Editor,
Through your esteemed paper‚ I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned about the problem faced by the people of the villages along the East Jaiñtia Hills on the Bangladesh border. For several years‚ crop trespassing and theft have been reportedly carried out by groups of a few armed intruders‚ thought to be foreigners‚ who enter private areca nut (betel nuts) plantations. When any crops are stolen from the private plantations‚ it becomes a cause for great concern‚ as most of the families depend on betel nut cultivation for their livelihood. Many people were unable to survive at all. These intruders are getting bolder‚ threatening and abusing the villagers and the night watchmen who try to stop them from crossing the village. They are creating a climate of fear among the villagers‚ who are not even safe on their own land‚ as they do not know what to expect.
I therefore sincerely request the Government of Meghalaya‚ and the Central Government to understand the seriousness of this issue‚ and act accordingly and in time. In matters relating to security‚ the views of the people living in border areas must be considered. In order for peace and security to be secured there must be improved patrolling and a planned long-term plan for security. Until that time‚ I call upon authorities to act immediately to protect the safety‚ dignity‚ and livelihood of the people.
Yours etc.,
Minika Chadong,
Shillong
Development at What Cost?
Editor,
Our state is a land of flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and serene landscapes—gifts that no amount of money can recreate. These natural treasures are not just scenic backdrops; they are the very identity of our people and the foundation of our tourism. We are not opposed to development. But development without direction is destruction in disguise. The question we must ask is simple: who truly benefits from the kind of development we are pursuing?
While investments are being channelled into large hotels and commercial projects, the basics remain neglected. Roads leading to many tourist destinations are still in poor condition, making travel difficult and discouraging visitors. Improving connectivity should be the first step toward meaningful progress. Equally concerning is the state of our transport system. A significant number of tourists arrive in their own vehicles from neighbouring states, leaving our local taxi operators with little share in the growing tourism economy. If development does not create opportunities for local livelihoods, then it fails its purpose. Policies must ensure that local transport systems are strengthened and fairly integrated so that our people benefit directly.
Beyond infrastructure, there is a deeper need—investment in education. Real development is not measured by buildings alone, but by the empowerment of people. By strengthening our education sector, we prepare a generation capable of sustaining progress with wisdom and responsibility.
If we are not careful, we risk trading our natural wealth and community welfare for short-term gains. Development should preserve what we have, uplift who we are, and secure what we will become.
Yours etc.,
Donald Albert Kurbah
Mawphlang
Ganil River In A Sorry State; Needs Intervention
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the alarming condition of the Ganol River near Tura, particularly in the vicinity of the Ganol Hydro Electric Power Project.
During a recent visit, i was disheartened to witness the river flow reduced drastically, leaving several stretches nearly dry. Rivers are vital to the ecological balance of our environment, sustaining life and supporting local biodiversity. While the importance of renewable energy projects is well recognised, their impact on aquatic ecosystems cannot be overlooked. It is understood that this period coincides with the breeding season of local fish species, and such sudden depletion of water may severely affect their natural life cycle.
In view of the above, the authorities concerned may kindly take necessary steps to regulate water discharge and ensure a minimum ecological flow, especially during sensitive periods. A balanced approach is imperative to ensure that development does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
I sincerely hope that necessary steps will be taken at the earliest to safeguard the Ganol River and it’s surrounding ecosystem.
Yours etc.,
Dana Marak,
Tura
Can We Do Something to Groom UPSC,CSE Aspirants
Editor
Apropos your editorial titled ‘Drought of UPSC Qualifiers’ published on May 2, 2026, the concern over our state’s inability to produce even a single IAS or IPS officer since 2013 deserves attention. I do feel we should look beyond the outcome and get to the root of the problem. As rightly pointed out in the editorial, one major issue is that our education system does not focus enough on critical thinking. The UPSC exam, as we know, is not just about bookish knowledge–it is about clear understanding, sharp thinking, and the ability to express oneself well. Sadly, many students are still trying to catch up in these areas. Even in many of our well-performing schools, overcrowded classrooms only add to the problem. Teachers have too much on their plate, and even capable students who show early promise don’t always get proper guidance. Because of this, many good students are left behind.
Skills like speaking confidently and expressing ideas clearly are not given much importance, and this affects them later. Another problem is the lack of regular guidance. While institutions like the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute are trying their best, more consistent support and mentoring are still needed. We also need to look at the bigger picture. A good study habit—regular reading, discipline, and simple discussions–really help students. This is where we are falling behind, especially in rural areas. We can learn from states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, where students in many schools are encouraged from an early age to take part in debates, quizzes, and writing. This helps them think quickly and express themselves better.
In many of these places, students grow up taking competitive exams seriously. Coaching centres, help from seniors, and studying with friends all supports them. Cities like Jaipur, Patna, and Prayagraj have become places where students stay focused and keep encouraging each other to do better. It is often seen that some students do dream of becoming IAS or IPS officers. But without the right support and guidance, this dream remains just a dream. It is not that they lack ability; they just don’t get the right environment. If we can identify such students early and guide them properly, things can improve. Timely help, good coaching, and even small financial support can make a big difference. Simple steps can also make a big difference—encouraging reading, helping students use their time wisely, and guiding them to stay away from too much screen time. Bit by bit, these habits can build a focused and determined mindset, and I do feel it would be a satisfying thing for many of us—including myself—to support in any way we can in organising such programmes, especially in rural areas where many talented students do not get the facilities and support they need to dream big and achieve those dreams. Many students I have seen are talented; they just need proper guidance and a little push in the right direction.
At the end of the day, if we get our basics right and stay on track, the results will follow. As Robert Frost said, we still have many miles to go.
Yours etc…,
Jairaj,
Via email
