Editor,
The people of Garo Hills have been suffering from the problems of militancy for long. No doubt, some major militant groups have entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Government. However, there are still a number of splinter groups left. They are the real menace to the society because we do not know what they are after or what their ideologies are. The main motive seems to be self interest and making easy money. Only ordinary people like us know the real danger. We, the common people are sitting ducks. How long are we going to suffer in our own land? Gone are the days when we could move freely any time of the day. Now there is a feeling of insecurity everywhere. People prefer to stay indoors after dark.
Killing, looting, extortion, stealing, molestation of our womenfolk and many such crimes are the order of the day. Where are we heading for? When we go out of Garo Hills for any work we don’t care much at what time we reach our destination. But here we are very particular about crossing the areas covered by jungle on all sides so that we can reach home by dusk.
The recent floods have caused untold damage to the region. And only those who came face to face with the flood waters know the hardship they underwent. Precious lives and properties worth crores of rupees were lost. Many people have a feeling that it was God who punished His people for shedding so much blood in the region. Whether it is true or not, we do not know. God alone knows. But it is true that lot of bloodshed has happened. One would have thought that these anti-social activities would stop for a while. But no! We see a news report that three militants came to Nengkong market for extortion in South Garo Hills. One of them was caught and lynched by the mob. Isn’t it shameful that these people should be thinking about their own interests when the whole of Garo Hills is suffering one way or the other because of the flood? The angry mob has done its job. This is not a case in isolation. Many such cases have been reported recently in different parts of Garo Hills. It is the result of being fed up with militant activities. Yet, there are also cases when these groups come for revenge and punish the unsuspecting villagers.
Garo Hills is in the news for all the wrong reasons. The killing of Josbina Sangma and the brutal caning of villagers are still fresh in our minds. Nobody knows who is going to be the next victim. The sooner this problem is solved, the better for all. Let us pray that the old peaceful years ret
Yours etc.,
A Sangma
Via email
Unnecessary appointment!
Editor,
There is a saying that when you get to be a loyal pet of the government perks, incentives and everything under the sun is poured out. This has become a malaise in the every government set up. So let us not be surprised to find more obedient bureaucrats assuming mammoth positions even after retirement. A lesser known entity like Meghalaya Resource and Employment Generation Council is yet to fully understand its purpose, objective, vision, goal and achievements since its inception. In short these have just become mere dummy departments siphoning off central funds in the name of generating or regenerating employment without any effect. Hope the NDA government takes note of such wastage and mis-governance.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Lords of Meghalaya
Editor,
The article “Lords of the Scotland of the East” (ST Sep 25) Paramjit Bakhshi is praise worthy specially for raising the matter of commuting by local taxi. Leave aside the route and the fare charged and whether he will reach you to the destination, the main problem is adjusting with four passengers including yourself in the rear seat and three including the driver in the front. When I discuss the extreme inconvenience to adjust with fellow commuters, I am advised to bear with the inconvenience as nothing can be done and not to get involved when nothing will come out if one raises one’s voice as this is authorized by the concerned authorities.This is an exception only for Shillong that in a small Maruti 800, 4 passengers are squeezed at the back and two are packed in the front seat by the said lordship. Sometime when you are forced to squeeze further, it becomes difficult to control your rage at this stage of life when you are a senior citizen. Instead of facing this kind of humiliation one prefers to get down and take a long walk.
An honest and fervent appeal to the District authority to do something in this matter as has been done for home delivery of gas cylinders which has come as a huge relief to Shillong residents especially to senior citizens.
Yours etc,
Dr. S.K.Chattopadhyay
Shillong-4
