BY THE EDITOR
No society or community can afford to live and grow in isolation and so needs each other failing which they may be reduced to penury and disaster. However, conflicts most often arise due to misunderstanding and misconception which, if neglected, could escalate further beyond control and become very costly in terms of economy and human lives. Consequently, to repair the damage would take a long time as experienced by many warring nations in history. And yet people seem not to learn any lesson at all due to pride and hard – heartedness and that to only a minority of the population. Greed, jealously and lust for power by a few should not be allowed to take the upper hand but to nip them in the bud by peaceful measures because in the end peace and goodwill yield rich dividends. Wise people said , “Peace comes not from the absence of conflict in life but from the ability to cope with it”.
Misconception and misunderstanding of others as stated in the beginning are often causes of conflicts which therefore need immediate attention from all sides. People from diverse identities belonging to different religious or cultural backgrounds should sit together across the table, listen to each other with patience and respect will surely understand the other party’s predicament which may thus extinguish the flames of unwanted hatred and passion. The only hurdle that stands in the way usually is pride and obstinacy with neither side willing to yield. In such situations there is a need for a third party that is neutral to intervene for the sake of peace, progress and stability. The search for peace on earth is almost as old as human history and most of the world’s great religions preach about the value of peace and sense of brotherhood while condemning wickedness and wars. Ralph Waldo Emerson said : “ Every man takes care that his neighbour should not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbour. Then all goes well.”
The example set by the people of Ri Bhoi district recently is an eye – opener indeed not only to be appreciated and praised but also to be emulated henceforth. The Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) Meghalaya Zone had convened the two – day (October 23 – 24) 31st Zonal Karbi Youth Festival at the Auditorium Hall of AMKA ( All Meghalaya Karbi Association ) at Umwang village in which the Karbis from different parts of Meghalaya as well as from other parts of North East (NE) India participated. The local Nongpoh MDC (Member District Council) Balajied Ranee was the Chief Guest and Sunil Tokbi the Organising Secretary KCS Central Body in-charge Meghalaya Guests of honor. Various local functionaries from both communities took active part to create awareness and usher peace and tranquility in the region. The MDC also donated 300 chairs to AMKA.