Editor,
Through your newspaper, I would like to express my serious concern about the recent forced closure of Central Government offices and banks in Jaintia Hills during the funeral of Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon.
While the State Government has the authority to declare a state holiday, it is important to remember that Central Government offices do not function under State Government holiday orders. Post Offices and other Central institutions work under the Government of India. Banks also follow central laws, including the Negotiable Instruments Act, and are not controlled by state executive orders.
Reports that pressure groups allegedly forced shops, banks, and Central Government offices to close are very worrying. No organisation has the legal power to overrule the law. A state holiday does not automatically apply to Central institutions, and it certainly cannot be enforced through pressure or force.
Respect and mourning should be voluntary. Forcing daily wage earners, small business owners, and staff of Central offices to close their workplaces is not a true tribute. It affects people’s livelihoods and creates confusion about who has the authority to make such decisions.
If the State Government declares a holiday for offices under its control, that is its right. But extending that order to Central Government institutions without legal authority shows either a misunderstanding of the law or abuse of power. Both are unacceptable in a democratic country like India.
India has a clear system where State and Central authorities have separate powers. Emotional situations should not lead to disorder. Institutions must function according to the law, not under pressure from any group.
I request the concerned authorities to issue clear instructions in the future so that no organisation assumes powers it does not legally have.
Yours etc.,
Mantre Hame Dkhar,
Via email
Eight Decades in Shillong Yet Struggling for Trading Licence – A Painful Reality
Editor,
With reference to the news report titled “KHADC Opp slams CEM’s ‘genuine non-tribal’ remark” (Shillong, Feb 19, 2026), I wish to express my strong concern over the objection raised to the term “genuine non-tribal.” I fail to understand how referring to a family that has lived in Shillong for nearly 80 years as “genuine” undermines local interests.
The same report mentions that in the Dhankheti parking lot nearly 90% of the employees are local tribal residents, and the venture is in partnership with a tribal stakeholder. When employment and participation of locals are clearly ensured, how can this be seen as a threat to local protection? Such cooperation strengthens, not weakens, local interests.
It is very unfortunate that even after eight decades in the city, business families like the ‘Bawris’ are still facing difficulties in obtaining or renewing trading licenses. After contributing honestly to the economy for generations, being subjected to repeated hurdles and harassment is painful and discouraging.
The Constitution of India guarantees equality before law under Article 14 and the right to carry on trade or business under Article 19(1)(g). Livelihood is a matter of dignity and fundamental right. If genuine, law-abiding residents continue to face denial despite fulfilling all formalities, they may be compelled to seek remedy before the court of law.
At the same time, I would like to ask why leaders of all political parties are not raising this genuine issue in the Assembly. Till when will such harassment continue? Political parties must rise above selective silence and address the concerns of every citizen. Non-tribals should not be treated merely as a vote bank during elections and ignored thereafter. Responsible leadership demands fairness, courage, and equal representation.
I sincerely request all Dorbar Shnongs—especially in areas where non-tribals are long-settled residents—to kindly issue NOCs to genuine applicants who possess valid documents and comply with legal requirements. There are only limited areas where non-tribals reside and conduct business, and even those places are nearing saturation. They are not seeking to disturb tribal-majority areas, but only asking for fair opportunity within their own settled localities.
After 80 years in this city, no family should feel insecure about earning an honest livelihood. It is time for political leaders and institutions alike to uphold justice, fairness, and harmony for all.
Yours etc.,
Homnath Gautam
Shillong -2
Mother Tongue a Precious Asset
Editor,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the thoughtful article ‘Mother Language: The Voice of Our Roots, written by Marbareen Khonglam. I do sincerely feel it deserves special recognition for the sensitive and heartfelt way it has brought out the emotional, cultural, and social value of our mother tongues, especially in the context of Meghalaya. We do rarely get to read a write-up that speaks not only to the mind but also to the heart, reminding us that our mother tongues are far more than a tool of communication – it is the living voice of our identity, memories, and heritage. The author very rightly points out that a language is not only a means for communication but also something that carries with it our memories, our traditions, and the very sense of who we are.The author rightly says a language is not just for communication. It carries our memories. It keeps our traditions alive. It is part of who we are.
The concern that young people are gradually moving away from their native dialects feels very real and something we need to think about now.Today, when many small languages in the North-East are slowly fading away, and some are already marked as endangered in language surveys and UNESCO reports, such ideas feel very important.They don’t only share facts. They wake people up. They help us see what we might lose by keeping quiet.The article also deserves appreciation. It clearly shows the richness of local dialects, including those spoken in the Pynursla region. It also gives space to ordinary young people. Many of them still feel a strong emotional bond with their mother tongue. This personal touch makes the message very powerful. It also makes it easy for us to connect with. The feelings sound real. The experiences feel true. It speaks about real life, not just ideas.
History shows this very clearly. When a mother tongue slowly disappears, a community loses much more than just words. It loses its folk stories. It loses its old wisdom. Cultural practices fade. Shared memories also begin to disappear. These are the things that quietly keep people united. That is why the author’s call to speak our own language with pride — at home, with friends, and in public -feels both practical and necessary today.
At the same time, protecting our languages cannot be the duty of individuals alone. Governments must support mother-tongue teaching in primary schools. They should help record and preserve endangered dialects. Proper funding for cultural and literary work in regional languages is also needed. Schools can help by holding debates, storytelling programmes, competitions and cultural events in local languages. This helps children feel comfortable using them. Parents also have a big role. Children should grow up speaking their own language freely, without shame or fear.
It is good to see that many community groups, writers, cultural bodies and committed teachers across Meghalaya and the wider North-East are already doing important work. They are recording folk songs. They are publishing books in local languages. They are organising cultural festivals. Their work shows something simple but important — when people act together, even small efforts can slowly bring real and lasting change.
Marbareen Khonglam’s article is not just a tribute to the mother language. I strongly feel, it deserves wider discussion — for silence never saves what we love.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj
Via email
