Editor,
Apropos the news item “BJP demands removal of DC…..” and letter to editor, “Lawlessness after 8pm,” particularly in the wake of the horrifying murder of children and the alarming rise in criminal incidents across East Khasi Hills in which this writer has on earlier occasions expressed her views. The deteriorating law and order situation especially in Shillong city be it the safety and security of citizens or illegal collection of money, the people of Meghalaya once again are demanding clarity, accountability, and decisive action. It is therefore deeply disappointing to witness Mr AL Hek, a senior MLA and former minister, publicly display ignorance on a matter as fundamental as law and order administration—specifically, the roles of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) in his response to his party’s demand for removal of present DC of East Khasi Hills district.
At a time when he must speak in one voice to uphold justice and restore public confidence, Mr Hek’s offhand remarks and refusal to align with his party’s position betrays not only a lack of discipline but a troubling disregard for institutional responsibility. His statements have muddied the waters in an already sensitive debate that his party’s general secretary has brought to light on who is accountable for law and order failures, and worse, they risk shielding those who have failed in their duty to protect our citizens.
Let it be stated unequivocally that the SP is the primary authority responsible for day to day policing in the district. But the ultimate authority to ensure peace and public order lies with the DC. To feign confusion on this point, especially as a former minister, is either wilful negligence or political posturing at the cost of truth.
The people of Meghalaya deserve better than evasive rhetoric. They deserve leaders who stand firm, speak clearly, and act decisively. Mr Hek’s failure to do so is not just a lapse of judgment—it is a disservice to the victims, their families, and every citizen who looks to elected representatives for justice and leadership.
Yours etc.,
Iba K. Naior,
Shillong -1
Leaking water pipes and water shortage in Shillong
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight a matter of growing concern for the residents of Shillong — the frequent water shortage caused largely by leaking water pipes, particularly those laid along the internal roads criss-crossing the city.
It is disheartening to note that despite Shillong receiving generous rainfall and having natural water sources, many neighbourhoods continue to face erratic and insufficient water supply. A major reason behind this is the outdated and poorly maintained water distribution system. The worst-affected areas are those where water pipelines run parallel to narrow internal roads and lanes. These pipes are often exposed or laid just beneath the surface, making them highly vulnerable to damage from vehicular traffic, erosion, road repairs, and construction work.
Every day, one can witness treated water flowing down roads or collecting in puddles due to burst or leaking pipes. This not only leads to the wastage of precious water but also damages roads, causes traffic obstructions, and raises health concerns due to stagnant water accumulation.
Several localities witness frequent pipe bursts that go unattended for days. Ironically, while water continues to leak unabated, residents are forced to depend on tankers or purchase water for daily use — a burden that is both inconvenient and costly.
To address this issue more effectively, it is vital that the government establish easy and accessible platforms for citizens to report such leakages in real time. A dedicated WhatsApp helpline number, a 24/7 toll-free complaint number, and an online reporting portal or mobile app could empower residents to notify the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) or the Shillong Municipal Board instantly. These systems should also allow tracking of complaint status to ensure transparency and timely action.
Shillong cannot afford to lose treated water due to negligence, especially at a time when water security is becoming a national concern. A city as environmentally rich as ours should be a model of sustainable water management — not a case study in water wastage.
I hope the concerned departments take urgent and comprehensive action before the problem worsens further.
Yours etc.,
D.L. Wankhar
Via email
Speed Limit
Editor,
Vide notification S.O. 1522 (E) dated 6th April 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, sets speed limits in respect of different classes of motor vehicles on different roads in India. Maximum speed varies by vehicle/two-wheeler/three-wheeler and type of road, but State governments can further lower the speed limits, than those set by the Union Ministry depending on local conditions and especially in hilly areas, which limit sight distances due to sharp turns and potentials of landslides. On urban roads and in densely populated areas, lower speed limits are vital for protecting vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and the elderly. People die and more are injured or disabled because of road crashes. Even the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history have been involved in serious accidents, therefore, driving within and below the speed limits allows for greater control over the vehicle, which is crucial for handling sudden turns or unexpected obstacles. Lower speed means fewer serious and fatal accidents.
Managing traffic speeds is one of the most complex road safety challenges, but not unsolvable. We have known for decades that speed kills, yet there is much work to do, to convince policymakers and the public of the huge risk posed by speeding. Yes, road crashes can happen due to many reasons, even sneezing, coughing and muscles cramp can reduce drivers’ action and reaction and can be termed as accidents, but crashes caused by over-speeding, road rage and reckless driving are man-made disasters, and violators should be strictly punished and jailed. A month ago, a poor young man, requested a person who crashed and brutally injured his brother, to come forward for financial help. Regardless, who is at fault, leaving the site of an accident can have serious legal consequences. Wrong-doers should be answerable in damages for the injury so caused by him/her. Insurance Companies are not liable to pay compensation for damage caused by reckless driving, but they must first pay compensation to third-party victims, and can recover the amount from the owner of a vehicle for negligence or policy breach.
Time has come to use electronic eyes (cameras and sensors) on a large scale, to watch every violation, hit-and-run, unreported incident, kidnapping, child lifting, theft, and other crimes. Super quality automated systems can operate 24/7 without human interventions.
While the Government sets speed limits for every road in India, only a few follow. Also when policymakers set rules, only a few follow because of weak implementation. Therefore, it is fair to say that, the Government of India may also see that any manufacturing company does not produce vehicles/two-wheelers/three-wheelers to be sold in India beyond the prescribed speed limits. Instead, vehicles with high-speed engines should be calibrated in such a manner that a vehicle does not exceed the permitted speed limit. Actions taken by Ri-Bhoi police and the District Administration on the highway between Shillong and Guwahati which are seen as positive steps towards improving road safety are highly appreciated.
“Never drive or ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly”
Yours etc.,
D Pakyntein,
Via email
