Editor
In recent days, I have come across in this news daily, the topic about the Jaintia people. For a long time, many Jaintia intellectuals and Jaintia people never identified themselves as Khasis or as a sub-tribe of the Khasi tribe because of their identity and culture that are different from the majority Khasis. They are deeply connected to their Jaintia identity and Jaintia culture and I respect that. However, I would like to request my fellow Khasis to understand that we the Khasis and the Jaintias (Pnars) are not the same. We are different in origin, culture, traditions and customs. We are different tribes.
Therefore, I would like to request the Seng Khasi (Kmie) not to organize Seng Khihlang gathering or any other gathering with the Seiñ Raij, and not to welcome the Seiñ Raij and the Niamtre followers to the sacred mountain, U Lum Sohpetbneng, and also not to welcome them to the Shad Suk Mynsiem and to the Seng Kut Snem.
In conclusion, u Khynriam, u Maram, u War, u Lyngngam, u War Jaintia bad u Bhoi, Ki dei u paid Khasi baiar.
Yours etc.,
Wallambiang Rani (A Khasi)
Via email
Relentless Assault on the Environment
Editor,
I had written a letter to the editor which was published in this newspaper in February 2025. It was regarding the severe assault being faced by a small patch of forested area between Topovan and the official residence of the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya. After my letter was published, everything went quiet for some time, although not a single clarification came forth from the State authorities or the Forest Department.
Surprisingly, after a year, the assaulters are back. Trees are being mercilessly cut down, and an encroachment from the eastern side (Bishop Cotton Road) is gradually making its way up. It is there for anyone to see. Trees have been chopped down, the land leveled, and marking work is in progress. Already, the forest which existed from near Orchid Hotel in Polo till the Chief Secretary’s Residence has been reduced to this small patch, and that too is now being destroyed.
Why are we systematically destroying what nature has given us? What is this craze for building more and more? Why is forest land being diverted right under the nose of the Forest Department? Surely they are complicit in the matter; otherwise, how can this be happening right in the heart of the city and next to places where some of the most influential people of the state reside?
While the whole world is feeling the effects of global warming and climate change brought about by human activities, we in the state are merrily reducing our forest cover, assuming that the effects of global warming will not affect us. It is time to wake up and put a stop to the destruction of our forests
Yours etc.,
Emica Nongkynrih,
Via email
When War Affects the Kitchen: How West Asia Conflict Hits India’s Wallet
Editor,
Wars are often thought of as distant, far-off events happening on battlefields, borders and diplomatic tables.. In today’s connected world geopolitics affects more than just these areas. The ongoing conflict in West Asia is proving this. Thousands of miles away from the destruction and bombing, households in India are feeling the effects in their kitchens.
For years experts have warned that politics doesn’t just stay in governments or war rooms. It eventually affects people’s lives. Today this is very real. Decisions made by leaders in power centres even in Washington, D.C. affect our grocery bills and cooking expenses. Politics has now literally entered our kitchens.
India uses a lot of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Most of it is imported. In January 2026 India produced 1.158 million tonnes of LPG and imported 2.192 million tonnes. This shows how much India relies on supply. 62-65 percent of India’s LPG demand is met through imports and most of these imports come from West Asia. These shipments usually go through the Strait of Hormuz, an energy route.
The current conflict has made it riskier for ships to travel through this passage between Iran and Oman. Insurers have stopped covering these ships or raised premiums by over 1,000 percent. This makes it more expensive for vessels to transport LPG from the Gulf. As a result freight rates have risen. Fewer ships are willing to take the risk. This causes delays and reduces cargo shipments. When supply chains slow down thousands of kilometres away, India feels the effects.
The impact is already visible. Restaurants across India are reporting shortages of LPG cylinders. They are forced to cut menus or reduce operations. Industry groups warn that 50-60 percent of restaurants could temporarily shut down if supplies don’t stabilise. In some places panic buying has made things worse. Customers are rushing to refill cylinders and some black-market activity has started.
Prices have also started to rise. Domestic LPG cylinders have increased by ₹60 while commercial cylinders have seen a hike of ₹114.5. For middle-class households this is an inconvenience. For low-income families it can be devastating. I wonder how families with a monthly income of ₹6,000 will cope when the price of basic cooking fuel keeps rising.
I live in Bengaluru and have seen this disruption firsthand. Restaurants are limiting menus; small eateries are struggling and people are talking about rising costs. A geopolitical crisis quickly turns into an economic burden.
India’s vulnerability also lies in its storage capacity. Unlike oil, LPG must be stored under pressure in specialised tanks. The country currently has storage capacity for about 22 days of LPG supply. This leaves room for error during global disruptions.
The government has taken steps to prioritise household supply. They have directed refiners to maximise LPG production and invoked provisions, under the Essential Commodities Act. However these measures can only soften the blow. They cannot fully shield the country from energy shocks. The lesson is clear. In an era of globalised energy networks, wars are no longer far-off events. They affect life. They affect the price of a meal; the operation of a small restaurant and the monthly budget of a struggling family.
The fires of war may burn thousands of miles away. Their heat is now felt in the Indian kitchen.
Yours etc.,
Krish Marwein,
St Joseph’s College, Bengaluru,
Via email
