Irregular stoppage of green electric buses
I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing traffic situation in Guwahati city, particularly regarding the irregular stoppage of Green Electric Buses. Despite their intention to ease transportation and reduce pollution, these buses have become a source of frustration for commuters due to their frequent stops at undesignated areas.
This irregularity causes traffic congestion, disrupts the flow of traffic, and poses safety risks, especially during peak hours, affecting thousands of daily commuters. I urge the authorities to take immediate action to regulate bus stops and ensure adherence to designated routes and stops.
Highlighting this issue would greatly benefit citizens and prompt authorities to take necessary steps.
Bastav Kumar Baruah,
Gauhati University
Severe traffic
congestion
I am writing to express my frustration regarding the severe traffic congestion at the intersection of MG Road and Assam Trunk Road, a situation exacerbated by vehicles turning from TR Phukan Road. This area has become a nightmare for commuters, particularly during peak school and office hours.
With the ongoing construction of the Bharalu flyover, traffic on MG Road is already badly affected. The additional flow of vehicles from TR Phukan Road trying to merge onto this already choked passage creates a bottleneck that significantly prolongs commute times. The current traffic management system seems inadequate to handle this increased volume, and the lack of a clear plan is causing immense stress and delays for thousands of daily commuters.
I urge the traffic authorities to take immediate action. A simple yet effective solution would be to restrict vehicles from entering MG Road from TR Phukan Road during peak hours (e.g., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Alternatively, a different, temporary diversion could be implemented for vehicles coming from TR Phukan Road to ease the pressure on the main thoroughfare.
I believe such a measure would bring much-needed relief to commuters and allow for a smoother flow of traffic. I hope the authorities concerned will take this matter seriously and implement a solution before the situation becomes even more unmanageable.
Uddiyan Kumar Nath,
(uddikumarnath@gmail.com)
Revival of Test Cricket
With the arrival of instant slambang cricket like ODI and T20, people have gradually started losing interest in 5-day test cricket, as people want action-packed instant cricket with results. The galleries almost looked deserted during test matches. The recently concluded Anderson/Tendulkar test series has finally enlivened 5-day test cricket, as evidenced by a full house all throughout the five days. Right from day 1 to day 5, it was entirely action-packed with a nail-biting finish which kept the crowd on their toes. The test series ended in a 2-2 draw, with both the teams sharing the honours. The Anderson/Tendulkar test series has no doubt brought 5-day test cricket to its original golden past, where technique, patience, resilience and physical fitness mattered. Before parting, I want to congratulate both the teams, as both sides were the proud winners. Test cricket will survive.
Dr Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati
Short-lived sensational news
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to express concern over the growing trend of short-lived public attention towards sensational news. In recent times, we have witnessed that many serious issues create a storm on social media and news platforms, only to fade away within days—leaving behind no long-term impact or justice.
For example, the tragic incident involving the mob lynching and death of two youths, Abhi and Neel, in Karbi Anglong district sparked massive outrage across Assam. However, public attention soon shifted to other headlines. Similarly, cases of police brutality or custodial deaths—such as the one in Nagaon district—receive momentary attention and then vanish from collective memory. At present, the case of Nandini Kashyap is making headlines, but it is feared it may meet the same fate. This trend not only reduces accountability but also undermines the seriousness of these issues. Public discourse should not be driven by fleeting emotions or social media trends. Media and civil society must ensure consistent follow-up and maintain pressure so that justice is delivered and systemic reforms are implemented.
Let us not allow important issues to be forgotten with the next breaking news. Sensation should lead to sustained action, not momentary outrage.
Jinti Kalita, Asstt. Prof.,
PDUAM, Dalgaon
Losing his mind?
Has our so-called intellectual Dr Hiren Gohain lost his mind? When there is an awareness arising among the common people about the dangerous motive of the Moimonsingia/Miya people in regard to Assam, an illogical, baseless, fabricated and ill-intended comment from Dr Hiren Gohain is totally unacceptable. His attempt to mislead people by quoting the names of greats like Dr Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, that they were all in favour of welcoming and assimilating the Bangladeshi Miyas with the greater Assamese society. He further went on to say that the above-mentioned greats felt dangers for the indigenous people from Marwaris, Biharis and Bengalis residing in the state. He should not speak blatant lies at this age, and that too in the name of such distinguished people. Dr Gohain should be arrested for defaming such towering personalities who, unfortunately, at this hour, are no more. Dr Gohain has always been the sworn enemy of Assam, Asomiya and Hindus. We all remember his anti-India role in the 1962 Chinese aggression, his anti-Asomiya stand during the Asom Andolan and more recently during the anti-CAA agitation when he openly extended his support to a terrorist named Sharjeel Imam who vowed to cut off the chicken neck of India. He also sat on the same dais which had Maulana Arshad Madani, who was contemplating burning the whole of Assam during the anti-CAB protest.
A highly qualified person doesn’t make him an automatic patriot. Patriotism doesn’t require higher degrees or doctorates. An uneducated person can be a patriot and be rational in his thinking towards his family, society and the country. When the writings on the wall are clearly visible to every indigenous people about the demographic threat posed by the suspected Bangladeshis, why on earth is Dr Gohain trying to spread false propaganda involving some of the greatest sons of the soil? We can all understand the intention of the left-orientated so-called buddhijibi who has always been in support of the Miya people’s dream of converting Assam into an Islamic state. His dream won’t materialise till we have people who are politically sensitive and mature.
Pratap Chandra Dutta,
Silapathar
Celebrating
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a special occasion that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a time to express love, gratitude, and affection towards each other. One of the most beautiful ways for sisters to convey their emotions on this day is by writing a heartfelt letter to their brother.
Raksha Bandhan is a time to celebrate the special bond between siblings. While traditionally focused on brothers and sisters, the essence of Raksha Bandhan – love, protection, and support – can be extended to all those who play a nurturing role in our lives.
This year, I encourage readers to reflect on the diverse ways this bond can be celebrated. For those with siblings far away, perhaps a video call or a heartfelt letter can bridge the distance. For those who have lost a sibling, remembering them with love and gratitude is a fitting tribute. And for those who share a close bond with friends, mentors, or even pets, consider extending the spirit of Raksha Bandhan to them as well.
Raksha Bandhan is a reminder that we are not alone and that we have people in our lives who offer us strength and support. Let us cherish these relationships and celebrate the spirit of love and protection that Raksha Bandhan represents, regardless of how we choose to express it.
Jubel D’Cruz,
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)