Editor,
This refers to the speech Danny Khyriem delivered at the KSU General Council, where he attempted to justify that only one tribe exists—the Khasi tribe—by citing the signing of the Instrument of Accession with the Khasi Syiems as testimony. Such a statement reflects a serious lack of historical understanding and is deeply insensitive to the distinct identity and history of the Jaintia people.
It is unfortunate that, in his initial speech, he went to the extent of branding Jaintia scholars as “fake historians.” Before questioning the scholarship of others, he should first introspect and acquaint himself with historical facts. The Instrument of Accession was signed only with the Khasi Syiems because the Jaintia Kingdom had already been annexed by the British in 1835 after the Anglo-Jaintia conflict. Therefore, the historical circumstances surrounding the Khasi states and the Jaintia Kingdom were entirely different.
The Jaintia community has its own rich history, language, traditions, and political legacy that cannot be erased or undermined through selective interpretation of historical events. Any attempt to deny the distinct existence of the Jaintia people is not only historically inaccurate but also harmful to the unity and mutual respect among the indigenous communities of Meghalaya.
Public figures and leaders must exercise responsibility in their statements, especially on sensitive matters concerning identity and history. Intellectual debates should be based on facts and mutual respect, not on dismissive remarks against scholars and communities.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
NPP government, are you listening?
Editor,
It is very sad to see our poor farmers, made desperate and exhausted by the NPP government’s apathy to the border issue in Lapangap, forced to agitate near the State Secretariat in Shillong. Decades have passed but successive Meghalaya governments have made no sincere effort to address the harassment of our farmers and poor people by Assam police day in and day out, which affects their livelihoods. These farmers work hard to meet their needs. It is not surprising that they were compelled to bring their serious grievances to the corridors of power near the Secretariat; otherwise, the NPP government seems to operate on the premise of, ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Thanks to the KSU and other Jaintia Hills-based organizations for firmly standing behind these helpless farmers who are an integral part of our society. The government has a duty to protect their land and livelihoods; otherwise, their elected representative should resign. Why not restation the 3rd MLP Battalion from Sahbsein, West Jaintia Hills or CRPF camps from Shillong city to the border areas as a buffer between Assam and Meghalaya so that our farmers are able to work in their respective fields and go on with their lives. If the NPP government cannot do this, it should provide all affected farmer families with enough monthly financial assistance to sustain their lives.
The NPP government appears more focused and ready to spend crores in New Shillong township/Mawkhanu or other sparsely populated or yet-to-be-populated areas, forgetting the large number of inhabitants in border areas like Lapangap. Similar to the serious border issues, the NPP government has many misplaced priorities, which I will point out another day, all clearly indicating this government’s capitalist mindset. Under this government, the poor and defenceless must fend for themselves while the ruling class appears intoxicated by power and neck-deep in extravagance. The welfare of a state cannot be measured by the number of roads or buildings constructed but rather by the social security provided to its people across every corner of the state. While the NPP is busy electioneering, its border inhabitants suffer at the hands of an aggressive neighbour – Assam and its police—and the Meghalaya government appears to be a mute spectator.
Such repeated harassments and aggression by Assam Police have never been tolerated by the Governments of Nagaland and Mizoram. So, is the Meghalaya Government, led by the NPP highly compromised? Is our political class active only during the elections? We need a Government in Meghalaya that prioritizes the needs of its people, stands solidly with them in the border areas and faces aggressors with stiff resistance.
Yours etc.
Prof. Lakhon Kma
Lawsohtun, Block-3
Shillong-4
Debt of Gratitude
Editor,
Like any other day, I boarded a local cab from Laban to reach my destination at Khyndailad. After getting off the taxi and reaching my workplace, I suddenly realized that I had forgotten my mobile phone in the cab. During the short journey, I attended a call from someone I knew, and perhaps I accidentally left the phone behind at that moment.
Without wasting any time, I left my workplace and rushed to the taxi parking area for Laban at Khyndailad. There, I spoke to a few fellow drivers who also operate on the Laban route. With their prompt support and sincere cooperation, they quickly helped me establish contact with the driver who had ferried me earlier.
To my great relief, within about 40 minutes the kind-hearted driver contacted us and safely returned my mobile phone, which I had left in his vehicle.
I express my sincere gratitude to all the local cab drivers of Laban for their kindness, honesty, and cooperation in this matter. Their helpful attitude and integrity truly deserve appreciation and respect.
Yours etc.,
Prasenjit Das Purkayastha
Shillong-4
