Editor,
Meghalaya’s governance has long been criticized for its lack of women representation. The recent cabinet reshuffle, which appointed eight ‘male’ ministers, has reignited this debate. This exclusion raises questions about the system’s impartiality and the growing influence of patriarchal norms. Meghalaya is known for its matrilineal society, where women have historically held significant social and cultural power. However, their absence in the cabinet suggests a shift towards patriarchal dominance, undermining the state’s unique cultural context.
The exclusion of women from leadership positions has far-reaching implications, including the lack of diverse perspectives and experiences in policy-making. Women’s participation in decision-making is crucial for addressing the unique challenges face by women and other marginalised communities.
The perpetuation of patriarchal norms in Meghalaya’s governance not only undermines the state’s matrilineal legacy but also perpetuates the marginalisation of women. Henceforth, the exclusion of women from Meghalaya’s cabinet reshuffle is a stark reminder of the persistent gender disparities that pervade our society. As a state renowned for its matrilineal heritage, it is ironic that women continue to be marginalised from leadership positions. To truly uphold the principes of equality and justice, it is imperative that women receive the support and recognition they deserve.
We must work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women are empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute their unique perspective and experience. Only then can we hope to build a brighter future for all, where every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Yours etc.,
Lakhamti Mary Kharmujai,
Via email
Tourism Needs Peace, Not Protests
Editor,
Recently, the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) protested against taxis from Assam taking tourists to places in Meghalaya. This situation brings up some important issues about how states relate to each other, people’s rights to earn a living, and what the Constitution of India stands for.
Under the Indian Constitution, Article 19(1)(g) guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to pursue any profession, occupation, trade, or business. Further, Article 301 enshrines the principle of free trade and commerce throughout the territory of India. Any attempt to restrict entry of vehicles or service providers from another state, without legal backing or legitimate regulatory purpose, contravene these constitutional guarantees.
It is true that local taxi drivers in Meghalaya are worried about their jobs and fair competition. These concerns are real and should be taken seriously. But using regional sentiment to block others from working is not acceptable.
If taxis from Assam are operating without permits or breaking local rules, then the answer is to enforce those laws properly, not to ban all Vehicles from outside the state through protests or force.
The governments of Meghalaya and Assam, along with their transport and tourism departments, should come together to solve this issue peacefully. Tourism grows when travel is hassle-free and peaceful. Protests that block movement or create tension between states end up hurting the tourism industry itself. Instead of disruption, we need discussion guided by the values of the Constitution and the common goal of growth that benefits everyone.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
How to fix a society when humanity is lost
Editor,
A shocking incident in Shillong, where a four-year-old girl was found dead, has once again forced society to ask a slew of uncomfortable questions. What sort of world have we built where the first instinct of many is not to grieve but to sensationalize it recklessly, as a noted writer — VK Lyngdoh rightly pointed out in his letter, “Stop sensationalising murder.” Instead of offering prayers and expressing compassion, many of us rushed to upload the victim’s photograph even though she was already deceased. How easily we forget the unbearable trauma this inflicts on the grieving family. I think this is our misplaced instinct, similar to people who rush to take pictures with a mobile phone when they see someone being swept away by floodwaters, instead of trying to save the person.
Given the rapid rise of horrifying incidents like brutal sexual attacks, kidnapping, and drugging, I totally agree with Jenniefer Dkhar who says in her letter “A gruesome murder” (ST, Sept. 17,2025) that the world has become so cruel that no sane person can think straight. Faith, trust, empathy, compassion are empty words that have no relevance in today’s world. Still more shocking incidents here:
This July in Kheda, Gujarat, a seven-year-old girl who should have been cradled in the loving arms of her parents was thrown into the Narmada canal by her father. Why? Because he longed for a son. Just imagine the thought process of such a man. A few days ago in Karnataka, a woman and her lover inhumanly tortured a five-year-old girl for two days, “Woman booked for killing 5-year-old daughter” (ST, Sept 14,2025). They tied her hands and continued pouring boiling water over her body, and then threw her alive into a river. My question is: where are we truly heading as a society?
We boast of being modern, yet we are no better than savages. We must ask ourselves what kind of society we are now building when children are unsafe not just in the streets or schools but in their own homes. More precisely, when the sanctity of motherhood and fatherhood is defiled by brutal hatred, carnal obsession, and delusion.
Paul Lyngdoh, former Arts and Culture Minister, has remarked, “There are monsters in our midst.” He is absolutely right. Given the situation, I would go further and say that there are monsters growing inside our minds. They literally feed on our loss of values. Despite having all modern resources and education, we have completely failed to understand why love, empathy, and compassion in us are being replaced by greed, unhinged lust, and delusion. With every passing day, we watch society sink deeper and deeper into the mire of depravity.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Shillong’s Bookaroo Festival
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the upcoming Bookaroo Festival in Shillong. At a time when most of our children are glued to mobile phones, television, and other screens, this festival comes as a blessing.
Books have always been more than just pages of printed words. They are friends, teachers, and guides that shape young minds with imagination, empathy, and values. Sadly, we are witnessing a sharp decline in reading habits among today’s generation. This is why Bookaroo’s mission—to inspire children to rediscover the joy of reading—is so important and timely.
The beauty of this festival lies in its human touch. Children will have the rare opportunity to meet authors and storytellers face-to-face, to hear stories come alive, and to carry back memories that will encourage them to pick up books again. Even if a few children are inspired to read, the impact on our society will be lasting. A child who reads becomes a thoughtful, creative, and compassionate citizen tomorrow.
I humbly request all schools in and around Shillong to encourage their students to participate in this meaningful programme. A simple visit could open the doors of imagination for many young learners and remind them that books are not a burden but a joy.
I also sincerely wish that students in other towns of our state get the same opportunity shortly, with the timing planned so as not to coincide with examination periods. Such programmes should not only reach Shillong but also smaller towns and rural areas, for they not only nurture the habit of reading but also bring children closer to culture, creativity, and the power of ideas.
Let us join hands to make reading fashionable again, and in doing so, give our children the gift of a brighter and more imaginative future.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry,
Via email
