Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities through your esteemed newspaper to the ongoing hardship faced by residents of Lama Villa due to the highly irregular and inconsistent supply of LPG cylinders by MECOFED Gas Agency.
It is deeply concerning that the last distribution of LPG cylinders in our locality took place in February 2026. Since then, residents have been left struggling to manage basic cooking needs. For a service as essential as cooking gas, such prolonged disruption is unacceptable.
What is even more alarming is the growing perception among residents that the shortage is not merely a result of supply constraints but may involve deliberate and manipulative practices in the distribution process. There is a strong sense that certain areas are being given preferential treatment, while others, like Lama Villa, continue to be unfairly overlooked. Such actions, if left unchecked, not only create inequality but also severely damage public confidence in the integrity of essential service providers.
We urge the concerned authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, ensure transparency in LPG distribution, and hold accountable those responsible for any malpractice. A fair and regular supply system must be restored immediately to prevent further inconvenience to the residents.
I hope this issue will be highlighted through your publication and prompt necessary action from the authorities.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah
Via email
Redefining Sporting Success in Meghalaya
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to address the recent announcement by the Government of Meghalaya regarding the awarding of government jobs to National Games medallists. While the intent—to provide security to our state’s heroes—is commendable, the policy highlights a stagnant mindset: the belief that sporting excellence is merely a means to a clerical end.
Why must a podium finish in a high-octane athletic discipline inevitably lead to a desk job in a government department? By primarily rewarding athletes with civil employment, we are inadvertently signalling that sports, in and of themselves, are not a viable or sustainable profession. This “job-for-medal” model treats sports as a stepping stone rather than a career, effectively retiring our best talents just as they reach their prime.
If we truly wish to transform Meghalaya into a sporting powerhouse, we must move beyond this transactional approach. A robust sporting culture requires:
♦Professional Ecosystems: Instead of one-off job appointments, the government should facilitate the creation of professional leagues and clubs that offer competitive salaries to players and coaches.
♦Corporate Synergy: Creating a policy framework that incentivizes private sponsorship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments into individual athlete brands.
♦Specialized Infrastructure: Investing in high-performance centers where athletes can transition into roles as specialized scouts, sports scientists, or high-level coaches, keeping their expertise within the field.
♦Long-term Financial Security: Implementing pension schemes or sports-specific endowments that allow athletes to focus on training without the looming anxiety of “what comes next.”
Our athletes bring pride to the state through their sweat and discipline. They deserve the opportunity to remain in the arena, not be redirected into administrative roles unrelated to their lifelong dedication. If we want our youth to dream of the Olympics, we must show them a future where being an “Athlete” is a respected, lifelong profession—not just a shortcut to a government payroll.
I hope this sparks a necessary dialogue among policymakers and the public alike on how we can truly professionalize sports in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Jim Rudolph Diengdoh,
Shillong
A Protest or an Election Campaign? Beware of Opportunists
Editor,
I write as a concerned citizen and as a layman who was never affiliated with or sided with any political party. Time and again, I have witnessed political parties taking advantage of public sentiment and on issues raised by common citizens or pressure groups in our state.
The ongoing protest by the Green Tech Foundation against the project at Lumpongdeng island has drawn the attention of both the public and the State Government. Amid this protest, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has intervened in a manner that appears opportunistic. While I do not object to any party campaigning since it is indeed the duty of every political party to propagate its views and seek electoral victory, however, I am compelled to raise certain questions.
To the VPP I ask: Is your party genuinely concerned about this issue, about the environment, and about the people of this land? If so, why was the matter not raised in the Legislative Assembly for a thorough debate on the merits and demerits of the project? Instead of mobilising a street protest, why did the party not press the ruling government or petition the Hon’ble Governor to convene a Special Session, as is within its power as a legislative entity?
The primary duty of a political party is to raise matters of public importance in the Assembly and engage in substantive debate, not to resort to street theatrics for political sympathy. Street protests are the last option for a political party. Pressure groups may justifiably take that way, as they do not have access to the Assembly, unlike elected representatives.
The VPP has announced a protest on the 22nd of this month, listing eight demands. Have its leaders forgotten that the electorate sent them to the Assembly to deliberate and legislate, not to stage demonstrations? Can laws be enacted in the streets? If so, why do we elect representatives to the Assembly at all? If not, then what is the true intent behind this street protest?
As stated earlier, pressure groups or individuals may protest when dialogue with the government fails. However, for a political party with access to the Assembly, it is premature to call for a public demonstration without first exhausting legislative avenues. This street protest announced by the VPP seems more like a political agenda to deceive the people than genuine concern for the public.
Yours etc.,
Carmel Fedrick Malngiang,
Wahkaliar, Sohra
Absence of trash bins in Shillong City
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to a pressing issue affecting the city—the severe lack of trash bins in public areas. Despite increasing awareness about cleanliness and hygiene, citizens are often left with no option but to dispose of waste improperly due to the unavailability of basic waste disposal facilities.
This shortage is particularly noticeable in busy markets, streets, and public spaces, where littering has become a common sight. The absence of sufficient bins not only leads to an unhygienic environment but also contributes to the spread of diseases and pollution. Furthermore, it undermines initiatives aimed at maintaining cleanliness and discourages responsible behavior among residents.
Shillong is a city known for its cleanliness amongst tourists, but they see a whole new world when they come here and see the streets littered with wastes. The city should live up to its reputation and I hope the concerned authorities will take actions regarding this matter to install trash across the city and ensuring their regular maintenance. Such steps will greatly contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.
Yours etc.,
Akangtila Lemtur
Shillong
