Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards the rally organised on April 4 by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to mark “National Awakening Day,” which passed through Laban, last stop, Oxford and nearby localities, raising concerns among many residents. Despite heightened security arrangements, shops and establishments remained closed, and people stayed indoors on what would otherwise have been a normal Saturday afternoon. Incidents of stone-pelting, damaged windows and slogans such as “Bangladeshis go back” were reported in Laban, an area where the Bengali non-tribal population in Shillong is relatively high.
These developments occurred in the presence of police personnel and other security teams. While maintaining law and order during large gatherings is often challenging, the perceived lack of timely intervention left residents feeling vulnerable and anxious. Such situations risk deepening mistrust among communities and undermining the sense of shared belonging that many in the city value.
It is important to acknowledge that every community has the right to assert its identity and work towards the preservation of its culture and heritage, particularly at a time when rapid social and economic changes are reshaping traditional ways of life. However, the events of April 4 invite reflection on whether expressions of cultural assertion should be accompanied by actions that may unintentionally create fear or damage among fellow residents? As a teacher who has been teaching college students for over a decade, I could not help but notice that many of the young participants pelting stones could have been my own students. This made me reflect on whose culture and heritage is being preserved and at what cost.
It is the responsibility of society as a whole to guide the youth and channel their valid frustrations constructively not towards the window-panes of private homes, but towards engaging critically with the structures of governance and policy. There is a need for a nuanced understanding that balances cultural identity with the pressures of modernity and the market.
There is a broader need for society to collectively support avenues that channel legitimate anxieties about identity, livelihood and cultural preservation into thoughtful discussion and policy engagement. Past incidents of similar nature suggest that this is not an isolated moment but part of a recurring pattern that merits careful consideration from all stakeholders. Rather, it reflects a broader moral and social degeneration that we, as a collective society, must confront and address.
Yours etc.,
A concerned citizen,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Spare a thought for stray dogs & pedestrians
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing issue of stray dogs across Shillong, which is becoming a matter of concern for both residents and the animals themselves.
The increasing number of stray dogs has led to discomfort among pedestrians, particularly during early mornings and late evenings, when people often feel uneasy walking through certain areas. At the same time, life on the streets is equally harsh for these animals, as many lack adequate food, shelter, and medical care.
The problem is further aggravated by frequent barking at night, which disturbs the peace in residential neighbourhoods. Additionally, the presence of dog waste on roads and public spaces creates unhygienic conditions and adversely affects the overall cleanliness of the city.
In view of these concerns, I urge the authorities to adopt a humane and sustainable approach to address the issue. Measures such as regular sterilisation drives, vaccination programmes, establishment of proper shelters, and improved sanitation practices would help manage the stray dog population while ensuring their well-being.
I sincerely hope that this matter will receive prompt and serious attention in the interest of both public convenience and animal welfare.
Yours etc.,
Lhingdeivah Haokip
Shillong
Time to further strengthen the VDP
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the foundation and vital role of the Village Defence Party (VDP) in Shillong and across Meghalaya.
The VDP was conceived with a simple yet powerful idea—that the safety and well-being of a community should not rest solely in the hands of the police, but also on the active participation of its citizens within the jurisdiction they reside. Introduced by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the state police, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots security, particularly in areas where immediate police presence may not always be feasible. It encourages responsible members of the community to remain vigilant and contribute to maintaining peace and order within their respective localities.
Beyond crime prevention, the VDP serves as an important bridge between the public and law enforcement agencies. By involving local volunteers, including women, it fosters a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity. Members play a crucial role during public gatherings, festivals, and emergencies, ensuring coordination and timely response while enhancing community trust in authorities.
Over the years, the presence of the VDP in Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya has yielded largely positive outcomes. Communities have become more aware, cooperative, and responsive to safety concerns. Improved communication with the police has, in many instances, helped prevent situations from escalating. Most importantly, the initiative has strengthened the spirit of unity, with people actively looking out for one another.
However, like any community-based programme, the VDP faces certain challenges, including the need for better training, adequate resources, and consistent supervision. Addressing these concerns will further enhance its effectiveness and sustainability.
The need of the hour, where thefts and anti-social activities are on the rise and where the concerned authorities apportion the blame to the rise of drugs addiction and narcotics related crimes, it is time to further strengthen and provide grass-roots training to the youth to actively enrol as members of the VDP for collective responsibility in building safer communities. To conclude I would say the VDP stands as a commendable example of community participation in governance and public safety. Strengthening and supporting such initiatives will go a long way in promoting peace, security, and harmony in our state.
Yours etc.,
Theodore Warren Khongwir
Shillong
