Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities, civil society, and the general public to a deeply concerning issue affecting our indigenous people. An inappropriate mobile application (NOLO) is currently being circulated widely through social media platforms, and its impact on our community—especially the younger generation—is alarming.
This App promotes content that is culturally insensitive, morally degrading, and completely at odds with the values, traditions, and identity of our indigenous society. What is more disturbing is the ease with which it is being accessed and shared through video on Whatsapp, advertisement on Facebook, availability in Playstore often without any form of age restriction or content warning. Such unchecked exposure threatens to erode our cultural fabric and normalise behaviour that disrespects our customs and social harmony.
Our Khasi, Pnar communities have long struggled to preserve our language, values, and way of life in the face of rapid modernisation. The spread of such digital content adds a new and dangerous challenge. Young people, who are still forming their identity, are particularly vulnerable to being influenced by harmful narratives that ridicule or undermine indigenous dignity and self-respect.
There are also serious concerns regarding privacy and exploitation. Many users download these Apps without understanding the potential risks to personal data, leaving them exposed to misuse, manipulation, or psychological harm. The lack of accountability from app developers and social media platforms further worsens the situation.
I strongly urge the concerned government departments, cybercrime authorities, and social media companies to take immediate action. This includes investigating the App, restricting its circulation, and ensuring that content violating cultural, ethical, and legal standards is removed. Awareness campaigns on responsible digital behaviour should also be initiated, particularly in indigenous and rural areas.
Our indigenous communities deserve protection, respect, and a safe digital environment. Development and technology should empower our people, not exploit or degrade them. Silence on this matter will only allow further harm. It is time for collective responsibility to safeguard our culture and future generations from such digital threats. Mawlai is not cheap, Shillong is not cheap and most importantly our Meghalaya is not cheap.
Yours etc,
Augusten Blah,
Shillong – 2
Iran weeps amid flames and mass killings
Editor,
Iran is in flames. Iran is mourning! The cruelty of its leaders knows no bounds. It’s like they’re waging war against their own citizens. To carry out their brutality, they have shut out the eyes of the press. So the mass shootings can be carried out in the dark. In just a span of a few days, it’s been estimated that over twelve thousand people have been killed. Some claim that the death toll from the massacre could be well above twenty thousand. What lies ahead for the hapless citizens remains completely uncertain. Those most targeted are women’s groups who believe in freedom of expression and stand against heartless oppression. Worse still, countless journalists have been killed, many threatened with death or subjected to horrific torture. Many artists, athletes, and other public figures have also been arrested or endured cruel torture at the hands of the armed forces.
I was deeply shaken when I came across a social media post about a woman breaking down in tears, recounting how noted footballer Mojtaba Tarshiz and his wife were reportedly shot dead by security forces. Just imagine the heartbreaking situation of their two young daughters left behind. A brave doctor, Aida Rostami, who risked her life treating the wounded, was reportedly tortured and killed in an unimaginably cruel way just a few days ago.
Yes, countless clips are now circulating on social media. They also expose a glaring double standard. The world roared in outrage over the Palestinians and Hamas, and rightly so. Yet when it comes to the unprecedented massacre in Iran, the voices fade to a whisper! And here’s a serious concern — why has the UN remained so passive? Why has it failed to take decisive action against Iran or stop the mass executions immediately? It has already been the third week since this uprising and the barbaric killings began. To understand the roots of this uprising, one must look back into history.
Another million-dollar question is — if the main leaders, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Masoud Pezeshkian, claim to be religious men, why do they order such a brutal crackdown on their own people? Do true God-fearing individuals not believe in forgiveness, peace, compassion, and the values of humanity? One wonders why the more religious are most intolerant and uncompassionate. Can anyone sincerely provide a logical answer? Now we, nay, this civilisation, need an answer that resonates with humanity and that resonates with the God above in heaven.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
