Justice must not be delayed in Asifa case
The rape and murder of an innocent child — Asifa — was a horrible, beastly act (“Amid nationwide grief and anger, Indian minister Maneka wants death for child rapists”, Gulf News, April 14). This was probably worse than the Nirbhaya case in New Delhi. India should stand behind Asifa’s family, irrespective of religious or political differences, and demand justice. This incident is a crime against humanity and the culprits should be punished. I can’t imagine the horror and pain this little girl went through, but all people seem to be talking about is religion and politics. It is not fair. What if she was our daughter or sister? How can people be so insensitive and biased? The worst part is that the crime happened inside a temple, and no one could save her life. There should be zero tolerance for any assault on children, and the Indian judiciary should act quickly, because in many cases, justice is delayed and denied. A fast-track court should be set up and capital punishment should be given to all the culprits.
From Mr Eappen Elias
UAE
Where is the law?
Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, the Indian government only seems to be protecting cows. There seems to be no such law to punish rapists or the lynching minorities. Many of these people go scot-free even after a trial. Narendra Modi’s government and his followers should be ashamed.
From Mr Laeeq Waheed
UAE
Facebook comment
Crime and punishment
I am ashamed of humanity. Why can’t India be more rigid in criminalising such horrific actions? Instead, some blame such incidents on the inability to manage such a vast population. Are they serious?
From Ms Masarrat Z. Shaikh
Dubai
Facebook comment
Just another gimmick
Though late, it is heartening to note that the Congress party President, Rahul Gandhi, held a midnight vigil at India Gate to demand justice for the eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir who was raped and murdered. But had he undertaken such a vigil during Congress’ tenures, women like Nirbhaya would have been alive today. Of course, it is a pity that such crimes are on the rise, not only in Jammu and Kashmir, but also in other states in India. During such incidents, it has become common practice for political leaders to come out with such gimmicks, like midnight vigils, and this is done not only by the Congress, but even the BJP and other regional parties. Ironically, once they come into power, they forget their gimmicks and the atrocities continue to happen. Ultimately, it is the common man who continues to suffer in our country.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
India
Shameful moment for humanity
A child, belonging to any religion, deserves only love and affection, not this brutality. Extreme punishment should be meted out to the culprits! This is a very sad incident and a blot on humanity.
From Ms Farah Naqvi
UAE
Facebook comment
Laws are weak
It’s a shame for India. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be tried and hanged to death. They have no place in a civilised world. I believe India’s laws are, often, very weak and can be politically manipulated. The BJP government is weak in such matters.
From Mr Narendra Gajria
UAE
Facebook comment
Why bring religion into it?
Now, people are staging protests everywhere, burning cities and the livelihood of the poor people. The matter will then be shifted to the Central Board of Investigation (CBI), a report will be submitted after five years, and then a judgment will be given within four to five years after that. The culprits will go to jail and will come out on bail. The drama goes on and on. The question is — why is this incident turning out to be a religious matter? Who is responsible for it?
From Mr Adnan Mustafa Shaikh
UAE
Facebook comment
Can’t decide the punishment
Capital punishment is a matter of discussion in this case, for sure. It is hard to say which one is more painful or justified: Swift death in a couple of minutes or spending the rest of one’s life in jail, waiting for death to come. Also, the question is whether we have the right to take away someone’s life? If we do, then aren’t we committing the same sin that the other person has done and is being judged for?
From Mr Aashish Siingh
UAE
Facebook comment
Not a religious conflict
It’s not about any religion. We should change our mindset in India. We should not fear any political parties, and focus on punishment for the culprits. Though, in this case, I think any punishment is not enough — they should beg for death.
From Mr Anil Radhakrishnan Dubai
Please do something
The incident is shocking, shameful and gives me a sense of helplessness. There have been many cases of rape in India and year after year, the names of the girls change, the incidents get more brutal, the country is left shaken, but nothing is done. The laws are the same and there is no accountability. I don’t know when these politicians will learn. When will they understand that women are not safe in India, and this is not an opinion anymore. Girls are dying and it has nothing to do with wearing make-up, revealing clothes or staying out too late. I hope that something is done in the near future. We cannot sit back and watch these hooligans butcher our women.
From Ms Alia Mathur
Dubai
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