BJP must desist from creating division
It seems to me that when this era’s chapter is written in the history books of India, it should be clearly specified that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government tried to change the eating habits of the Indian people. Cow slaughter is slowly being banned in certain states in India, and it is already creating a division between hard-core vegetarians and people who eat meat.
The growing consensus of the general public in India is that no government can tell its people what they should eat. It is, indeed, a violation of the fundamental rights of people. The BJP government would do well to desist from frivolous ventures that would create religious divisions among the people. Leave beef alone!
From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel
Kerala, India
Stop the violence
The St. Petersburg metro bombing was greatly saddening (“St Petersburg blast suspect named”, Gulf News, April 5). After the recent UK Parliament attack, this incident was really shocking. The number of people killed rose to 14 and 50 civilians were treated for varying degrees of injury. However, the motive behind this attack is yet to be known. Now, apart from airports and public places, railway stations are being targeted by terrorists.
Russia is fighting against terrorism, along with the international community, and this unacceptable attack is a challenging issue for the Russian Federation. In recent reports, terrorists have been mainly targeting Europe. Hence, the international community should not delay in eradicating these threats and ending acts of violence. I pray for the victims and their grieving family members.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
It could cause harm
The more people know about us, the more power they have over our lives (“Facebook debate: Should governments access encrypted messaging apps?”, Gulf News, April 9). In the event that global governments get access to personal data, contacts and messages, it can be used as a tool to exercise control over the population. For instance, if anyone or any agency can hack into a government’s classified data, all confidential messages would go into the wrong hands, which could cause individuals great harm. Our smartphones contain so much information, from what we are doing every day, to where our work is going to take us. Without knowledge of what data is used, how it is used, considering the possibility to correct and alter it, we would be virtually helpless. So, if given a chance, I would vote against this.
From Ms Megna Rajagopal
UAE
Facebook comment
Understanding diversity
We live in a country bound by diversity. I am not only talking about ethnic and religious diversities, but also about the interesting diversity of opinions. It is really hard to walk more than a kilometre and not come across someone who has a different opinion than you on a particular topic. This should not stand out as an issue, because a homogeneous society is a boring and mundane one, after all.
The vibrancy of opinions makes a society lively and engaging. When we listen to the wants and beliefs of people from different walks of life, we are able to see the world from a new perspective.
Everyone has the right to hold their own opinion. It is important that we inculcate in ourselves, the respect of other people’s beliefs. We must listen and try to understand opposing perspectives, and then bring forth our own. Mature discussions are the ideal way to build a society that can come close to the utopia that we all want.
From Ms Paakhi Bhatnagar
Dubai
Well done
I think US President Donald Trump is doing a great job for the United States and the American people (“Trump aims to limit popular HB-1 visa program”, Gulf News, April 4).
From Ms T. B. Thapa
Kathmandu, Nepal
Facebook comment
Political intervention
If this is an honest move by Trump, then I guess India and Pakistan should welcome such an initiative, because the world is in desperate need of love and peace (“Trump may get involved in India-Pakistan peace process: Haley”, Gulf News, April 4).
From Mr Sheraz Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
Federer blazes on
After recuperating from a knee surgery for six months in 2016, the sun shines brightly on Roger Federer, the Swiss ace (“Time to rest before Federer’s dream continues”, Gulf News, April 3). His amazing win in Melbourne shocked everyone. He started 2017 in great style, beating his arch-nemesis Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open. He bested his compatriot Stan Wawrinka at Indian Wells and won against Nadal at the Miami Open in straight sets. His dedication to tennis, his drive to succeed, his focus and hard work are all inspirational for many aspiring hopefuls. So is his humility and impeccable demeanour on and off the court. If he remains healthy and keeps playing the same way as he is doing now, he will be sure to finish the season as world number one.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
UAE
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