Editor,
The growing number of rape cases being committed so brazenly without any fear of the law, on young girls, children and women by teenage boys, adults, and even some almost the age of grand fathers is disgusting. In most cases the matter is settled out of court through financial inducements where even the cops turn out to be equal partners in facilitating the crime. Perhaps none of the law enforcement authorities or the local courts are aware of changes being made in the new rape law which metes out death penalty. Here, there are so called ‘powerful’ groups that jump in to lampoon the government but have not uttered nor protested on the streets against such anti-social acts. The question is what more do we need to awake our social conscience or are we going to living in ignorance just because it doesn’t hurt us?
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Via email
Air link at Umroi
Editor,
With reference to the news item that NEC is looking for Airline operators to operate out of Umroi Airport, and the poor response it got in the first round of tender, I as a frequent flier and one who is also in touch with other fliers, as we are a Hotelier in Shillong, find it to be intriguing as to why Air India was denied the NE Special subsidy when they were providing the vital air link, with 99% regularity and 90% efficiency (based on my experience and feedback), that too with a restrained seat capacity of 70% (owing to the absence of refuelling facilities at Umroi), and a load factor of about 50% (owing to lack of patronage by Govt. officials). The services were always good and pleasant and standards maintained on safety and quality, with adequate staff at all levels.
To expect another airline to come and operate on this route is a distant thought which will not materialise. It reminds us of the proverb, “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush”.
I on behalf of the travellers and tourists coming to Shillong would like to urge and request NEC to give Air India it’s rightful share of subsidy and the accolades it deserves for maintaining the vital Air Link, and to renegotiate with a view to restore the service.
Yours etc.,
Kishan Tibrewalla,
Via email
II
Editor,
An earnest appeal to the State Government is that it should not wait endlessly for a consortium to formulate a criteria for the effective running of an airline for the north-east.
Instead, if no organization is coming forward, let the states go forth on their to own/lease and operate a small number of aircrafts. The way things are moving, the citizens are worried whether the beautiful Umroi airport will ever witness a regular operation anytime in the near future.
Yours etc.,
Monty Nayyar,
Via email
