Editor,
Meghalaya’s Assembly Session will begin on September 8, so please allow me to point out some serious concerns related to social, economic, educational, political and other issues. This is an appeal to all our MLAs especially those in the Opposition led by the LoP, that MLAs on both sides of the House should bring up motions, discussion and debates in the House, if time permits, on (a) the critical state of education in Meghalaya, (b) deplorable condition of the state’s economy (c) poverty and unemployment (d) increasing chasm between the rich and the poor (e)depressing and despicable healthcare in the state; the multiple impacts of increasing social ills like drugs and drug abuse, alcoholism, HIV AIDS, single and teenage mothers, crimes against women and children, amongst others. These are serious concerns and are killing Meghalaya. Imagine how all these ills afflict and impact society as a whole! Yet our MLAs do not give much importance and perhaps choose not to give much weightage to these matters although they are matters of life and death.
Personally, I have witnessed many proceedings in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly where several government and private businesses were transacted. Issues like unemployment, price rise, economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, water scarcity, environment and other issues were indeed taken up in the House by members but I found the seriousness, quality of debates and discussions on the issues not impressive and I dare to class them as very poor, lacking in depth and bereft of statistics or data. The reasons are many and according to me, no homework and research was done on the subjects at hand. Moreover, it all depends on the quality of the legislators or MLAs that the constituencies send to the House. However, I must admit that there were few members who were excellent and sharp and their qualities and capacities were worthy of their role as legislators but we missed them after they were voted out or died.
There are many opportunities for the members of the House if they want to bring important issues that affect the state, their constituencies and the people in the form of motions, call attention motions, half-hour discussions, discussions on the budget, censure motions, discussions on the Governor’s address and even Question Hour can be very beneficial for the state and its people. Members are expected to bring up really searching questions of public importance on any subject or even on policy matters.
Unluckily, the coming session is going to be very short with only three days of Government business and two days of Private Members’ Business. Though the time is very limited, let us hope that the business transactions will get extended by a few hours during Private Members’ Business if not during Government’s business.
I urge upon the Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly, through the Speaker, the leader of the House and the LoP to allot more calendar days for different sessions in future in view of the many important life and death issues confronting the state.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein
Shillong-2
No Compromise on Meghalaya’s Security
Editor,
Heartfelt thanks go to Salil Gewali for his bold letter in The Shillong Times captioned “Lessons from the Bangladeshi criminal attacks” (ST Aug 14, 2025). His write-up is a wake-up call for everyone considering the frequent attacks by Bangladeshi nationals in the bordering areas of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills. This time the attack happened in South West Khasi Hills. The Garo Hills, in particular, are far more sensitive and vulnerable.
The repeated attacks and the gradual influx of Bangladeshis, even via Assam, into our land cannot be taken lightly. From my experience, the Bangladeshis can easily blend in with their communities within, which will eventually pose a major threat to the peace and harmony of our state. It is not an issue of tribal or non-tribal, but of the overall safety and security of Meghalaya. We should not keep silent now, tomorrow may be too late.
I am in complete agreement with Gewali that we should draw lessons from Assam. We should remember how unchecked infiltration and their internal supporters have changed the demography of Assam, disturbing the indigenous communities.
Thank you, Salil Gewali, for speaking with such honesty and vision. Leaders particularly from the Garo Hills region must not compromise the safety of Meghalaya for mere vote-bank politics. This is my sincere appeal to the respected leaders.
Yours etc.,
Hilarius Umdor,
Shillong-8
True Patriotism Lives Beyond the Flag
Editor,
I read your Independence Day column “Envisioning a New Meghalaya,” with great interest and admiration. Your clear and heartfelt words beautifully remind us that patriotism is not just for one day of flag-hoisting, speeches, and celebrations. True love for the country means respecting the Tricolour every day and showing it through our actions, big or small.
You have rightly drawn attention to important concerns — errors in the voter list, the decline in press freedom, and the need for greater public awareness about democratic rights in Meghalaya. What I feel is that these are not only government matters but also the responsibility of every citizen, for democracy grows stronger when its people are informed and active.
Your points on traffic congestion, growing poverty, and the social problems linked to teenage pregnancies are also very relevant. They remind us that development is a shared duty, where communities and citizens must work hand in hand with the government through long-term, practical efforts.
This article is a timely reminder that Independence Day should be more than a ceremonial holiday — it should be a day for honest self-reflection. On two days in the year — Independence Day and Republic Day — our spirit of nationalism and our desire to contribute to the nation reach their highest peak. But as the evening comes and the flag is lowered, these feelings often fade. True patriotism is when the flag in our hearts never comes down.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry,
Tura
AT Point mayhem
Editor,
If anyone wishes to witness a chaotic orchestra being played daily before school starts and after school ends, do visit this T-point mayhem that unfolds at Upper Lachumiere area near the 2nd gate of Loreto School & JND Store. It’s a confluence of sorts, or shall I say, reckoning that starts at Gold Gym roundabout at Lower Lachumiere, Inner roads of Upper Lachumiere from Malki Point and the incoming traffic from Dhanketi roundabout towards Gold Gym, Lower Lachumiere, you get the picture? Added to this delight is a cherry on top of helpless tourist vehicles with the size of a tank, squeezing onto tiny Shillong roads.
Every school morning and after, this T point spot transforms into a battlefield. Cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians all compete like contestants in a reality show, except here the prize is just a few inches of road space. Horns play a never-ending orchestra, parents shout instructions, and helpless children abandon their vehicles and dodge other vehicles like they’re in a video game. Safety? Well, that is the missing guest star. This show aggravates even further if it’s raining.
The absence of traffic signals or even single traffic personnel makes the situation worse, though to be fair, if an officer stood there, they might need therapy after a week.
We don’t need rocket science to fix this. A few traffic cops at peak hours, proper lanes, or at least a working signal would turn this circus into something resembling order. Until then, parents, cab drivers, and commuters will keep staring at this morning mayhem with their sanity gone unchecked.
I hope the authorities act soon before someone decides to sell tickets to this chaos.
Yours etc,
Shivani Pde,
Via email