Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I wish to highlight a matter of great concern regarding the recently conducted District Selection Committee (DSC) Examination held in Mairang. Several candidates who appeared for the examination have raised serious complaints that many questions in the paper contained incorrect answer options, while some had no correct option at all. These errors caused confusion among examinees and may have unfairly impacted their results.
Whereas, many candidates have expressed disappointment and concern over several errors found in the question paper. It has been reported that a number of questions contained incorrect or missing answer options. Moreover, in the Mathematics section, one particular question was unrelated to the subject and appeared to be a General Knowledge question instead. This created confusion among examinees and affected their ability to perform fairly.
Some questions in the General Knowledge Section Eg Series-I Question no.52 – 22nd December (winter solstice) is: a) Longest day b) hottest day, c) Coldest day and d) Shortest night: This question was ambiguous because it did not specify the hemisphere being referred to. Scientifically, 22nd December marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, and the longest day and shortest night in the Southern Hemisphere. Another question on Chachai Falls asked its height but did not specify whether the measurement was in metres or feet thereby creating confusion. The lack of clarity rendered the question invalid.
Competitive examinations like those conducted by the DSC are meant to uphold merit and fairness. However, such mistakes undermine the credibility of the recruitment process and the confidence of sincere candidates.
Therefore, I earnestly appeal to the concerned authorities to review the question papers and answer keys thoroughly and to take appropriate corrective measures to ensure justice and transparency for all candidates.
Yours etc.,
A concerned candidate,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Regional unity, not isolation
Editor,
The recent statement by Batskhem Marboh, spokesperson of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) rejecting the initiative of Pradyot Manikya Debbarma to bring together regional parties of the Northeast is deeply disappointing and short-sighted.
At a time when the indigenous peoples of the region face common challenges of political marginalisation, resource exploitation, and cultural erosion, unity among regional forces is not a threat, but a necessity. The idea of a collective regional platform is not about surrendering one’s identity or autonomy; it is about amplifying our voices together before the Government of India.
To dismiss this vision as “having no political sense” reflects a narrow understanding of regional politics. True leadership lies in building bridges, not walls. Every northeastern state has its own unique context but our shared struggles demand shared strength. No single party, however “genuine” it claims to be, can protect the interests of its people by isolating itself from its neighbours. The spirit of solidarity among the indigenous communities of the Northeast should rise above party boundaries and political ego.
History has shown that fragmentation weakens our cause. Cooperation strengthens it. The proposal for a regional forum deserves open-minded discussion, not rejection born of insecurity or political calculation.
Yours etc.,
Marbiang Lyngdoh Rymbai,
Via email
Why destroy a rare green lung in the city?
Editor,
I write this letter with deep anguish and concern over the recent felling of numerous trees in the Children’s Park under the Meghalaya Forest Department in Polo Bazar, Shillong. This green haven, nurtured over decades, has been razed reportedly to make way for a parking lot and shopping mall. This not only reflects administrative insensitivity but also raises serious legal and ethical questions. It is widely known that the Hon’ble Meghalaya High Court has imposed a ban on tree felling and even pruning in and around Shillong. How then could such large-scale destruction of forest cover be permitted in a public park under the Forest Department’s care?
The loss of this green space is not merely aesthetic, it is ecological. The park was home to countless birds, insects, and small creatures, forming a delicate urban ecosystem. The chopped branches strewn across the site now stand as mute testimony to human greed and disregard for nature. Is construction the only form of development we can envision? Could not an alternative site have been identified for the parking lot, sparing this vital green lung of the city?
To replace a children’s park with concrete is to rob future generations of pure air and water. I urge the concerned authorities, including the Forest Department, Urban Affairs, and the Judiciary to kindly look into this matter urgently. Let us not wait until every tree is lost and every bird silenced.
I appeal to fellow citizens, civil society groups, and environmental advocates to raise their voices. The park must be revived—not just for our children, but for the soul of Shillong.
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar
Shillong-3
