Mock drill a disaster
Editor,
The Mock Drill in Shillong on April 24, 2026, was a total disaster. It is disheartening to observe the slap-dash preparation of the State Disaster Management body/Home Guards & Civil Defence, and the response and cooperation of the general public. And my observations are based on my personal experience of three major wars where India was involved – The Chinese aggression of 1962, the short Indo-Pak war of 1965, and the Indo-Pak war of 1971 leading to the liberation of then East Pakistan.
As far as the government's organisation of this mock drill is concerned, it failed miserably here in Shillong (and I'm told also in Tura). First and foremost, we in the upper regions of Nongrah never heard the siren at 7.00 pm and 7.02 pm (and we always hear it at 10 am and 5 or 4.30 pm). This in itself defeated the purpose of the drill. This being the case, it makes me wonder why the Dorbar Shnong were not involved by the government in this (as it was done in those three other major wars) – why was this planned exercise not announced through the fixed and mobile public address systems of the Dorbar Shnong, where the importance of public cooperation is stressed? And why was the church not involved? In those active wars, the church bells would also ring in a continuous rhythm different from that rung before the church services. These would cover areas where the sirens would not. Thirdly, why was there no advisory on moving cars to park their cars and switch off their lights once the first siren was sounded? All this makes me believe that this whole exercise was simply a publicity stunt so that the state government can report to the Centre that a mock drill was conducted in all major towns of the state! And don't be surprised if after a few months, Meghalaya is given a national award on Disaster Preparedness to be received in Delhi by the concerned smiling state minister!
The public too don't seem to realise the seriousness, and usefulness, of such exercises. Everything that is "mock" is taken lightly! I could see that almost all households in Nongrah, Lapalang, Mawdiangdiang, Pohkseh, Nongthymmai and Madanrynting (all that I see from my terrace) had their lights full on, including the futsals that I could identify. Do the present, all-knowledgeable generation, know what it is to live in a situation where your windows and skylights are all painted black, all car headlights are blackened on the upper half; rationing is in place where the only rice you get is almost rotten, and in any case, not enough, and therefore, has to be substituted by course ration atta? And our mothers busy knitting socks and caps for the soldiers. And the mock drills conducted in schools that we, as kids, found so exciting, and which were organised and systematic. And the trenches or underground dugout rooms made in school compounds and in houses, where dry provisions and torchlights, batteries, medicines etc. were stored. Perhaps, people don't take such government exercises seriously because they know that the government itself is not serious but only concerned about compliance reports and spending justifications!
But having said all of the above, I just wonder how much these protocols in a real war scenario would really help. Ariel targeting is, by and large, no longer visual but GPS based. Physically bombers do not come but are now guided missiles and drones, honing in on a guided trajectory. And the list goes on. Several points to ponder!
The mock drill was a total mockery!
Yours etc.,
Eugene D. Thomas,
Shillong – 6.
LPG Refill Problems Causing Hardship to Consumers
Editor,
Through this letter I wish to draw attention to the silent struggles faced by LPG consumers across our state-struggles that are slowly but surely disrupting everyday life. Many of us now receive automated messages such as: "Your last cylinder was delivered on 04-03-2026. Your next refill booking is not yet due. Please avoid repeated calls and have patience — (Indane)."
But here lies the catch — while the system claims delivery, the cylinder is nowhere to be seen. For a household waiting to cook its next meal, this is not just an inconvenience; it is a matter that hits close to home. Instead of offering reassurance, such messages add to our anxiety and helplessness. We are often told there is no shortage of LPG. If that is indeed the case, why are consumers being left in the lurch? Clearly, the problem is not about supply, but about a system that, at times, seems out of touch with ground realities, leaving people to fend for themselves.
In today's world, LPG is no longer a luxury-it is the backbone of every kitchen. When refills are delayed or wrongly marked as delivered, kitchens go cold and daily routines are thrown off track. Families somehow make ends meet-borrowing from neighbours, cutting corners in meals, or managing against the odds. Spare a thought for students living alone, far from home, trying to keep body and soul together while focusing on their studies.
Another issue that adds insult to injury is the rigid booking system. Messages like: "Your order is delivered with invoice no. 5-106219195742. Next available booking date is May 19, 2026, leaving consumers with little choice but to wait. Instead, if bookings were automatically generated after the due period, along with a DAC (Delivery Authentication Code) and a clear delivery or collection timeline, it would save people from running from pillar to post due to network issues and repeated booking failures.
In such trying circumstances, asking consumers to "have patience," is easier said than done. What people truly need is a system that listens, responds, and stands by them in times of need. After all, in this digital age, when everything is just a click away, basic services like LPG delivery should not leave consumers in the dark.
I earnestly urge the concerned authorities to look into this matter with empathy and urgency. After all, a small step in the right direction can go a long way in easing the burden on countless households.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
Addressing the Rising Tide of Violence to Restore Public Safety
Editor,
Through this letter I express my deep concern regarding the alarming rise in violent incidents across Meghalaya. Recent reports of lives lost to senseless aggression have cast a shadow of fear over our state, unsettling the peace that has long been our hallmark.
The increasing frequency of fatalities stemming from unchecked anger, personal vendettas, and minor misunderstandings is deeply disturbing. These are not merely isolated crimes but a direct assault on the social fabric and harmony of our community. Consequently, a pervasive sense of insecurity has taken roots, making citizens hesitant to step out after dark or to stay home alone. This climate of fear hinders our daily lives and erodes the collective well-being of our society. Violence is never a constructive solution. It is imperative that we, as a society, cultivate emotional resilience, mutual respect, and the maturity to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than force. While we must remain vigilant and look out for one another, the burden of safety should not rest solely on the shoulders of the public.
I therefore urge the concerned authorities to implement the following measures immediately:
Heightened Surveillance: Increased police patrolling in vulnerable areas and during late hours.
Stringent Law Enforcement: Ensuring t hat offenders are apprehended swiftly and face the full force of the law to act as a deterrent.
Community Engagement: Organizing awareness programs that focus on conflict resolution, peace-building, and civic responsibility.
I sincerely hope the Government and citizenry will unite to restore the safety and serenity that our state deserves.
Yours etc.,
Melaaibiang Nongsiej,
Shillong
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