Editor,
During the height of the armed insurgency in Meghalaya, former Chief Ministers BB Lyngdoh, EK Mawlong, and FA Khonglam were not provided with heavy security cover. A simple pilot and an escort vehicle were sufficient to take them to any destination, and there was no fear even when they travelled with a convoy of three vehicles.
However, during Mukul Sangma’s tenure as Chief Minister, there was a drastic increase in security measures. The number of vehicles accompanying Sangma grew significantly, and he had a justification for this expanded security: the threat posed by the GNLA and other militant groups, who were heavily armed. In earlier times, Cabinet Ministers were not provided with the privilege of travelling with a pilot or escort vehicle, except when travelling outside the state capital, and even then, it was rare.
Over the years, however, thanks to the precedent set by Mukul Sangma, such extensive security has been extended to almost everyone, leading to road accidents, including fatalities of motorists and pedestrians. It is shameful that lives are lost simply because someone else is in a rush to reach their destination. The VVIP Syndrome infuriates every citizen, and it is entirely reasonable for the public to be angry.
The outrage against the VVIP Syndrome resurfaced on November 15 after Huddersfield Rymbui, a young man, lost his life along the Shillong bypass road when he was allegedly struck by a police vehicle escorting State Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh. The minister’s convoy was headed to Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong, the venue for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
To date, there has been no apology or statement from the state government regarding this tragic incident. The government likely believes, as it often does with such issues, that it will soon fade from public memory. Sadly, they may be right, as citizens tend to forget. We will remember Huddersfield Rymbui only when another life is lost due to the VVIP Syndrome. Perhaps Huddersfield’s demise will be in vain, given people’s short-lived memory. It will only be left to his family, friends, and loved ones to mourn his passing.
A life was lost, but the VVIPs won’t care. They will continue to enjoy their paraphernalia without consequence. It is up to the people to demand change, to make every VVIP—known or unknown—think twice before using or misusing pilot and escort vehicles. VVIPs should be held accountable for their actions. Enough is enough. Will the Chief Minister listen? Probably not. He, too, is just another VVIP who enjoys the privileges.
In solidarity with Huddersfield Rymbui’s family, and with all citizens who want the VVIP Syndrome to be put to an end once and for all, we must continue to raise our voices. No life should be sacrificed on the altar of privilege and entitlement. The demand for accountability must echo loud and clear, not just for Huddersfield, but for all who suffer because of the reckless misuse of power. Only by standing together can we hope to bring about a change that values the lives of ordinary citizens over the comforts of the privileged few.
May Huddersfield’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Yours etc.,
A concerned citizen
