Respect motorcyclists, keep the roads safe
I have been riding a motorcycle since I was young, and I am 47 years old now (‘New Dubai law bans use of recreational motorbikes in residential areas’, Gulf News, May 16). I welcome any and all legislation that improves the safety of motorcyclists – be it certified helmets, mandatory protective gear or any other measure. However, the biggest issue is not the motorcyclists, as we know we are unlikely to survive in any accident, rather the taxi, van or truck drivers who have no respect for motorcyclists on the road. Traffic rules apply to everyone. I would urge everyone to please be aware of motorcycle users on the road, to help make Dubai roads safe for all of us.
From Mr Petteri Terho
Dubai
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Dangerous driving
The other day, I was driving just under 140km/h on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, when I saw a motorist come up behind me (‘Facebook video: Brush up on your driving skills because bad driving will cost you more from July 1’, Gulf News, May 16). He tailgated me and left only inches worth of space between his vehicle and mine. I waited until I had the space to shift to the second lane, but would just like to say that just because some people drive large cars doesn’t mean they have the right to fly! This kind of driving is what causes accidents.
From Mr Danish Khan
UAE
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The trouble with juveniles
According to the Indian Panel Court, the punishment for minors on committing a crime is not what an adult or anyone above 18 years old deserves. As such, if an underage child is found guilty, he is given a period of three years for counselling and supervision, in order to integrate with society, because the modus operandi is not to label him as a criminal. Due to leniency in the law, a juvenile is the most vulnerable target for notorious gangs in India. There are reports that criminals and infamous gangs are targeting such children, to commit rape, murder and to instigate riots.
It is unfortunate that whenever a juvenile is apprehended, he is sent to a juvenile home and once he is out, there is no vigilance or follow-up for the child. As a result, many children either become more notorious in the crime world or team up with local gangs. There is no denying that the Juvenile Act is encouraging children under 18 to commit murder, rape and robbery, because they know that they can get away with only three years because of the age factor. Several Indian lawmakers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Juvenile Act and have demanded that the law is made stricter, so that underage children cannot take undue advantage, on account of leniency in the law.
Remember that unless there is a severe punishment or strict law, there is no hope of curbing crimes being committed by young people.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
Militant attack
Amid a crackdown on Daesh militants, five terrorists from the same family blew themselves up after stabbing a fire-fighter to death during a police raid on their hide-out in Bangladesh. As the police tried to storm the hideout, the militants came out and set off explosions. Police rescued two children who exited the premises before the terror suspects came out. This incident reveals that Bangladesh is also seemingly falling into the grip of terrorism.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Salute to Pakistan’s players
What an incredible win for Pakistani cricket, and in particular, for Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan (‘Misbah & Younis: Walking into the golden sunset’, Gulf News, May 16). Misbah is undoubtedly the best skipper that Pakistan has produced after Imran Khan. The laurels Misbah has brought to Pakistan’s cricket are memorable. His name will be held in high esteem by every Pakistani. His captaincy skills, batting class, fitness and extremely composed temperament should be the greatest inspiration for youngsters.
Khan’s contribution to Pakistan’s team is that he is the best any player could ask for. A definite match-winning batsman, Khan has shown his class various times on the field. Being the highest scoring player for Pakistan is just one side of the coin. Actually, it is his winning attitude on the field that will be remembered always. My salute to Misbah and Khan!
I hope our cricketing structure in Pakistan is able to produce more players of this class, not at the age of 30, but at the prime age of 18.
From Ms Khaula Shahbaz Rao
Lahore, Pakistan
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