While public discourse on faith and identity is welcome, the piece in question is marked less by scholarly rigour and more by sweeping assertions, selective historiography, and rhetorical overreach.
The claim that Christians have fundamentally misunderstood Khasi festivals such as Shad Suk Mynsiem, Chad Sukra, Chad Pliang, and Chad Lahoo etc, and that missionaries uniformly "trampled upon" indigenous traditions reflect a deeply reductive reading of history. The encounter between Christianity and Khasi belief systems was neither singular nor uniformly oppressive. It was complex, layered, and often reciprocal. To flatten this into a narrative of unilateral cultural erasure is not merely inaccurate-it is intellectually irresponsible.
Equally troubling is the attempt to portray contemporary Khasi society as one defined by religious antagonism. This is demonstrably false. The lived reality of these hills is one of coexistence, shared cultural spaces, and mutual accommodation. To suggest otherwise is to distort reality and, more dangerously, to risk manufacturing divisions where none inherently exist.
More concerning, however, is the ideological undertone that seeks to appropriate and reinterpret indigenous Khasi faith traditions through external religious frameworks. The Khasi belief system as stated by one Seng Khasi leader is not an extension of any mainland religious paradigm, nor is it available for ideological absorption. Its distinctiveness is not negotiable. Any attempt implicit or explicit to subsume it within broader constructs is both misguided and intrusive.
At the same time, it is disingenuous to erase or diminish the contributions of early missionaries in education, healthcare, and linguistic development. The standardization of the Khasi script and the expansion of literacy are not incidental footnotes but foundational developments. To ignore these is to engage in selective memory masquerading as critique.
The allegation that Christians historically regarded indigenous faiths as "savage" or "barbaric," presented without credible evidence, reads less like historical analysis and more like provocation. Such language does little to illuminate the past and much to inflame present sensitivities.
What is most regrettable about the letter is its implicit encouragement of division under the guise of cultural preservation. Khasi society has long been guided by the principle of Jaidbynriew a recognition that community and shared humanity transcend religious differences. Narratives that undermine this principle must be called out for what they are: destabilizing and unnecessary. It is very unfortunate that, after remaining in deep slumber for many decades, some outsiders are now irresponsibly stoking the fires of communalism, having realized that the Khasi and Jaintia Hills are a neglected yet fertile ground for mainland religions. We suspect ulterior motives in this content.
If we are to engage meaningfully with our past, let it be with intellectual honesty rather than polemical exaggeration. Our strength lies not in rehearsing grievances but in sustaining the plural, interdependent society we have inherited.
Yours etc,
Kuparmeri Shylla
Shillong-1

Protect Lumpongdeng Island from Unsustainable Development

Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing concern surrounding the proposed development at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake.
Lumpongdeng Island is an ecologically sensitive zone and an important natural heritage of Meghalaya. The reported plans for large-scale tourism infrastructure on the island have raised serious apprehensions among citizens regarding potential environmental damage and loss of biodiversity.
While development and tourism are vital for the economic progress of the state, they must be pursued responsibly. Any project in such fragile ecosystems should be preceded by transparent decision-making, comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments, and meaningful public consultation.
I therefore, urge the concerned authorities to reconsider the inclusion of Lumpongdeng Island in any major development project and to ensure that environmental preservation is given due priority. Protecting our natural resources today is essential for securing the future of generations to come.
Yours etc.,
Donald Albert Kurbah
Mawphlang

The Rilbong Bypass a Short-sighted Idea

Editor,
The ongoing traffic congestion in Shillong has become a matter of serious public concern, with daily commuters facing increasing delays and disruptions across key routes in the city.
Recent measures undertaken to address the crisis , particularly the development of alternative routes through the Rilbong corridor have raised significant questions regarding their effectiveness and overall justification. While the government has initiated steps such as the inauguration of a short 0.185 km link road near the Anjalee petrol pump, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 3.36 crore, the expected reduction in congestion is limited to just 10-20%, indicating a largely temporary and marginal impact.
Such interventions fail to address the root causes of Shillong's traffic challenges, which stem from narrow legacy roads, rapidly increasing vehicular density, and the absence of a comprehensive and forward-looking urban mobility plan. Instead of resolving the issue, these measures risk offering only short-term relief.
As a resident of Rilbong, I wish to emphasize that this concern does not stem from opposition to development, but from a genuine desire to see Shillong and the state of Meghalaya progress in a sustainable and well-planned manner. The decision to channel traffic through the Rilbong corridor which is already a sensitive and densely populated area has further intensified public concern, as these diversions merely shift congestion from one location to another while placing additional strain on residential and heritage zones.
It is increasingly evident that relying on the Rilbong corridor as a primary solution is neither adequate nor justified. Having also been a student of P.N. Chaudhuri Higher Secondary School, currently working for an MNC, I can personally relate to the unique environment and atmosphere that defines this locality, an environment that plays a crucial role in the learning experience of students. The introduction of increased vehicular movement through this area risks disrupting that very essence, diminishing the calm, safe, and focused surroundings that students deserve.
Shillong urgently requires a long term, integrated approach to traffic management that prioritizes infrastructure development, efficient public transport systems, and scientifically planned urban expansion over ad-hoc and limited impact measures.
Yours etc.,
Debarun Bhattacharjee,
Shillong -4

New WhatsApp Features

Editor,
I wish to draw attention to an important development in digital communication. WhatsApp is reportedly introducing a 'username' feature that will allow users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers. As a regular user, I feel this is a very welcome and much-needed change.
At present, we have to share our phone numbers to communicate on WhatsApp. While this makes connecting easy, it also exposes users to unwanted messages, spam calls, and sometimes even misuse of personal information. Many people hesitate to share their numbers, especially when interacting with unknown contacts.
In this context, the proposed username system appears to be a practical solution. It will allow users to communicate more safely without revealing their personal contact details. This will be particularly helpful for women, students, and professionals who value privacy and wish to avoid unnecessary disturbances.
From a safety point of view, this feature can help reduce risks such as harassment and cyber fraud. It also gives users better control over who can reach them. At the same time, it brings WhatsApp in line with other platforms where usernames are used instead of phone numbers.
If implemented properly, this could become one of the most useful updates to WhatsApp, making communication not only easier but also safer. I sincerely hope that such steps continue to be taken to protect users and improve their experience.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email