Editor,
Observing the death or birth anniversary of any legend, in a country with immense diversity is a regular and common phenomenon. This is usually observed by any association by paying tributes to the icon, through a public meeting or peaceful march. B Mawroh in his article of January 30, 2016 published in your esteemed daily seems to have lost track of the scenario as his writings reflected a sense of waywardness in the world’s biggest democracy. Let me remind him here that a peace march organized by the RSS on the January 14, 2016 invited people of all walks of life to glorify the name of Subhash Chandra Bose. This was done with the sole intention of drawing the attention of the public to the life of this great leader.
The initiative here was anything but a peace march transcending all regions and religious and yes it was done for a good cause. However it is sad to see that the failure of other religious communities to participate in the march prompted the writer to make scathing remarks, blatantly accusing the manner of practice and propagation and the faith of the indigenous people embracing Niamtre – NiamKhasi. Mr. Mawroh, if other foreign delegations can come to this country to teach our people about Christianity, why not our Indian brothers? Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, clearly states the freedom of movement of an Indian citizen in any part of India. It’s also shameful that the Christian brethren discuss other religions in their churches and term their faith and beliefs as archaic and primitive.
Wouldn’t it be better if these people mind their own business? Other writers like Oscar Marwein, Fabian Lyngdoh, Albert Thyrniang, Morning Star Sumer, started raising their eyebrows ever since, the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya, gave direction to the Meghalaya Government on issue of minority status of the NiamtreNiamKhasi. They made a hue and cry over the issue on a daily basis by being critical and at times even condemning our own indigenous religion. Let me be very clear that the custodians of culture and religion lie with the indigenous people embracing NiamKhasi- Niamtre. Religion and culture are intertwined and are the two sides of the same coin. So loss of religion means loss of culture. So, on the question of minority status…who are you to decide? Why not allow the law to take its own course? It would be better if you could please mind your own business as we are the all products of a democratic and secular State. It would be more glorifying if we learn to respect others and glorify our own.
Yours etc.,
OR Shallam,
Panaliar, Jowai
