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It is a matter of concern for the Assam government that the incident at Kakopathar occurred at a time when negotiations are going on between the People?s Consultative Group, constituted by the Ulfa, and the Centre.
People had gathered in Kakopathar to protest against the killing of Ajit Mahanta by the army in its custody. The police then mercilessly fired upon the mob, killing eight persons on the spot. This incident reminds us of the Jalianwalla Bagh tragedy during British rule. Those responsible for this barbarous act must be punished under the law.
There has been a number of instances when the army killed many innocent people in cold blood. The pretext they have given is that they died in the crossfire.
The army needs to exercise restraint while tackling various kinds of agitation by people of the country. In this case, the government?s representatives should have come forward well in time to listen to the protesting mob. Moreover, we feel any operation against the Ulfa is meaningless at this juncture and the government should exercise restraint till an agreement is reached on a ceasefire. A bilateral agreement will take a lot of time, as the process of negotiations with the PCG is very slow, contrary to our expectations.
Harendra Nath Pathak,
Golaghat
The district transport office at Ulubari in Guwahati is in a deplorable condition. I was shocked to see the condition of the room and how people were working there. The files were placed haphazardly and were coated with dust. The condition of the office tables and floors are pathetic and I wonder how the staff works for hours together in such miserable conditions.
The state government is earning lots of revenue from the transport department, but has taken no steps for ensuring proper maintenance and cleanliness at the office. If the authorities do not take immediate steps, the people working there will fall prey to ailments.
It is really hard to understand why most government offices present a picture of neglect and ruin. Most of the office buildings are dilapidated, particularly those located in rural areas. Moreover, most of the employees never even bother to attend office, except on the day when they collect their salaries.
Indeed, the sordid condition of the office building is a matter of concern and the authorities need to address the problem immediately.
J.N. Bhattacharya,
Guwahati
A news item was carried in The Telegraph Northeast on December 29, 2005, titled Peace Missive Through Dances. The photograph accompanying the report, had the caption ?Rajkumar Sanaton performs Sumang Lila in Imphal?.
It was actually a photograph of a play, Rajarshee Bhagyachandra, which was performed by Banian Repertory Theatre, Imphal. The play was written and directed by me.
Unfortunately, no correction about the caption was carried even though the mistake was pointed out to the Imphal correspondent of the newspaper.
We regret that this has affected the morale of the team that performed the play.
M.C. Arun,
Manipur University, Imphal
It was gratifying to learn that the Greater Guwahati Citizens? Co-ordination Committee ? a conglomeration of 120 development organisations ? has sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, pointing out how the civic problems of Guwahati city and its suburbs have been exacerbated by the presence of broad gauge railway lines. These pass right through the middle of the city, dividing it into two equal parts.
The memorandum pointed out that numerous level-crossings add to the unprecedented traffic chaos at each and every such level-crossing throughout the day. Such level crossings can be bridged, but only at enormous cost.
Several water outlets are also blocked by the existing railway lines, which add to the city?s problem of waterlogging. Most parts of Guwahati remain under floodwaters during the entire rainy season.
Given the Centre?s Look East policy and oft-expressed wish to develop the region, the pressure on railway traffic is likely to go up with time. On the other hand, traffic on roads is also increasing at a tremendous rate in the city, making it virtually impossible for pedestrians to walk.
We hope the Prime Minister, who knows every nook and corner of the city, will respond positively and redress the grievances of the people of the Northeast.
Jibon Saikia,
Guwahati
The broadband internet service, introduced and marketed by BSNL, is nothing but a flop in a backward state like Assam. First of all, it is difficult to obtain the service. Moreover, those who do manage to avail of the facilities after a great deal of trouble feel very frustrated because of extremely poor connectivity. Either the server is down or the line gets disconnected after just 10 to 15 minutes of use.
Though a complaint booth has been set up, nobody responds to the complaints filed by subscribers. BSNL should stop taking rental charges until and unless it provides proper services to the users.
Moreover, long queues can be seen at the BSNL cash counter at Panbazar in Guwahati. This happens as hardly anyone attends to the customers at the counter. In such a situation, BSNL should provide at least 10 counters, preferably one or two that provide round-the-clock service.
This will definitely help the subscribers to pay their dues. Nowadays, nobody has the time or the patience to queue for six hours to pay their rentals. The authorities should visit the BSNL office at Panbazar and see for themselves the situation there. They should ensure the needs of their subscribers are fulfilled.
J.N. Bhattacharya,
Guwahati
Professor Para, located at K.B. Road in Guwahati?s Paltan Bazar area, is one of the oldest residential colonies of Guwahati.
We, the residents of the colony, are experiencing a lot of trouble because of Meghdoot cinema hall and wholesale fish market located on the bank of Chalabeel, the approach to which is through K.B. Road. The hall and the market disturb the peace in the locality.
For a long time, we have been requesting the authorities to relocate the fish market. But nothing has been done till now. The entire residential area is on the verge of turning into a commercial zone.
Every other day, new markets are mushrooming in the vicinity. With this, the entire area has lost its peaceful ambience. To add to our woes, miscreants are taking advantage of the situation and carrying out nefarious activities.
Aruna Mukherjee,
Guwahati
