India needs to take action
The recent rape-murder in Kerala, India, was quite appalling, and cases similar to it continue to occur periodically all over the country (‘A week after rape-murder, Kerala police are still in the dark’, Gulf News, May 6). Jisha is just one among many who have become victims of male domination and brutal harassment, and bringing the culprits to the book has never helped stop the recurrence of such violence. The overhaul must begin from the administration, and the prevailing judicial system, wherein the politicians must extend their influence to keep the interests of the people safe at all times.
State politicians, those who are at the helm of power, as well as the opposition, must be charged for failures, as literacy has become a real curse for the state of Kerala. Those who are supposed to protect the people and property get the best in security, and categorically deny the interests of the mainstream community, which voted them into power.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Push for accountability
The brutal murder of Jisha in Kerala has raised an outcry in the state. The examination of the body revealed 38 injuries, including some deep wounds and scratches. The central government in India has sought a report from Kerala on the brutal rape of the Dalit law student after the matter was raised by several Members of Parliament (MP) in both the houses, demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits. The state government has decided to give a consolation of Dh55,000 to the bereaved family. They have also decided to give a government job to Jisha’s sister. The state police is under strong criticism, as it had not conducted a serious probe after the suspicion of rape was raised. The ruling front is in a soup now. The forthcoming election result is going to create a major setback for them.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Dealing with heinous crimes
I hope at least now, this incident will open the eyes of the lawmakers in India. The court proceedings for such brutal killings must be quick. The accused must also be dealt with to the full extent of the law, so that there is fear among the public and they never ever commit such heinous crimes. I hope a law will be passed by the Indian Parliament accordingly.
From Mr Manoj Nair
Sharjah
A great achievement
Well done to the girls who scored the highest in their board examinations (‘Dubai-based students score 98.75 per cent in Grade 12 Indian board exams’, Gulf News, May 7)! These excellent scores will no doubt grant them admission to the course of their choice in excellent universities. With such scores, it is obvious that they are smart young women, focusing on a career and not just a job. Well done!
From Ms Anu Alapatt
Perth, Australia
Facebook comment
Just be happy for them
I just don’t know why, but there are negative and discouraging comments going around on social media, regarding these girls doing well in their studies, with some saying their grades won’t guarantee them a job. Why can’t we just wish them happiness? For sure, they study hard, so why can we not just congratulate them and appreciate a job well done?
From Ms Maria Pelagia Solda Espejo
Dubai
Facebook comment
Let’s hear honest answers
Until we stop identifying people by their religious beliefs, we will always be at war (‘London makes history as Sadiq Khan becomes first Muslim mayor’, Gulf News, May 8)! I’m sick and tired of all this division, with people being vilified because of their religious beliefs. It should make no difference whatsoever. This is not about Sadiq Khan being a Muslim, it’s about how he is going to do his job. Is he going to stop everyone’s rights from being systematically taken away from them and create better situations for all those living in London? Or is he just as corrupt or corruptible as some of his predecessors? Is he going to be a fair, intelligent and wise mayor? What does he really stand for and has he proven he is the right man for the job? Is he going to do what he said he would do to get him elected, or is he now going to go back on his word? Is he going to be transparent and genuine? Really, our world is falling apart by design and focusing on the new mayor’s religious background isn’t helping. When are the great questions going to start being asked and answered with truth?
From Ms Poppe Elis
UAE
Facebook comment
Let it be
London’s new mayor is British and he loves being addressed as a British citizen, just like Piyush ‘Bobby’ Jindal, a US governor, is a proud American even though he has Indian origins. There is no need to be upset that news reports aren’t mentioning Khan’s Pakistani origins. One’s country of origin is just an identity, and often, people have nothing else in common with people from their homeland.
From Mr Anandkumar Nagabushanam
UAE
Facebook comment
Congratulations to him
Khan has won the hearts of the British public because he is a kind man who seems trustworthy. He visited my church on more than two occasions as a guest speaker. I have had the pleasure of meeting him at my daughter’s kindergarten graduation, also. He will make a good mayor. Congratulations to him. I, too, would have voted for him had I been in London!
From Mr Tai Duncan
UAE
Facebook comment
Religion shouldn’t matter
Why should there be a fuss regarding whether to associate him with Islam or Pakistan? The fact is that Khan is a British citizen. He was elected not because of his religion — he is qualified and admired.
From Mr Tio Nugroho
Dubai
Facebook comment
Proven to the world
Khan is a common man, who struggled and won. As a noble person, he has proved to sceptics that Muslims are good people, but some narrow-minded people will never see reason. I wish him good luck for the future.
From Mr Mujahid Hussain
Dubai
Facebook comment
Respect everyone
No need to emphasise Khan’s religion. He is British. We are all human beings, let’s respect and love one another no matter what our race and religion.
From Mr Daniel Teraza Itong
UAE
Facebook comment
Democratic success
Hats off to the British democratic system, where the son of a bus driver from Pakistan can become the mayor of London!
From Mr Parvez Shahid Tunio
Dubai
Facebook comment
Killing for power
Sometimes, I despise the behaviour of humans, because for thousands of years, people have been killed for kingdoms and power (‘Air strikes on refugee camp kill dozens’, Gulf News, May 5). Today is no exception. The US, Israel, Russia and Iran are killing people for their in their lust for power.
From Mr S. I. Alexander
Dubai
Facebook comment
Too soon to divorce
I think that this woman made her decision far too early (‘Wife divorces husband five days into marriage’, Gulf News, May 5). Islam teaches us to practise patience and not anger. You cannot judge a person on the basis of religion. Seeking a divorce isn’t a sin, but it also isn’t encouraged. Humanity is most important. This would have been sorted out, if the parents had cleared this issue before marriage.
FROM MS U. NIMRAH
UAE
Facebook comment
Not a solution
This is very good, but instead of running away, first, she should try to teach her husband to turn to Islam. A woman can do anything, but I don’t think that divorce was the solution.
FROM MR ZEIDAN ZAIN
UAE
Facebook comment
She should help him
Perhaps in his house or at school, nobody taught him to pray or to take his religion seriously. His wife could have helped him instead of asking for a divorce. There are men who pray a lot, but have no respect for their families. We must continue to love, forgive and teach our dear ones. She should have done the same thing and if it was not in her hands, she could have told her parents.
FROM MS AGGIMA EASON BARETTO
UAE
Facebook comment
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
