Editor,
It is amazing how the SCAMOD members were taken up by Agnes Kharshiing’s glib explanation in the recent meeting held at the KSU Office, Jaiaw. She lied to its members saying that she took money from Thomas Nongtdu for paying my house rent, which is totally false.
Can anyone explain how Agnes Kharshiing can go and meet Nongtdu when the enquiry was going on against him? To my knowledge, Agnes went and met Nongtdu as many as three times. Firstly, she went along with a witness of Nongtdu. Secondly, she went along with me and thirdly with three persons. I have all the details of these meetings. When I accompanied Agnes to meet Nongtdu, I still remember him telling her that he would pay her in crores as soon as the jailbreak case gets over. What does it indicate? I believe I don’t have to elaborate.
Agnes had even threatened me via SMS that she would call in the FKJGP and KSU and drag me to the SP’s Office, in the recent past. I have no fear in speaking up now as I too wish the truth to come out. Recently Agnes sent her people to my place with the intention of silencing me since I know a lot about the jailbreak episode and her involvement in it. Agnes betrayed my trust by selling off my husband’s pension case. There was a time when no lawyer was willing to take up my case. However, after much hardship my case is now at the appeal stage at the High Court.
Yours etc.
Amita Sangma
Shillong – 793 021
Of dubious private institutions
Editor,
Apropos to the letter “Minority Institutions” by Ruben Lyngdoh, I agree with him on the subject and wish to add my opinion on the subject which I feel is of grave concern for the whole state and region. Shillong has always been regarded as an education hub for the majority of the students from other north eastern states since it is well known for its quality education. But in recent times there has been a spurt in the number of private universities in Shillong providing any course under the sun for a very hefty fee. What is sad is that most of these institutions are not recognized by the UGC for their courses as most of them do not meet the minimum criteria set by the Commission but they continue to offer courses claiming that their institutions are recognised thereby jeopardizing the career of many students and robbing them in the name of providing education. Therefore this commercializing of education in the name of ensuring accessibility has to stop as these institutions are not producing quality manpower since they lack quality infrastructure as well as quality faculty. They are only over-crowding the labor market with incompetent people which would mean poor quality services. This is actually a disservice to the students and society as a whole.
Yours etc.,
Ronald E Lyngdoh,
Academic counsellor,
IGNOU
Harassment by cabs
Editor,
Apropos the news item (ST Feb 15, 2012) on the objection of the East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association to the JNNURM buses having Government registration numbers while operating for commercial purposes, I want to ask why the taxi drivers are so concerned when passengers are not? Are the taxi drivers not aware that their whole tribe display rude behaviour and overcharge passengers? I am a regular commuter between Polo and the city area and I always Rs. 5 from Polo to IGP point. But lately some of the taxi drivers have forced me to pay Rs 10 for that same distance. This is unfair but taxi drivers don’t care if anybody raises any objection. Again, from the Governor’s House to Laitumkhrah drivers charge Rs 5 but while returning they charge Rs 10 and passengers are compelled to pay. From Laitumkhrah to Civil Hospital the fare is Rs 5 per person but some taxis charge Rs 10. I ask the concerned Government department to prevail upon taxi drivers to charge uniform rates. I also urge the Association top brass to make surprise checks so that passengers are not unnecessary harassed.
Yours etc.,
D Rabha
Shillong
