Editor,
The word “Customary Ruling Clan” is a word mentioned in clause 11 of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Chiefs and headmen) Act, 1959. The recent appointment of Acting Chief by KHADC to a person from a clan other than the “Syiem” clan which is a customary ruling clan of Hima Sohra is uncalled for. It is an insult to the Syiem and the customary practices of Hima Sohra. The KHADC which was set up under the Constitution of India, with an aim to act as a guardian or to protect the traditional customs of the Khasi has put itself into shame and it has really acted over-smart. The question I ask is, should we allow this style of functioning of KHADC which is currently run by a political party which used to claim to be transparent and clean but is now showing its lack of experience?
Yours etc.,
D.Diengdoh
Sohra
Objectionable letter
Editor,
This email has reference to a letter to the editor which was published in The Shillong Times on Dec 19, 2025. On reading the letter titled, ‘On Islamic Terror’ it appears that it makes quite inflammatory remarks which should not have been published and not given a platform by the newspaper in the first place.
Secondly, I would like to point out that giving such simplistic arguments about who is carrying out these terror attacks based on appearances is naive. In the world of geopolitics, false flag attacks and covert operations are not uncommon. I refrain from blaming any country or group based on doubts at this time. But it is clear that the hero of the Bondi beach tragedy was a man named Ahmed al Ahmed. Many Muslims too died in the Delhi blast carried out by the MBBS doctors. ISIS caused more damage in Syria and Iraq, which are Muslim majority countries than anywhere else in the world. Before making the conclusions such as those in the letter, a pragmatic analysis must be made about who really benefits from such attacks, rather than explain it by fanaticism on the part of the terrorists.
Finally, I reiterate a point repeated often in public by many- that Islam does not support the shedding of innocent blood; that Islam demands justice, tolerance and mercy from its followers. This letter seeks to make known that responsible people shall not acquiesce to such views.
Yours etc.,
Amir Yaseen Khan,
Via email
No advocates for the environment
Editor,
The write-up captioned, “Hollowing out tradition; Education in a bubble authored by Patricia Mukhim is not merely a subject to be read through but there is a deeper meaning hidden behind it. In the name of modernity, we have done great harm to the environment instead of conserving it. We have left nothing unsold. The gifts of a supreme God are meant to be judiciously used for a healthy livelihood. Unfortunately, the more we prosper the more we have harmed the environment and this is evidently across Meghalaya.
Everything in nature be it trees, rivers, streams and valuable resources have been commodified. Traditional medicines once used to be practiced by our ancestors but are now relegated to the past. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that modern science plays a significant role in our lives today.
During the corona virus lockdown our surroundings looked golden because the environment was given a new lease of life. This is because nature got a break from humans. This indicates the human potential to exploit everything beyond sustainable limits and thereby causing environmental disasters all around. If humans realise this dangerous trend they can help unmake what they have destroyed by helping to rejuvenate nature. The time has come to think now on what to leave behind for the younger generation. Let us bequeath something good for our children. Teachers, guardians and our public representatives too are equally responsible for all the acts of omission and commission. The people of Meghalaya should not let their minds be clouded, their eye-sights dimmed and ears clogged insofar as the environment is concerned. Let not our actions say, “the environment be damned.”
Yours etc.,
Deepak Chhetry,
Tura-794001
Erosion of moral values in society
Editor,
The real threat that we as a society are facing is our inability to provide a safe and secure environment for our children. Our children are our pillars of tomorrow and therefore they require great care, supervision and nurturing. Starting from the hearth and home they need to be guided and be taught to be conscious and conscientious and learn about what is right and what is wrong. The home should be a place for them to feel free and safe. Likewise at school, alongside academic pursuit, morality and moral values and the ability to live in complete association with and respect for another, irrespective of one’s gender is pertinent. They need to realise that every single life is precious and valuable and no one has the right to overpower and trample upon another. Right from a very young age, it is important to make them firmly believe that they must be selfless and compassionate.
As adults, it is our duty and responsibility to lead by example while at the same time we must question and introspect the way we lead our lives. Are we doing enough as parents, educators, friends, family and inhabitants of this world? At home, as a family, do we really spend adequate time with our children? How many of us actually have at least one meal a day together as a family? In school, are students taught principles and values of righteousness in letter and spirit As a society do we fulfil our responsibilities of fellow feeling? In today’s world especially, technology has become so advanced that it is important to impart moral values and guide our children towards becoming less dependent on digital content and social media and develop self-reliance, compassion and ethical thinking. Moral values must be cultivated through daily interactions and reflections on one’s actions and interactions with fellow human beings in order to make them responsible individuals in the society.
Alongside academic pursuit, moral upbringing and the overall well-being of our children is not merely a duty but a necessity. When provided proper guidance children can become responsible and compassionate citizens. We must make our pillars of tomorrow resilient, empathetic and compassionate human beings because the future rests on their shoulders. Only then can we hope to have a happy and peaceful world.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
