Editor,
I wish to begin with a disclaimer. My disclaimer is that what I am going to write about is based , as at present, on rumour, hearsay and sheer gossip which, incidentally, I wish and pray continue to remain so. It would be most disappointing and disheartening if such rumors turn out to be true. However if the hearsay were to prove to be factual and accurate, I want this communication of mine to serve as a red flag of danger to all concerned stakeholders ( all those who wish to preserve the natural splendor of Shillong; all devotees of Shillong’s beauty and heritage; those of us who mourn the rapid disappearance of once beautiful tree lined urban boulevards now sadly replaced with ugly concrete monstrosities and especially to all well meaning, devoted and dedicated members of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Church) because this is an alarm call to the possible/probable and plausible destruction and dismantling of one of Shillong’s iconic heritage structures – the English Service Church building located at Police Bazar.
Again I reemphasize that this call is based purely on unverified suspicion, yet past endeavors by parties with vested interests to carry out nefarious designs on this antiquated and lovely icon of Presbyterian worship at PB, simply enforces the need to sound the bugle of alarm. Today there is a rumor spreading very fast , especially among concerned members of the KJP community , that there are yet again preparations afoot , to demolish the English Service Church building at Police Bazar and erect in its stead, a shopping complex. The Church Building in question might be small, archaic and in constant need of maintenance, but do people realize the impact it has had on generations of Church goers who had attended its services down the ages? The peace of mind it had bestowed on young, troubled and disturbed souls? The lives it has helped change for the better? Faith issues aside the building also stands out as one of the three Heritage Christian structures in the city and to quote the poet Keats it is “ a thing of beauty , a joy forever”. In short both from a faith perspective as well as from the aesthetic point of view the Presbyterian English Church building at Police Bazar is Priceless ! Well the only known selling price for a priceless antiquity is the proverbial “30 pieces of Silver”! So are we seeing Biblical Betrayal and Sellout History being replayed here in Shillong? I sincerely hope not.
In the end, whatever be the reason that drives you for the continued existence of the heritage English Service Church at PB , the writer’s request is for you to come forth and take a stand on the issue. The need of the hour is for people, meaning you, to express as best you can through rejoinders; through groups you belong to; through the individual church you are affiliated with or through Social Media as to what your views are on the fate of the English Service Church at Police Bazar. Should it remain as it is or should it be dismantled. Let that be the subject of your efforts. All of us are stakeholders in preserving and maintaining heritage structures that contribute to the beauty of this city we all love. Those in power be it within the Church or in the Government need to hear and heed the voice of the citizens. Give a call for the English Service Church building at Police Bazar to be included in the Heritage structures of the city. It must not be destroyed. The voice of the people must prevail. So let that powerful voice be heard.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Biani Momin’s venture into cinema
Editor
After reading the interview in the Sunday edition of The Shillong Times, I felt a deep sense of pride and quiet admiration while reflecting on the inspiring cinematic journey of Biana W. Momin.
A very popular English professor and a dedicated, sincere educator, she spent her life shaping young minds with quiet commitment and integrity. Her transition from the world of classrooms to the world of cinema is not merely a personal achievement; it is a moment of collective pride for our region. It beautifully shows how learning, discipline, and life experience can find meaningful expression even in entirely new fields.
Her entry into the South Indian cine world stands out for its dignity and authenticity. In an industry often dominated by glamour and youth, her presence brings depth and realism. Particularly striking is her performance as a silent character—where emotions are conveyed not through words, but through expressions and inner strength. Such roles demand maturity and emotional control, qualities clearly refined through her long and sincere career as an educator.
As a newcomer in cinema, she displayed humility, openness to learning, and respect for the craft. Her journey also reflects the inclusive spirit of South Indian cinema, which recognises talent beyond age, language, or background. At the same time, her performance quietly suggests that the doors of Bollywood, too, could open for artists who bring honesty and substance to the screen.
Her story is a powerful reminder that reinvention has no age limit and that genuine talent, when combined with sincerity, will always find recognition. This is not just her success—it is a proud entry of our talent into the wider Indian cine world.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj
Via email
Collective responsibility versus ministers’ competence
Editor,
The editorial “Whither collective responsibility” (ST January 17, 2026) made interesting. In a parliamentary democracy like Meghalaya’s, the cabinet is supposed to function collectively, with ministers sharing responsibility. If most members are perceived as incompetent, the balance naturally tilts toward the Chief Minister, who becomes the de-facto decision-maker. In a small state like Meghalaya, coalition governments often produce cabinets filled with compromise candidates rather than strong policy leaders. This weakens collective governance. Strong Chief Ministers can push reforms quickly, but this creates a bottleneck where governance depends on one person’s vision and stamina. However, at the moment I do not see any Minister capable of doing things the way the Chief Minister does. When Paul Lyngdoh was in the cabinet it was different and the CM was confident of him as he would speak and make decisions which are appropriate. Meghalaya’s cabinet dynamics mirror a wider Indian pattern. The dashboard on cabinet strength vs CM dominance and its implications in Indian states is given below:
Yours etc.,
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
