Editor,
I wish to draw attention to a few crucial concerns that the government needs to take into account in your respected daily. It is evident that Shillong rallies have occasionally descended into violence.
Although the NGO leaders have maintained strict instructions for their members, some take unfair advantage of the situation to damage government vehicles, public property, and people who are caught off guard by the change. It is now clear that Shillong’s law and order is frequently disturbed by this violence, which also has an impact on the government machinery’s regular operation.
This is the case when government employees are compelled to skip their regular workday schedules out of fear for their lives. Therefore, the daily operations of the State machinery and administration are disrupted. Even though they had the option of using force, the police have also maintained a fairly strong position. There have been reports of police personnel being beaten up and/or receiving petrol bombs (Molotov) thrown at them.
Therefore, I believe it is imperative that another administrative capital, namely the Winter Capital, be established in the Garo Hills. This would not interfere with the operation of the government apparatus because, in the event of law and order issues in Shillong, the Additional Secretariat would take care of daily needs, preserving government revenue. I defend this by pointing out that Ladakh, a modern Union Territory, too has two State Capitals: Leh and Kargil. Jammu & Kashmir also has a Summer Capital (Srinagar) and a Winter Capital (Jammu).
The destruction of public property, the breakdown of law and order, and the victimisation of innocent individuals hurts me as a law-abiding citizen. Since the Garo Hills have ended their rebellion and returned to normalcy, the government should reconsider establishing a second administrative capital. This would be advantageous for both the government and the public as it would make it easier for the government to carry out its daily operations. It will take time, but I believe it is better to start now than never.
