provisions under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which mandate sterilisation, vaccination, creation of shelters, and humane care as legitimate long-term strategies for population control. This stance is of immediate relevance to us in Shillong, where the stray dog population has become a challenge affecting sanitation, public safety, and animal welfare alike.
As responsible citizens of Shillong, we must therefore:
1.Support institutional sterilisation and vaccination drives in collaboration with municipal authorities, veterinary professionals, and NGOs.
2.Establish and maintain shelter homes for abandoned, sick, and injured animals, ensuring proper upkeep and veterinary support.
3. Promote local adoption practices by shifting focus towards Indian breeds (“indies”) and female dogs, encouraging society to value companionship over commercial pedigree.
4.Strengthen public awareness through education campaigns on responsible pet ownership, adoption, and the legal obligations towards street animals.
While the judiciary has provided clear guidance, its effectiveness depends on ground-level implementation. It is imperative for Shillong’s municipal bodies, civil society groups, and citizens to cooperate in instituting humane and sustainable solutions. We must recognise that animal welfare and public health are interconnected concerns, and ignoring one will inevitably affect the other.Through proactive measures and a collective commitment, Shillong can set an example in the North-East for responsible and lawful stray dog management.
Yours etc.,
Viveca Blah
Shillong
Dangerous Rise of the “Haha” Reaction
Editor,
What looks like harmless fun on Facebook, the “Haha” reaction, is quickly turning into a dangerous habit. Once a symbol of joy, it is now too often used as a weapon of mockery, especially against serious matters.
Religious sermons, moral teachings, or posts exposing moral degradations are often met with waves of “Haha” reactions. Instead of healthy debates, people choose ridicule. The laugh becomes a shield to avoid uncomfortable truths. An atheist (a non-god believer) will put a “Haha” whenever a pastor, a priest, a mullah, or a pandit speaks of God, Shiva, Allah, or the mystery of life itself as coming from the Supreme Divine Power. For them, the laugh is not amusement but rejection, a way to dismiss belief without thoughtful engagement.
Moreover, those who love to give this “Haha” reaction are also the first to throw rubbish phrases and slogans like “India is not for beginners” or some other common local comment-slogans, without any further thought. These remarks may sound clever in the moment, but they only reduce serious conversations into shallow chatter.
In politics too, a person with a totally different viewpoint will “Haha” the posts of the other party, not to discuss or debate, but simply to belittle. This mocking culture encourages division, where people stop listening to one another and only laugh at what they oppose.
As we can see, this trend is not innocent anymore. It erodes respect, deepens divides, and breeds a culture where seriousness is scorned and mocked. If society laughs at every warning, who will listen when real dangers come?
The “Haha” emoji may look small, but its misuse signals something bigger of a generation hiding behind laughter, afraid of honest reflection. Unless we recognise this, we risk becoming a people who laugh at everything and learn from nothing.
Yours etc.,
Sunrise Pohtam, M.Th
Via email
Urgent Need to Regulate Makeshift Shops Opposite Ward’s Lake
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I wish to highlight the unchecked growth of makeshift shops opposite the entry to Ward’s Lake. These temporary wooden structures and vehicles converted into stalls not only mar the beauty of the area but also risk turning it into another unregulated hawker zone.
Ward’s Lake is one of Shillong’s most visited attractions, and its surroundings should reflect the city’s charm. I therefore urge the concerned authorities to intervene at the earliest. A practical solution would be to develop permanent, aesthetically designed shops that complement the surroundings, while allowing vendors to operate on a regulated rental basis. This would both preserve the appeal of the area and ensure economic benefit to the government.
Timely action will help maintain the dignity of this landmark and enhance the experience of visitors.
Yours etc.,
Aiban Narry
Via email