Verdict offers peace of mind
The UAE justice system is one of the best in the world, hats off to the swift response of both the police and judiciary (‘Death sentence for Obaida’s killer’, Gulf News, August 16). It not only shows progress of a modern skill-based society, but also of equality and justice for all regardless of nationality or religion. Once again with this verdict, the authorities have clearly indicated that crime will not be tolerated and any event that disturbs the peace of mind of the residents of this country will be dealt with sternly.
From Mr Ajay Bhatia
Dubai
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Protecting children
I know the pain of the family will not go away, but at least they got justice for Obaida. This will bring them some respite. Good judgement will not only bring the family justice and peace, but there will be one less sexual predator out there. This will keep those children safe who could have fallen victim to this criminal had he not been punished properly. This might also deter those having tendencies of committing similar crimes.
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
UAE
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Condolences to the family
I feel very bad for the family of the young boy. Thank God that this man is being dealt with appropriately. God will give him his punishment. My sincere heartfelt condolences to the family of the boy. He is in heaven now.
From Ms Carol Ann
Abu Dhabi
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Pain remains in pending cases
India should learn to make such decisions. There should not be enough time for the culprits to defend and fabricate stories and buy time. There are millions of cases pending, which only give pain and injustice to victims and their families, but we can hail the decision of the Dubai courts. Such heinous crimes deserve the death penalty. I also feel sad for Obaida’s parents. The loss cannot be replaced. May his soul rest in peace.
From Mr Girish Borkar
Dubai
Facebook comment
Think twice
That’s a very good decision. Criminals should be punished and that’s a good punishment that will make people think twice before troubling other people, especially children.
From Ms Vithaldas Geeta
Port Louis, Mauritius
Facebook comment
This is the correct method!
What this man did is despicable. However, I am shocked with the people who would like to see barbaric and, frankly, more violent punishment. I feel that his sentence is best carried out with and by the authorities and they do not need to provide ghoulish entertainment for the masses. If justice is done by the authorities, I am content. In the UAE, we do not need to stoop to such barbaric acts of public punishments.
From Ms Janice Hilton
UAE
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India’s quest for prosperity
The Indian president’s address on the eve of the country’s Independence Day reiterates the fact that attacks on minority sections in the country cannot be tolerated anymore (‘President attacks divisive forces’, Gulf News, August 15). Such recurring assaults on a section of the community will have a hefty impact on the progress of a culturally rich country like India.
India had recently witnessed a number of cases where people in lower classes became victims of political intolerance, apparently upsetting the harmony it maintains. The people of India cannot accept anymore of such incidents on fellow countrymen, as its traditions never allowed us to degrade and disregard human values that have been carried on for centuries.
The freedom that every individual has allows people to opt for the best of their political choices and must have the wisdom to look at their neighbours through the same looking glass. As the country evolves in various aspects, political parties must have a thoughtful approach on issues that have an influence on the existence of the people. Therefore, it’s time for the refined youth of today to come forward and sway the political network in the country in the quest of prosperity.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Modi emphasised achievements
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in New Delhi, India addressed that social unity is a distinctive feature of our society and how we are all part of one family. We all have to fight against social evils and have to support social justice for which our great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar always stood for. Modi further emphasised that violence is a global threat. India will not tolerate terrorism and Maoism. He also said: “Violence and cruelty have no place in India.”
We need to rise above divisions of caste and creed. India’s values, more especially the idea of ‘unity in diversity’ have kept this country together. Making a reference to neighbouring country Pakistan, the Prime Minister said: “I say to our neighbours, ‘Let’s fight poverty, by fighting our own people we will destroy ourselves, only by fighting poverty together will we prosper.’”
He also appealed to the youth of the country to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream, saying they have not achieved anything by taking the path of terror and extremism. Other issues that Modi covered in his speech were related to his government’s good governance and the progress of various government schemes, improvements in agriculture, women empowerment, financial growth and the new Goods and Services Tax (GST).
From Dr Shiben Krishen Raina
Alwar, India
Celebrating India
India celebrates her independence from British rule every August 15, and along with it comes a great sense of patriotism and pride. The toil of our freedom fighters and national leaders will forever be remembered.
However, we should celebrate the occasion as India Day, instead of Independence Day. India is a strong, diverse, economic power today. We are respected on the global stage and I believe India Day fits in with India’s new identity.
From Mr Ranjan Matthew
Dubai
Kerala is a brand
The praising of Keralites as true representatives of India by an eminent judge got widespread publicity within India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. Even though citizens of other states cannot glorify that appreciation as such, nobody can deny several facts in his detailed Facebook post, such as hardworking, tolerant, literate and competent Keralites. He made special mention regarding the presence of Kerala nurses all over the world and throughout the Gulf. Keralites might be the first people from India who dared to immigrate to other parts of the world in search of jobs. The pioneers set a good example before their employers. In fact, Keralites created a brand name among other Indians.
The presence of largest number of English schools, specialty hospitals, airports, telephone connectivity, media influence in society all make Kerala a unique place in India.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Treating customers equally
It was sad to hear that a power outage resulted in the cancellation of 250 flights of Delta Airlines, along with more than 1,000 passengers stranded and spending their night in the airport (‘Delta Air Lines to cancel nearly 250 flights’, Gulf News, August 10). But, the incident of the same airline removing a Muslim-Pakistani couple only because they were sweating and using the word ‘Allah’ was more outrageous and shocking. The airline should apologise for this incident and the crew that raised the alarm must be removed from the job along with the pilot who protested not to fly until the couple was removed. Being the third largest airline in the US, it is their responsibility to treat all the passengers equally without racism.
From Mr Saud Saleem
Abu Dhabi
Politicians never change
It is really shameful and ridiculous that our Sports Minister and his wards think that they are above the law and could get away with any violation of the Olympic rules (‘India despairs over Rio flops’, Gulf News, August 16). I feel the person who violated the rules should be punished by the Indian central government. While the Sports Ministry officials are silent on the improvements of sports in the country, they never miss an opportunity to travel around the world to have a photoshoot with our players, to embarrass the nation. With this present incident, the minister has once again proved that all politicians are the same, regardless of which political party they come from.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Won many hearts
India’s Dipa Karmakar missed the medal by a whisker at the Olympics, but she won the hearts of a billion people (‘India gymnast Dipa Karmakar within a whisker of medal’, Gulf News, August 15).
From Mr Sanal Kumar
Abu Dhabi
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Part of the game
She should be proud of herself. Winning and losing is part of the game. Well done, Karmakar.
From Ms Nudrat Zahoor
UAE
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