Meghalaya i general and among the poor classes such as servants, labourers (non – tribals and tribals) who come from outside the State to earn their livelihood since they do not have citizenship certificates. To the NGOs, these people are considered to be ‘influx’. Last year, the ILP activists prevented infiltration. It is sad that a few non – tribal businessmen were set ablaze in Shillong. It is to be mentioned in this context that many businessmen, daily wage earners, hotel managers and dealers were affected by the strikes, bandhs and road blockades called by the activists. They remained indoors and the agitation led to economic loss for these people.

During this agitation, non – tribal house owners were the ones who suffered. They felt insecure and were filled with panic. They were told that if they were unable to provide appropriate documents about their tenants to the police department they will be facing problems and may be taken into custody.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma thought about a solution to the issue and came to the conclusion that a negotiation between the Government and the NGOs was needed. The Chief Minister felt that if the ILP is implemented in the State, growth and development of the State will not be possible.

 

Supta Bhowmik

Shillong

 

With regard to your January 2014 issue of Eastern Panorama, the cover page itself was very
impressive and appealing, making one think about the extent of the drug menace in the North East especially in Manipur with its fame because of the protest against the AFSPA. It takes a long time to bring back the youth already disillusioned once affected by the drug menace. The drug trade through Manipur from the Golden Triangle has alarming consequences not only on the entire North East region but also in the remaining parts of the rest of the country. As written aptly – ‘A Free For All – Armed Forces Included’ – it is a fact. The guardians of our frontiers are not excluded from the allure of the materialistic world even though we have to have full trust and faith in them with no other alternative. The legal immunity for the para – military and police forces with sweeping powers under the AFSPA can play havoc. A very small fraction may try to take advantage as specified in the article. I am not very sure about the arrest of the colonel with the booty of `30 crore being only the tip of the iceberg as stated in the editorial. By speaking about other incidents reffered, we only determine the morale of our armed forces.

 

AS Halbhavi

Bangalore