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READERS’ COLUMN || Armchair Critics’ Favourite Pastime: Picking Apart SP

The goal is not to get a unanimous agreement but to create a discussion. We all have different views and opinions.

By Ms. Nengnong

In this article it aims or talks about some commenters on social media platforms, not all commenters or individuals outside the comment section. This conversation may not be suitable for all audiences or some readers might find it upsetting. You may proceed with caution or skip this discussion.

In this recent unfortunate incident, where a 7-year-old boy from Nongrah residence went missing and the next day was found dead at Mawpat was yet another shocking case that send creeps down to our spine. Whereby a month before, the same incident happened at the same locality involving almost a similar tragedy, the dead of a 4-year-old girl. These incidences led to believe that it might have been because of these folklore tales of “Thlen”. If that is the case, then it would be difficult to catch these things, wouldn’t it? But this article is not about that, is not going to dwell much on that topic.

Some commenters on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram are quick to SPECULATE and CRITICIZE the working process of the government and most popularly that of Shillong’s SP, VIVEK SYIEM, when the investigation is still ongoing. They think that their work is a walk in the park and that anyone can easily take up their role and responsibility, when they themselves are only armchair critics.

They comment and I quote, “Ask that Vivek to step down because for the “dkhar” it looks like he’s willing to put more effort”, “SP handles or carry well only the cases of high level, these well off “dkhar”, for the poor he doesn’t care, he should be posted to places where money comes flying”, “Speak in Khasi Vivek”, “MLA speaks better Khasi as compared to Vivek”, “You coming to this site without money is useless”, “All these incidents is because of the police dept.…..the loss of innocent lives is because of them.”

To begin, you will ask the SP to step down from his position from the comment section? Now, be it Khasis or Dkhars, we are all humans whom God created. Just because they are “dkhar” that does not make them less of a human or if that anything was to happen to them in our state, we should not take accountability. They too are like the rest of us; they too have families. During the unfortunate case of Raja, the citizens be praising the law enforcement, pouring their hearts out, united and shouting praises, their heartfelt reaction is similar to those times when Amit Paul came here. But now? These same people spread hate towards them online while the case is still under investigation. Who is the real hypocrite here?

These irrational comments looks like they are pin pointing that all these incidents happened because of him. Am I the only one who wasn’t aware that every situation that is happening in our day to day lives is because of him? Because if a piece of meat were to be stolen by a cat, it won’t be long when they will accuse it is because of Vivek Syiem. Let them do their job, they know what they are doing, don’t have a habit of sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.

Furthermore, if more stringent laws were to be implemented, let’s take an example, if a person who has a habit of committing crimes or these so called “menshohnoh” a person who no longer has conscience or their conscience is dead. Will the law frighten such deranged, elusive people? When their joy or benefits is devoted to committing these heinous crimes, they don’t give an ounce care about what’s going to happen to them. So, to put the blame entirely on the government or the SP it is not the right approach. This is a complex matter, while folklore tales can provide cultural context and insights, they shouldn’t be sole basis for government decision-making or crime investigation. Such cases need a collaborative effort from both the public and law enforcement  which will balance both cultural perspectives and evidence-based methods.

Back to these irrational comments, “MLA speaks better Khasi as compared to Vivek”, now, if the media house or the reporters came to interview him or ask him to give a statement, and they question him in English language then of course he is bound to answer in English. If you were to appear for an English paper exam, would you write the answers in Khasi language? We have the right to freedom of speech and expression but this just goes out to show your expression in stupidity. If you were to look at his previous statements or interviews, do you know how many times some reporters be asking absurd questions? But still, being a down-to-earth person, he doesn’t mind repeating what he just said just to answer their questions. But here you are constantly feeling the need to nit-pick him.

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“You coming to this site without money is useless”, so if he doesn’t show up these same people will question where is the SP? Then you will come up with your theory because the family is poor so why would he come? Even if he comes, you’re saying that? In his recent statement of the 7-year-old boy, he still has taken the time to provide a statement for you all, given that he himself is probably not in a good health which is evident from his voice. If it were others they would have given excuses to not be present there on the site due to their health issues. Yet, you still have the audacity to comment something irksome.

I must stress, if you feel sad, offended, angry, or your blood pressure is rising, these are facts! You can find all these kinds of comments on different social media platforms. I am not trying to be one sided here as some would say that, I don’t expect everyone to always agree with what I write. The goal is not to get a unanimous agreement but to create a discussion. We all have different views and opinions.

To end, respect their work for they know best. Only through mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation can we effectively tackle the root causes of crime and work towards creating a safer society. By bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement, we can build trust and foster an environment where crimes can be prevented and justice can be served. United we stand divided we fall. You could consider scheduling a meeting to offer your assistance and cooperation. By expressing your interest in supporting their efforts, they may be able to allocate specific tasks or responsibilities that would be a good fit for your expertise. If we can’t come to an agreement together how else will things function or come into place? Be quick to give advice and not quick to criticize.

(The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of 4Front Media or its members.)

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