Editor,
Bhogtoram Mawroh’s article titled “Territorial Army in Meghalaya: Safeguard or Liability,” published in The Shillong Times (ST August 27, 2025), is baseless and misleading to the general public. In his article, he stated that the demand for a Territorial Army in our state by some pressure groups, like the Khasi Students’ Union, could serve as a buffer for armed groups like the HNLC and GNLA. He also mentioned that our state could descend into a situation like that of Manipur. Furthermore, his article disheartens the youth of our jaitbynriew who have the courage to protect our nation from the infiltration of outsiders.
Instead, as a responsible son of the soil, he should give his support for this cause. If the government can genuinely fulfill this demand, it will be a significant benefit for our state. With the presence of the Territorial Army, it will be one of the ways to provide employment opportunities for the youth of the state, and also not only will they monitor and prevent the infiltration of outsiders, but also address regional security challenges, particularly drug trafficking, smuggling, and other law-and-order issues.
In his article, Bhogtoram Mawroh mentioned various dangers if there were a Territorial Army in our state, but I don’t see that he is concerned about the issue of influx or the illegal entry of outsiders into our state. I have read some of his articles, but I have never seen him express concern or write about his own indigenous community and the dangers if we fail to protect against the infiltration of outsiders. This raises questions about his identity: is he really a Khasi? If yes, then why isn’t he concerned about his own community?
If the government agrees to establish a Territorial Army in our state, as done in the state of Mizoram, the youth who are recruited will have to undergo training and have to abide by the law. It’s not that the government will simply provide them with arms and give them licence to do whatever they want. So, what’s the point of linking the Territorial Army with underground militants? Also, it’s very misleading to say that if the government introduces a Territorial Army, our state would become another Manipur. Manipur is inhabited by different communities like the Naga, Meitei, Kuki Chin, and others. These different communities have different demands, and Manipur has been under AFSPA for many decades. The current conflict in Manipur is a very complicated issue, and it’s not only the militants who are involved but also the common people. Conflict can happen at any time and anywhere if the people feel they are being oppressed; even without the involvement of militants.
Therefore, I urge Bhogtoram not to publish such writings that could mislead the public and discourage the youth of our jaitbynriew who are fighting for the survival and well-being of our people. If you truly feel you are a Khasi, you should instead give ideas that will help strengthen and safeguard our jaitbynriew. Last but not least, your globalist agenda will not help even an inch in safeguarding and preserving the uniqueness of our jaitbynriew.
Yours etc.,
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang
Sohra
Women Living Amongst Undercover Predators
Editor
Being a woman in this so-called modern and progressive society, it is enraging that a woman cannot walk alone without fear. The simple act of existing in public, something so-called “men” take for granted, becomes a calculated risk for women. Every street, every alley, and every dimly lit corner carries the weight of potential danger. Why should women have to clutch their keys between their fingers, or a switchblade in hand, scan their surroundings, or avoid certain routes just to feel a fraction of the security that men inherently enjoy? Why must women bear the burden of hyper-vigilance while predators roam unchecked?
This is not paranoia. This is reality. Women’s bodies are policed, their actions scrutinized, and yet when harm befalls them, society finds a way to blame them with statements like, “She shouldn’t have been walking alone.” “What was she wearing?” “Why was she out so late?” Instead of holding perpetrators accountable, the narrative shifts to the victim, forcing women to live in a perpetual state of caution. This is not just frustrating, it is infuriating! It is an injustice that women must navigate a world built for their subjugation while men move freely, unaffected by the same fears.
The impact of this systemic failure is far-reaching. Women are forced to modify their behaviour, restricting their own freedoms because the world refuses to change. They hesitate before stepping outside at night, second-guess their choice of clothing, and rely on male companions to feel marginally safer. This is not freedom; it is oppression masquerading as precaution. And when a woman dares to reclaim her autonomy, the consequences can be fatal. Society teaches women how to avoid danger instead of teaching men not to be the danger. This is the root of the problem: this deeply ingrained, misogynistic structure that protects the predator while punishing the prey.
And what of the so-called authorities, the lawmakers, the enforcers of justice? Too often, they turn a blind eye. Reports of harassment and assault are dismissed, investigations are botched, and convictions are rare. A woman’s voice is silenced before she even has the chance to be heard. The message is clear: her safety is not a priority. This neglect is not just a failure of the system. It is complicity.
The rage women feel is justified. The exhaustion is justified. How many more must suffer before society acknowledges that the streets do not belong to men alone? Women should not have to walk in fear, to carry weapons in their purses, or to share their locations with friends just to ensure they make it home untouched and alive. Change must happen, and it must happen now. Because every moment of inaction is another moment where a woman wonders if she will be the next statistic. Therefore, dear stupid society, don’t tell women not to go out at night or to dress according to your societal norms. Tell your men not to harass and rape.
Yours etc.,
Mebaphylla Rymshon,
Via email
Reality Facing Meghalaya’s Youth
Editor,
I write this not just for myself, but for every student in Meghalaya who no longer feels safe even in their own homeland. We grew up believing our State is ‘Ka Ri Tip Briew, Tip Blei’—a land that knows man and knows God. But today, when we walk to school or college, board a cab, or simply step out into the streets, fear follows us everywhere.
How did we reach this point? Drugs have taken over our society. They are easy to access, spreading in every corner, trapping our friends, our family, even our neighbors. Because of drugs, crimes have multiplied. Students are attacked in broad daylight, passengers are harassed, and families live in constant worry. We ask ourselves: if we see it, why doesn’t the Government? If we feel unsafe, why don’t our leaders act? The truth is painful—the NPP-led MDA government has failed to protect us. They speak of development, of projects, of smart cities, yet they cannot give us the most basic right: the right to feel safe.
We, the youth, are the future of Meghalaya. But if this continues, what future will we have? A generation destroyed by addiction? A society where violence is normal? A society where we do not feel safe even to come out of our own homes? A land where students live in fear instead of hope?
We make this appeal to the government; to the police; to the dorbar shnong; to the churches, and to every responsible citizen—please act before it is too late. Strengthen the laws, crack down on peddlers, secure our borders, create real rehabilitation for addicts, and most importantly, listen to the voices of the youth. Do not let Meghalaya lose its soul. Do not let Ka Ri Tip Briew, Tip Blei become just empty words. Give us back our right to feel safe, to dream, and to build a future without fear.
Because if this continues, there may not be a future left for us.
Yours etc.,
Iwannaki L. Khongji
Shillong