Editor
It is a blatant fact that the company contracted to widen and construct the National Highway from Shillong up to Dawki via Pynursla has miserably failed to carry out its work responsibly and has no accountability whatsoever if one looks at the deaths that have occurred in these past months since it’s construction and the environmental disaster that has plagued this area. The recent damage to the highway after Laitlyngkot connecting to Pynursla, the place from where I belong, had earlier come under judicial scrutiny as well and the question put to NHIDCL and it’s contracted firm is how many months – not days as they had stated will it take for the road to be repaired? What kind of expertise and standard procedures does the contracted firm possess? The incident has put the livelihoods of many rural communities in a precarious situation, more so for those residing in distant peripheries along the Bangladesh border who depend for supplies and other commodities to be brought all the way from Shillong. People of Pynursla area and beyond demand answers for this lackadaisical attitude and poor planning by NHIDCL. For now it is noteworthy that the MLA, Prestone Tynsong has visited the place to understand the situation. We hope the answers for the recent calamity will be forthcoming.
Yours etc..
Dominic S. Wankhar
Via email
A View from the Inside: My Perspective on Politics
Editor,
Politics is often called a dirty game. But I believe it’s also a powerful tool for change. It depends on who’s wielding it. Growing up, I was taught politics means serving people. As I’ve grown older, I’ve seen that isn’t always true.
The Crucial Role of Character in Politics
A society moves in the direction its leaders’ character points. Leaders with integrity prioritize public welfare, make ethical calls, and build sustainable development, safety, and community. When power is held by those with questionable character, we get corruption, inequality, and broken trust. The damage lasts for generations. That’s why good governance, transparency, and ethical leadership matter. Citizens must stay vigilant and hold leaders accountable. Only then do we build a just, equitable future.
Role of Misinformation in Politics
Misinformation shapes opinions, sways elections, and erodes trust. Politicians and interest groups spread false claims, misleading stats, doctored videos to discredit opponents or manipulate sentiment. WhatsApp and social media make it spread faster across Meghalaya’s hills. Algorithms push sensational content, so lies travel farther than truth.
The long-term cost is trust. Once citizens doubt institutions, informed decisions become impossible. The fix is media literacy + fact-checking. A well-informed public protects democracy.
How Politicians Use Spin to Shape Public Opinion
Spin is selective facts + emotive language + careful framing. A policy gets wrapped in “development” or “identity” even when the reality is different. Politicians also deflect criticism by downplaying issues or shifting blame. Spin erodes trust. When voters can’t tell fact from framing, skepticism grows. The antidote: critical thinking and multiple sources. Check, don’t just consume.
The Impact of Fake News on Democracy
Fake news distorts reality. It influences elections, polarizes communities, and kills faith in media. It creates “us vs them” narratives. In the Northeast, where community bonds are strong, this division cuts deeper.
When everything feels fake, people stop trusting real information too. Conspiracy theories fill that gap. Media literacy and verification are the defense. Democracy needs citizens who ask, “Is this true?” before they share.
Unpacking Tactics Used to Mislead the Public
Cherry-picking data is common: show only stats that fit the story, hide the rest. Repetition creates illusion of truth, especially on WhatsApp forwards. Emotional appeals — fear, anger, nostalgia — bypass facts and manufacture urgency. Awareness is protection. When we recognize these tactics, we can evaluate evidence, compare perspectives, and demand accountability.
Importance of Fact-Checking in Politics
Fact-checking holds power accountable. A false claim, once exposed, damages credibility and discourages future lies. It also equips citizens to make decisions based on reality, not rumor. In the 24-hour news cycle, fact-checking cuts viral misinformation before it spreads.
Conclusion
To conclude, politics can create positive change, but only if we use it responsibly. By understanding misleading tactics and committing to fact-checking, we make informed choices and hold leaders accountable. Let’s be engaged, critical thinkers and build a better future together.
By staying informed and engaged, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations.”_
Yours etc.,
Alban Nongbri,
Shillong
Service License for Genuine Non-Tribal Residents Requires Constitutional & Legal Scrutiny
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my deep concern regarding the recently passed amendment bill by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), making it mandatory for every non-tribal employee or agent engaged in trade and business to obtain a Non-Tribal Employee’s Service Licence.
At the very outset, one fundamental question arises: What exactly is a “Service License” and why is it necessary? Non-tribal traders, businessmen, employees, and establishments are already required to comply with various laws and regulations, including trade licence, labour clearance certificate, Professional tax, voter card, Aadhaar, PAN, and other statutory obligations. What additional objective does this new licence seek to achieve?
More importantly, why should genuine and permanent non-tribal residents of Meghalaya be subjected to such a requirement? Thousands of non-tribal families have been residing in Meghalaya for generations. They were born here, educated here, pay taxes here, vote here, and have contributed immensely towards the economic, educational, and social development of the State.
If the objective of the legislation is to regulate migrant labourers and workers entering the State from outside, then the law should be restricted to such categories alone. Applying the same provisions to genuine residents who have lived in Meghalaya for decades appears unfair, and discriminatory.
Another matter of serious concern is the provision that the Service Licence will be valid only for one year and must be renewed annually. On what legal and constitutional basis has this period been fixed? A citizen’s right to earn a livelihood does not expire every year. If an individual has not been found guilty of any illegal activity, criminal offence, or violation of law, why should he or she be compelled to seek permission repeatedly merely to continue working? It creates uncertainty, inconvenience, and the possibility of unnecessary harassment.
The amendment also raises serious constitutional questions. Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India guarantee equality before law, freedom to practice any profession, and protection of life and personal liberty. Subjecting a particular community to additional licensing requirements solely on the basis of ethnicity may be viewed as inconsistent with these constitutional guarantees.
Before granting assent to this Bill, I respectfully urge the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya to examine every provision microscopically and seek comprehensive legal and constitutional scrutiny. This issue should not be viewed merely from a political or administrative perspective. It deserves examination from legal, constitutional, social, and moral standpoints. Any law that affects the livelihood, dignity, and equal treatment of citizens must be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny before being allowed to come into force.
The people of Meghalaya deserve clarity, fairness, and justice. Laws should promote harmony and equal opportunity, not create additional barriers for genuine residents who have contributed to the State for generations.
Yours etc.,
Homnath Gautam,
Shillong- 2
