Editor,
Yarns and myths were perhaps part of our weaning process as a Jaitbynriew. The folklores that we as Khasis love to ruminate about were handed down to the present generation by word of mouth. Our forefathers were great storytellers, concocting legends and fables for fascinated audiences sitting around the fireplace. Today, storytelling platforms have changed, shifting from the humble fireplace to the flickering screens of TV channels/social media news channels. For example there was the astounding revelation by no less than a Minister of the state government about the buoyancy and wispy nature of 4000 MT of seized, illegally mined coal that mysteriously vanished from government-custody storage sites. The Minister claimed it was all washed away by the monsoon rains, and that was that. No one came forth to challenge this absurd fig leaf of an excuse which failed to even convince a 6 year old kid. Nevertheless, a story was born that water can dissolve coal and it will be passed down to future generations as wisdom of our elders. What rot!
Then on June 18, 2026, The Shillong Times carried a story on its front page, about the unexplained mystery of how a cement company – Star Cements to be precise—managed to procure more than 2.9 Lac MT of coal , that it claimed it imported from outside the state. As per the news report the company is unable to substantiate the source of this coal which most probably was transported illegally from local rat-hole mines of East Jaintia Hills. It was a blatant defiance of the ban on coal mining by both the NGT and the Supreme Court. The High Court-appointed committee has now recommended that the State Pollution Board conduct a spot investigation on the coal imported by Star Cements. Now the value of 2.9 lac MT of coal is colossal and the punishment for this fraud can even include fines together with closure of the factory itself. These are the known facts. Now it would be in the company’s interest to kill such facts and simply allow the incident to become just another coal myth from Jaintia Hills. No doubt an attractive kickback would be available for anyone who can do this. In short, the temptation for a “Clean Chit” would be massive.
Now to ensure that the investigation by DMR proceeds along the lines of finding out the real truth, and not to be misled down the garden path by company interests, it is suggested that concerned local environmentalists ( not government but private individuals with a environmentalist background) also be involved in the investigation. As a suggestion, HH Mohrmen, a prominent naturalist and environmentalist from Jaintia Hills, along with other like-minded people, should also be included in the DMR probe. The people of Meghalaya at least deserve to be told the truth, especially on issues of investments that fraudulently benefit only the ‘High Level ‘ and not the public.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Sabotage & Persecution
Editor,
Apropos of the news item that appeared in the front page of your newspaper ST, June 10, 2026 captioned “Rs-41.5 Cr fund delay: KHADC accuses MDA of political bias,” I am indeed astonished to note the glaring hostility and political vendetta of the NPP led MDA government meted out to VPP currently ruling the KHADC. The CEM of the KHADC rightly accused the State Government of “Politically motivated financial sabotage.”
It seems that the inordinate delay to release the funds is a deliberate attempt to cripple the administrative function of the Council. It is unfortunate and beyond my comprehension why the delay to release the legitimate share of Rs 41.5 Cr to KHADC on time whereas the State Government has already released the same to the JHADC and GHADC both headed by the ruling NPP. This is a case of not only discrimination and financial sabotage against VPP but is a strategic tactic to create an image in the minds of the public at large that the VPP is unfit to manage the KHADC and has failed to handle the administration of the Council effectively. In short the idea is to malign the VPP as having failed to run the KHADC well and thereby the message that voters should not vote for the VPP party in the next MLA election lest the State Government will also fail and go bankrupt.
But we are living in the 21st century and not in the era of stone age. People cannot be fooled and be misled just because of motivated and prolonged financial persecution that the VPP is facing in running the Council.
I appeal the people of Hynniewtrep in particular and the people of Meghalaya in general to keep in mind that the spirit of clean politics transparency and accountability committed and advocated by the VPP will fearlessly reign supreme now and in the future be it in the Council or in the state level. This inspiration I do hope will fructify if there is unity, love and understanding to save the future of our generation from the impending danger of a dark and dismal future.
Your etc.
Svetlana Wankhar,
Via email.
Zebra Crossing Imperative in Shillong
Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the sorry state of zebra crossings in our city and the urgent need for enforcement of pedestrian safety norms. While zebra crossings are not legally required on every stretch of road in India, they are mandatory at designated intersections under the law. Motorists are legally bound to slow down, yield to pedestrians, and come to a complete stop behind the white stop line, ensuring the painted crossing remains clear for walkers. Under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, stopping on, parking on, or obstructing a zebra crossing is a punishable offence and attracts fines. In our city, zebra crossing markings and signs exist at a number of locations. Yet, in practice, none of them are truly functional and with no enforcement and little awareness among motorists, pedestrians are left to struggle and dart across busy roads. This not only creates daily hardship but also leads to avoidable accidents and unforeseen situations. Ironically, these faded crossings have become mere “beauty spots” on the road – painted for show rather than safety.
One cannot help but feel that these zebra crossings were installed only to meet the bare minimum obligations under pedestrian safety rules, and not with any real intent to protect lives. If the purpose was genuine, there would be proper signage, functional traffic signals, road markings, public awareness drives, and strict penal action against violators. I therefore earnestly request the authorities especially the traffic control to initiate suitable measures at the earliest. Pedestrian safety should not be treated as a mere statutory obligation to tick off a checklist. It is a fundamental right and a civic necessity. I hope the authorities will act decisively so that zebra crossings serve their intended purpose – saving lives, not just adorning the roads.
Yours etc.,
Krishnendu Deb,
Shillong.
