Both parties acted illegally
A woman was riding with two children on a scooter, which is a crime (‘Woman hit with a brick for not paying bribe’, Gulf News, May 12). The children were not wearing helmets and she jumped a red light, both of which are crimes. A policeman stopped her and asked her for a bribe, which is also a crime. The woman tried to run away after being stopped and seeing this, the police officer tried to stop her. The scooter lost balance and the woman and children fell to the ground. The woman got up and hit the police officer with a stone. Hitting an officer on duty is a big crime. The officer retaliated by hitting the woman with a brick, which is, again, a crime. This is the actual account of what happened on that day. The police officer must be punished for asking for a bribe. But he holds as much right of self-defence as that woman. If he was being hit with stones, he is bound to retaliate, irrespective of the gender of the person trying to hit him. The interesting thing is that nobody is questioning the woman on how she put her own life and the lives of her children at risk. Why is she not being questioned about trying to hit an officer on duty with a stone?
From Mr Dushan
UAE
Website comment
Reform policing institutions
Where has the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gone at this hour of need? This Delhi police officer should be imprisoned for life for hitting a woman with a brick. Otherwise, the consequences could be stringent punishment so that no one dares to commit such atrocities in future. As far as breaking traffic rules, book the offenders with penalty points, as is done in many other countries. The daring demand for extra monetary benefits also speaks volumes about people’s low salaries and long hours of duty. The Indian government needs to think and bring urgent reforms to this system very soon. Additionally, this constable should be punished and treated as an example, so that everyone is aware about what happens with this kind of behaviour. I think it will help create changes in the welfare of citizens in the future.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
Persistent gender bias
Stop bringing gender into everything and always portraying the woman as an innocent victim. The fault in the woman’s actions in this case needs to be addressed and all the facts need to be highlighted. She is equally to be blamed for not wearing a helmet and first attacking a government official. These days, it is even a crime to question a woman. Don’t glorify or demean people on the basis of gender. Of course, the conduct of the policeman is not at all acceptable, but the sad thing is that no one is questioning the woman who is smart enough to play the victim card again!
From Mr Anirban Ray
UAE
Website comment
Epitome of unwavering tolerance
As an expatriate, I feel privileged to be living in a country such as the UAE, where a diverse array of religions are accommodated for and a peaceful coexistence is promoted (‘Letters to the editor: UAE is peaceful and tolerant’, Gulf News, May 12). Over here, I can celebrate festivals linked with my religion, like Christmas and Easter. Being born in the UAE, I remember celebrating various festivities of other religions with my sister when we were young — festivals like Diwali and Holi. In the UAE, I also had the chance to celebrate occasions like Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of Islamic principles through Ramadan. The UAE is the epitome of unwavering tolerance. I would like to thank the rulers for giving us expatriates the freedom to practice our religion. And I offer my gratitude to the UAE authorities for managing the diverse community in order to experience complete religious freedom.
From Ms Nicole Ann George
Dubai
Stopping a match winner
This is in reference to Gulf News’ report that English cricketer Kevin Pieterson, despite scoring a triple century, was told that his career was over (‘‘Trust issue’ to keep KP out’, Gulf News, May 13). It is really shocking to know that English captain Andrew Strauss has shattered the dreams of Pieterson. Had this been the case with a cricketer of any other country, people like Pieterson, who are still going strong and are potential match winners, would have found a place in the playing team. But, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is playing a different ball game. They are prepared to face another whitewash during the Ashes series. In fact, it would be a surprise even if they face such humiliation against the touring New Zealand team. I feel only God can save English cricket!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Crossed fingers for cricket
It’s wonderful news that there might be a Pakistan versus India cricket match in the UAE (‘Pakistan vs India: UAE the battleground for cricket’s biggest clash’, Gulf News, May 11). I hope the UAE board will receive the official confirmation soon. We expatriates are looking forward to enjoying big matches here in the UAE!
From Mr Mateen Khan
UAE
Website comment
Russia celebrates
Russian President Vladimir Putin deserves a bouquet for presiding over a huge military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary victory over Nazi Germany, brushing off a snub by Western leaders over Ukraine (‘Putin leads huge commemorative WWII march through Moscow’, Gulf News, May 10). Addressing thousands of foreign delegates, dignitaries and war veterans, Putin ignored the boycott and thanked the UK, France and the US for their contributions to Nazi Germany’s defeat. More than 16,000 soldiers, including troops from China, India, Mongolia, Serbia and several ex-Soviet states, also marched past the leaders from 30 countries.
It is reported that the cutting-edge military equipment, such as the next generation Armata T-14 tank and a nuclear missile system, rumbled through the square, along with the famed war-era T-34 tanks, in one of the biggest Victory Day celebrations in decades. It was a red-letter day for Vladimir Putin, as well as for all proud Russians.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Revenge doesn’t work
The woman in Saudi Arabia who took extreme measures against her husband (he was bringing home a second wife) was childish, and now I understand why he decided to marry again (‘Saudi woman’s revenge on husband over ‘second wife’’, Gulf News, May 11)! Maybe I shouldn’t blame her, but she should have a little common sense, before indulging in actions, such as racking up huge traffic fines. Now, who will suffer? I think this gives her husband even bigger reasons to turn against her.
From Mr George A.
UAE
Website comment
Salaries have low linear growth
It is not true that the salaries in UAE are much less, in comparison to other countries (‘Wanted pay hike: Most UAE residents unhappy with income’, Gulf News, May 12). The inflation here is very high, though. The cost of living is not proportionate to the value. Rents have increased drastically, school fees are the same and, on the other hand, salaries have a low linear growth.
From Mr Abdullah
UAE
Website comment
Employers must take care
Normally, it’s the responsibility of the employers that the employee is provided with a residence, transportation and medical insurance. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen always and residents end up not getting all benefits and facilities, even though their pay is very low.
From Mr Mohammad Anis
Dubai
Facebook comment
Struggle to make it work
It’s good to see an article like this, that is talking about something real. I haven’t received a pay raise for the past three years and now, my rent has increased by Dh2,000 per month, along with other bills to pay. I’m struggling to make ends meet every month. It will be good if employers can consider this fact.
From a reader
UAE
Name withheld on request
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