AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.

NHRC seeks info on de-addiction centres

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to chief secretaries of all the States and Union Territories (UTs) and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment seeking a report on the de-addiction centres.

The NHRC wanted to know how many de-addiction centres are presently available with the Government Sector, can private entities be allowed to set up de-addiction centres, are there any rules or regulations framed under the NDPS Act to regulate the de-addiction centres as mandated in Section 71 of NDPS Act.

It also asked as to what is the mechanism for providing training to the persons employed in such de-addiction centres; and to specify the mechanisms to regulate private de-addiction centres including charges/fees, employment of staff, counsellor, medical staff, food supplied and overall upkeep of such rehabilitation centres.

This came after the NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report of yet another death of an inmate at a private drug de-addiction centre, which is the third such incident in the recent past.

Reportedly, a 24-year-old man was beaten to death by the people running a De-addiction Centre in Chandramani area of Dehradoon, Uttarakhand on 10th April, 2023.

Prior to this, the Commission had taken suo motu cognizance of two similar incidents at De-addiction Centres in NOIDA and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and the reports have been sought.

The Commission has observed that all three rehabilitation centres, two in UP and one in Uttarakhand were being run by private entities. It needs serious consideration as to whether the De-addiction Centres can be allowed to be operated by private entities, and if it is so, whether State(s) have ensured sufficient safety measures in place to protect the interest of the inmates with a view to achieving the desired goal.

Notices have also been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Uttarakhand calling for a detailed report in the instant case of the death of an inmate at Dehradoon Rehab Centre.

The reports should include the present status of the investigation of the case and compensation and relief, if any, provided to the Next of kin of the deceased.

According to the media report, carried on 13th April, 2023, the patients of the Dehradoon De-addiction Centre, have said that their beatings were frequent and routine, as were hunger and lack of hygiene. No doctor or counsellor ever visited the centre.

Guv attends Shad Suk Mynsiem

The Governor of Meghalaya, Phagu Chauhan graced the annual Shad Suk Mynsiem held at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw.

Also present on the occasion was Deputy Chief Minister, P. Tynsong, VPP MLA, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, former MLA, Samlin Malngiang among others.

The three days Shad Suk Mynsiem which began on April 8 came to an end today. The active participation of tribal Khasi men and women in the Thanksgiving dance added grace and grandeur to the event.

Shad Suk Mynsiem concludes

Khasis in the state today celebrated the Shad Suk Mynsiem or the ‘Dance of the Joyful Souls’, an annual Thanksgiving festival.

Thousands of spectators including tourists witnessed the colourful traditional Thanksgiving dancing festival, held at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw in the city for the past over 100 years.

Organized annually by the Seng Khasi Seng Kmie, the Shad Suk Mynsiem, also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ started from April 8 and concluded here on Monday.

Hundreds of people belonging to the ‘Niam Khasi’ including young and old took part in the dancing festival accompanied by the beats of the drums and tangmuri to give thanks to God for all the blessings that he has bestowed.

Highlighting the importance of the festival, an elder of the Seng Khasi said, “Shad Suk Mynsiem is a thanksgiving dance festival of the indigenous people to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest, health, wealth and peace.”

He said the dance was a tradition since its inception but it was only in 1911, the Seng Khasi decided to have it in an organized manner at the Weiking Ground.

He also informed that over 1,451 dancers took part in the Shad Suk Mynsiem.

The festival was also witnessed by Governor Phagu Chauhan, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and other dignitaries.

During the dance, there was a display of lavish gold and silver jewellery forming part of the attire of the dancers.

The most important of the women’s wear is the silver crown that adorns the heads of the virgin damsel.

The crown and the ‘lasubon’ follower protruding from the nape of the neck, speak of the characteristic qualities that women should cultivate, in the day to day life, in the upbringing of the children in the home and family.

The male dancer carries a silver quiver having three arrows.

The arrows symbolize the lifelong company of a man, from birth till death. In the naming ceremony, three arrows form part of the rituals after the birth of a boy child.

The first arrow is designated to guard oneself, the second arrow is for guarding the honour of one’s family and clan and the third arrow is for the territorial protection of the first ancestral mother of the clan.

It is in the Shad Suk Mynsiem that the beat of drums, cymbals, the melodious tunes of the piped instrument-the Tangmuri, has in them a systematic discipline of rhythm, which is pulsating.

The pattern of dancing responds to the change of beats and rhythm of the music, a music that has been kept alive from the deep recesses of tradition.

The festival is also a message that life should be meaningful, eventful and purposeful.