Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to a deeply disturbing incident of road rage that recently occurred in Shillong. A viral video circulating on social media shows a private vehicle driver assaulting a tourist taxi driver for allegedly not giving way during a traffic jam. What is even more alarming is that the aggressor reportedly claimed to be a well-connected and influential individual, and threatened to shoot the victim.
This incident is not just an isolated case of anger but reflects a growing culture of ego-driven behaviour on our roads. Many drivers today seem to view driving not as a shared responsibility but as a display of dominance and entitlement. The inability to exercise patience, especially in situations like traffic congestion, often leads to unnecessary conflicts and, in extreme cases, violence.
Such behaviour is particularly concerning when individuals misuse authority or falsely claim positions of power to intimidate others. If the claims made by the accused are true, it raises serious questions about accountability and abuse of power. If false, it is equally troubling as it shows how easily fear and authority can be manipulated.
Roads are public spaces that require mutual respect, discipline, and understanding. No individual has the right to endanger or harm others over trivial matters like right of way. Strict action must be taken against such offenders to set a strong example and deter similar incidents in the future.
A thorough investigation into this matter, followed by appropriate legal action, is essential to ensure accountability. At the same time, greater awareness about responsible driving and the importance of emotional control behind the wheel remains crucial.
Yours etc
Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah
Via email
Old wine in a new bottle!
Editor,
At the outset let me thank Svetlana Wankhar’s letter to the Editor,entitled ,”Review of job Reservation Policy (ST March 21,’26)for a positive reaction to my letter “Back to square one!”(ST March 14, ’26)The writer was on the spot to comment that my said letter was a veritable wake up call for the Hynñiewtrep people in general and their unemployed army of employable youths churned out every year, in particular. The profile of the existing Reservation regimen has , in no uncertain terms become a deep-seated emotional issue and anxiety for the Khasi-Jaintia communities, specifically the unemployed youth. As per the government Notification No.PER.222/71/138 dated January 12, 1972, the 40% earmarked for the Khasi-Jaintia tribes literally denotes that 20% apiece are shared between the latter vis-a-vis 40% for the Garos as a whole!
In fine, the inception of the Expert Çommittee in the wake of Ardent Basaiawmoit’s indefinite hunger strike has virtually ended in a damp squib for a large section of people. Incidentally, in the last session of the Meghalaya State Assembly, Adelbert Nongrum, who represents North Shillong constituency,couldn’t have been more right when he befittingly commented that instituting a plethora of Committees is a strategic manoeuvre to befool the gullible people but this articulation was countered vehemently by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister P.Tynsong. Nontheless, come what may,we can euphemistically conclude that the report of the Expert Çommittee on Reservation policy was nothing short of an ‘0ld wine in a new bottle!’
Yours etc,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
Persistent Power Cuts Leave Citizens Frustrated
Editor,
The rainy and windy season has come so it comes as no surprise that power transmissions will be affected.For us residing in the suburbs of Shillong at Sharing Lum near Mawblei this seems to be a recurring problem.We have been without power on March 26 almost for the entire day,and on March 27 the power was out from morning and only came back after 5 p.m.When contacted the person at the complaints line also does not know why we’re out of power.
When the narrative is on the capital becoming a Smart City and being the hub of international events even, prolonged power outages like this jars the picture.One wonders if we are ever going to reach a stage where power supply is fairly even, with only an occasional blip here and there.There are surely challenges which the weather and terrain play a big part, but the hope is that a way is found to deal with them so that the long suffering consumer is not made to endure prolonged delay in getting back the much needed power to his house or business.
Yours etc.,
R I Donn,
Shillong – 21.
From Religious Service to Politics
Editor,
The recent decision of a monk from Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Utpal Maharaj, to step out of monastic life and enter electoral politics in West Bengal has sparked intense debate. In a state headed for the crucial assembly elections, his move is being interpreted by many as a conscious choice to serve society through a different path—one that demands public accountability rather than spiritual seclusion. The Sangha, known for its strictly apolitical stance, has accepted his resignation and expelled him, maintaining its institutional discipline.
It is not surprising that comparisons are being drawn with figures like Yogi Adityanath, who transitioned from religious life to governance while retaining a strong societal connect. Utpal Maharaj, too, is said to enjoy significant grassroots reach and influence—qualities that could translate into political capital.
This stands in stark contrast to a far more troubling episode involving another former monk of the same organization—Swami Damodarananda Maharaj of the Jail Road centre in Shillong. Expelled in 2018 over serious allegations of financial misconduct, his case remains a blot not just on individual conduct but on institutional accountability. Multiple FIRs were reportedly filed, alleging that he siphoned off donations—funds given in good faith by devotees for charitable purposes—and diverted them to family members.
What makes this episode particularly disturbing is not just the alleged money laundering, but the betrayal of trust it represents. Devotees who placed blind faith in a monk were instead manipulated and misled. It was not merely financial fraud; it was a profound erosion of spiritual credibility. The matter, as understood, continues to languish with the CID in Meghalaya, with no visible closure, no accountability, and no justice delivered.
Equally disturbing are reports that the same individual is now associated with another organization in Madhya Pradesh, moving about freely and even visiting Shillong at will. The absence of legal consequence sends a dangerous message—that those who exploit faith can simply relocate and reinvent themselves without facing the full force of the law.
This is not to equate Utpal Maharaj with Swami Damodarananda. There is, in fact, no comparison. One has chosen to step into the public eye, willingly subjecting himself to democratic scrutiny in pursuit of what he believes is a larger social good. The other stands accused of exploiting faith, misusing funds, and escaping accountability despite serious allegations.
What this juxtaposition reveals is a stark moral divide. Here is a monk who has renounced the comforts of ashram life to engage with society’s challenges head-on, and there is another who reduced a sacred calling into a vehicle for personal gain.
Yours etc.
BC Paul
Shillong – 4
