Right to compensation
The botching up of the Aarushi murder case by the Central Bureau of Investigation in India is not an isolated example (“HC flays trial judge for acting like ‘film director’ in Aarushi murder case”, Gulf News, October 14). For decades, cases handed over to them have been handled with a callous attitude, which eventually led to botching up the investigations. I feel that there should be a time frame to complete each and every case and there should be accountability. I feel that the Talwars have the right to claim compensation for their sufferings.
From Mr N. Viswanathan
India
New body to investigate
The acquittal of Rajesh and Nupur Talwar in the twin murder case of 2008 is justified. It’s clear that the death of the then 14-year-old Aarushi and her domestic servant was not natural. It’s strange that even after a decade, the investigating team has not found the culprits, nor have they been able to produce evidence against the Talwars. The Indian judiciary is very slow in pronouncing a verdict, and it says that nobody should be punished on the basis of suspicion. Let the court appoint a new team to investigate and find out the facts.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Declared in advance
Whenever there is an announcement for state election dates, some controversy is created by the opposition party (“Congress wrests Gurdaspur from BJP”, Gulf News, October 16). Though the Election Commission of India has clearly explained the reasons for the delay in announcement of the election dates for the state of Gujarat, the opposition parties, especially the Congress, has come out with some criticism. They have forgotten that since independence, during their tenures of more than five decades, they too were adopting such methods before announcing state election dates. In order to avoid such gimmicks in the future, there should be a rule that the election commission should announce state election dates at least three to four months before the end of tenure of the ruling party’s tenure.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Chennai
Unesco fiasco
To keep it simple, a major United Nations body is now devoid of a major world power, which once took on the responsibility of one fifth of the Unesco’s budget. It is important to note that the UN did terminate it’s funding for Unesco, long before this drastic decision was taken. Unesco on the other hand has protected American interests by cleaning up wherever the US has caused international chaos. After the wars in Afghanistan and Libya, it was Unesco who helped educate the illiterate and give rehabilitation to those affected. The US also owes Unesco $600 million (Dh2.2 billion) and it’s terminated membership with this UN body might have just been an opportunity for them to run away from their obligations to the world. After all, it is always America first.
From Mr Nikhil Joseph Manoj
Dubai
Take a stand
Decade after decade, we have seen brutal killings, rape and genocide, taking place in Myanmar (“Annan says Rohingya must return to Myanmar”, Gulf News, October 15). It is very painful for all of us to watch. We cannot be silent. How can men be so cruel? There will not be any peace unless there is international intervention. We may have different coloured skins, we might speak different languages but we all belong to God. We are all born equal. So please don’t give up! Please wake up to save the life of Rohingya minorities in Myanmar. Continue raising your voice until victory is achieved. Your slogan should be continued for the humanity and human rights.
From Mr Pamas Faruk
UAE
Facebook comment
Is zero hunger a dream?
In my opinion, this is only a dream (“Letters to the editor: A basic human right”, Gulf News, October 16). This is a very difficult task to see, for various reasons. It is because of corrupt professionals with the support of politicians who will divert resources to others. Most of the refugee camps will not receive the full quantity sent to them. This practice cannot be eradicated unless and until the officers involved in this work think hunger should be permanently eradicated. However, the United Nations is doing a wonderful job in distributing food for the needy and refugees.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
Don’t neglect mental health
It’s true that there is a notion that the health of the body matters more than the mind (“Parineeti Chopra on how she battled depression”, Gulf News, October 14). The taboo associated with mental health forces society to ignore it where it reaches a severe stage. Today’s complex world demands a strong and healthy mind for the young ones as well as the old. But everyone tactfully tries to hide how they feel. Whether it is in schools, colleges or in office environments, everywhere it remains like unseen. If you want to confide in someone, it is always trustworthy to have parents to guide and depend on. When a strong and trustworthy person is there, it will help that person stand up in the face of hard times and they will be able to survive such situations. Naturally, mental health is as important as physical health.
From Ms Annie Rathi Samuel
USA
Speak up
It’s a social taboo to discuss mental health with the perception of being wrongly perceived since depression, anxiety and stress are considered to be worse than a disease. Firstly, people should identify that there is a problem, since most of us don’t do that. Next, it is important to know whom to talk to, since people are often confused and fear being mocked at and disgraced. Parents are the best people. People have anger issues because they are frustrated with the robotic lives and have little or no family time. It is important to start prioritising yourself. Speak up so that the volcano of emotions being trapped inside can eventually erupt.
From Mr Hyder Mirza
UAE
Speed limit not the answer
I am sure the relevant authorities of this great country reflected a long time before taking this decision. But in my opinion, speed is not the problem (“New Dubai speed limits take effect from Sunday”, Gulf News, October 16). The problem is the indiscipline on the roads, not just on principal highways. Another issue is the issue of people driving powerful pick-up trucks. I come from a culture of no or only few speed limits on major highways. Yet we are taught to be respectful and defensive on the roads, thereby avoiding accidents. I have been living here for 20 years and think that the problem starts with the driving instructors. The whole system of learning how to drive is questionable. Frankly, speed limits will not solve the problem.
From Mr Ulrich Eckhardt
UAE
Did not make the cut
No doubt, we are happy that cricket player Dinesh Karthik of Tamil Nadu has been recalled to the One Day International (ODI) squad to face the New Zealand team. At the same time, we feel sorry for Kannur Lokesh Rahul, who did not even get a single game in the ODI or Twenty20 to prove his fitness and potential. He has been dropped from the squad. Even our match winning spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been sidelined. It seems as though the team selectors are still proving to be a mystery. By dropping K.L. Rahul, they would have definitely dented his confidence level. Of course Dinesh Karthik too, as in the case of many talented players, is going to experience the same fate!
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
India
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