Letters to The Editor

Bohag Bihu celebrations

Bohag Bihu is a festival that we all look forward to. The sound of dhols, flutes make us feel at oneness with nature bringing smiles to our faces.

Of late, there has been some criticism regarding the SOPs laid down. We, as general public, should welcome the step and adhere to the guidelines as laid down. As COVID is an invisible enemy which necessitates social distancing, we will need to be on guard, save ourselves and our family which will in turn save our society as a whole. Late celebration of Bihu will not be favourable in this hour of crisis.

There is an English saying — Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Our society needs to go forward with this concept.

P.P Barua,

Guwahati.

Counsellors in schools

Through this column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the school authorities towards the importance of counsellors in schools. Students face various problems which they find it difficult to share with their parents, friends and teachers. Mental health is of utmost importance. Young and innocent minds are easily affected by depression. A counsellor can help them to overcome fear. A few school authorities have already appointed counsellors for their students and others. I hope this is considered as an important and integral part in the schools.

Himadri Kalita,

Guwahati.

'Urban Naxal'

This letter has a reference to a news item published in your esteemed daily on April 7 about the arrest of one Sikha Sarma by the Dispur police station for posting 'derogatory' remarks against our armed forces in social media. The world knows that east or west our bravehearts are the best. But then there is a section named 'Urban Naxalites' who have a completely opposite view. When the whole country is mourning the death of 33 brave CRPF personnel in a cowardly attack by Maoist group in Chhattisgarh, the cheap publicity seeker and self-styled writer's post in Facebook exposes her mindset. Treason to motherland shouldn't go unpunished.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury

Guwahati.

Crackdown by Myanmar Army

The crackdown of the Myanmar Army on peaceful processionists who demonstrated against the Junta killing more than 600 people is a concern for the lovers of democracy.

I wonder how the entire world remained silent on the atrocities vented out by the Myanmar Army. From the information that has reached us through restricted media, it is revealed that thousands of protesters have been detained and are languishing in jail. The Army rulers of Myanmar government are trying their best to throttle the rising voices of the Democratic Movement started by the people of Myanmar and their constant demand to release their leader, who is under detention.

It is high time the whole world raised their voice to stop any further genocide; otherwise the situation may escalate and give way to the uprising of a civil war.

We cannot simply overlook the situation terming it as an internal matter of the Myanmar government, but it is a question of violation of human rights of the citizens of Myanmar.

My appeal to the International Forum is to raise a strong voice against the killing and to stop further bloodshed.

Subhash Chandra Biswas,

(scbiswasadvocate@gmail.com)

Timing of GMC garbage cleaning

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) uses heavy vehicles like dumpers for garbage cleaning. While there cannot be any objection about use of heavy vehicles and heavy machines, however, the callousness attitude of the operators of such vehicles and machines need scrutiny, and monitoring. If this is not done, there are chances that there may be unfortunate incidents that may lead to injuries to humans and vehicles. Most of the garbage bins are located on main roads.

The cleaning vehicles operate during peak traffic hours and that disturbs the flow of vehicles and also poses threat to the people nearby as also vehicles. It is strongly suggested that such cleaning operations using heavy machines and vehicles are done during wee hours, without disturbing the traffic. Many unfortunate incidents have occurred in places like Mumbai and Delhi, because of which such operations are mostly done during mid-night hours in these cities, just like the timings for road constructions.

We appeal to the GMC to pay heed to avoid unfortunate incidents.

D Bhutia,

Guwahati.

Unnecessary controversy

The new SOP issued by the administration states that 'mancha' Bihu functions should be over by 11 pm. We should be thankful to the Almighty that at least this year we are getting the opportunity to celebrate our Bihu in these trying times. If one looks at the condition of States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Chattisgarh, Gujarat the condition is horrible. Some of the above mentioned States are starring at lockdown. Already enough damage has been done by the politicians in the State in the name of election campaigns but now we the common people have to be responsible. We can't let things get out of control. If the condition deteriorates and lockdown is imposed then nothing will happen to politicians but we the common people have to face the consequences. The committee members of various Bihutolis are protesting against the government for putting restriction on the timing of Bihu functions but I appeal to them to look at a broader picture. Do they think Bihu is complete if one continues Bihu functions till 3 am? Certainly not, Bihu is much more than stage programmes and administration has not imposed any cap on performing the rituals and customs. Good thing is that majority of the artistes like Zubeen Garg, Papon, Priyanka Bharali, and others have welcomed the government's new SOP. I would like to suggest the office-bearers of the Bihu committees to start the cultural programme early. Secondly, early start means one can go out with the whole family and enjoy the functions. The late night programmes are often marked with hooliganism.

Purabi Miri,

Jakhalabandha.

The modern 'Chanakya'

Indian history regards Chakanya of Gupta dynasty as an astute politician and strategist who could manage and predict the outcome of any political imbroglio. In present day Prashant Kishore is considered as modern day 'Chanakya' for managing complex Indian electoral politics and for that reason he is the most soughtafter strategist. He came into prominence in 2014 Parliamentary elections as he managed BJP's election strategy successfully. Prashant Kishore in short known as PK made a forecast about the results of the ongoing West Bengal poll results which went viral in electronic and digital media. He has predicted TMC's victory in West Bengal and his forecast would be watched by all with baited breathe. If by any means his predictions fall flat, will Prashant Kishore quit his profession and remove the tag of modern Chanakya?

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati

Irresponsible dumping of garbage at LNB Road

The irresponsible dumping of garbage has been a major issue of Guwahati. One of the major examples of this can be seen at Lakshminath Bezbaruah Road (LNB Road), Panbazar. Many street vendors and food carts dump their garbage and leftovers on a specific place of the road. Even people travelling to and from Paltan Bazar Railway Station throw their trash at that place. It is notable that this road is situated just beside Cotton University and its boys' hostels. Because of the foul smell of the heap of garbage and the filthy environment created by it, the students of the university find it difficult to walk through that road. A dustbin would be really helpful to maintain the cleanliness and hygienic environment of the surroundings.

Through your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to look into the matter and take necessary actions. I would also like to request the citizens of Guwahati to dump their garbage only in dustbins.

Tushar Bhuyan,

Guwahati.

Reckless driving

Nowadays, frequent road accidents are occurring in our city. There are many reasons for such accidents. Firstly, many roads of the city have been damaged partly and in some places mostly. Secondly, most of the drivers are not well trained. It should be observed by the authority. Thirdly, the number of traffic policemen is very less. So some drivers dare to disobey the traffic rules. Fourthly, the roads are more or less very narrow. Hence, these roads need to be widened. So through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to request the Municipal Corporation of Guwahati and other authorities concerned to kindly take note of the conditions of roads and provide adequate traffic police to handle the situation.

Aranyani Borah,

Guwahati.