Investigations needed in Sri Lanka
It is unfortunate to know that still the minority of Tamils in Sri Lanka are tortured by police and military personal even after the civil war ended in 2009 (‘Sri Lanka war crimes to figure in Geneva’, Gulf News, September 14). Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives over the past 26 years due to civil war and even now the minority Tamil people, who were once believed to be the sympathisers of the Tamil Tigers, are targeted and treated inhumanely. The report published by Freedom from Torture should be taken seriously by the present Sri Lankan government and there should be remedial measures to address the issue and treat them equally.
The UN and human rights group should send a delegation to Sri Lanka and take immediate measures to protect the rights of Tamils within the frame work of Sri Lanka’s constitution. As demanded by the human rights group, a thorough enquiry should be done regarding the war crimes, which were reported during the crushing of the insurgency of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It’s reported that thousands of innocent people, including women and children were massacred and buried during the last days of the war. Now that former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is out of power, a free inquiry should be done with UN monitoring so that justice can be done for the affected people.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
A dangerous game
The danger with politics is that it blackens the heart of the politicians to the point where their eyes can no longer see the essence of being human (‘Germany at ‘limit of capacity’ as refugee numbers surge’, Gulf News, September 14). I pray for Syria and all refugees around the world.
From Mr Mo Ali
UAE
Facebook comment
Why the big fuss?
I don’t understand the uproar over people spending a lot of money on their licence plates because it’s their money and they can spend it on whatever they like (‘Licence plate auction fetches Dh22m’, Gulf News, September 14). Who are we to judge? We have no idea if and how much they have already given to charity. No need to point fingers at others. Only God can judge us.
From Ms Sofia Shireen Al Mashjari
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Better uses?
God will not ask them which license plate they had. Instead they could have helped hundreds of poor families for that much money. We all need to ask ourselves what’s important: a license plate or helping poor people, especially refugees.
From Mr Mustafa Sarwary
UAE
Facebook comment
A wise investment
If you buy an expensive new car, it loses 30 per cent of its value in the first year and no one gets criticised. But, buying a number plate that appreciates in value every year is a stupid thing? It’s an easy form of investment and it adds value to the car’s image. They’re neither buying it with your money nor losing their money. Stop judging and get over it!
From Mr Ahmad Ghaznavid
Sharjah
Facebook comment
The grieving children
For the past couple weeks, I was deeply saddened to open the newspapers and see pictures of children with their families, their innocent eyes wondering and searching for answers for why all of a sudden are their pictures being taken (‘Cabinet mourns martyrs’, Gulf News, September 14)? Why are a lot of people visiting their houses? They might be wondering when their fathers would return! As I empathise with them, I cannot imagine their pain. The mothers who would never see their sons, children who would never see their fathers, the brothers and sisters who would be more determined to proudly serve the nation.
I was so touched by the leaders of the UAE paying their respect by visiting the martyrs’ homes and by offering absentee funeral prayers for them in the mosques. I am proud to live in the land of the 52 selfless martyrs who laid their lives for their brothers in Yemen.
From now on when I stand every day to sing the UAE national anthem in school, I will say a silent prayer for the departed souls who sacrificed their lives to defend what is right. On the occasion of the World Peace Day on September 21, let us all pledge to make the world more tolerant, peaceful and happy. Let the sacrifice of these martyrs not go in vain. Let there be freedom and peace in the world for all!
From Ms Armaan Farooqui
Sharjah
Unique protest in India
Unknown largely to the world outside, a labour strike of a new kind has been brewing for the past one week in Kerala’s well known tourist location, Munnar, India (‘Women strikers chase away MLA in Munnar’, Gulf News, September 13). The agitation by around 10,000 people mostly comprised of women against management of a tea plantation has a unique situation since these workers have entirely dismissed all offers by leaders of various trade unions to mediate with the representatives of the company. In fact, the surprising unrest which spilled onto the streets spontaneously was not initiated by trade unions, rather it happened without leadership when the women who work for them for meagre wages collectively raised their voices and alleged many under the table deals between company management and trade union leaders who take the workers for a ride with false promises.
If this incident is an indication how the regional trade union and political party members are going to be treated by the working class in Kerala in the coming days, then it surely appears like a welcome sign for many underpaid and exploited workforce in the state whose dependency on untrustworthy leaders have come at a cost to them for many years.
The agitation of the tea plantation workers sans trade unions is a trendsetter that the straightforward approach to demand what is due to them will eliminate corruption and devious attempts of those who try to wheel and deal during the negotiation process between workers and employers. The clever tactics of politicians in the state have become less effective and people have begun to see what truly lies behind the intentions of those who come purportedly to support them.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
UAE
Fees for 999
I think that if the municipalities asked for payment for issues such as dialing 999 unnecessarily then people would stop (‘Dial 999 for emergencies only’, Gulf News, September 13). The calling money could be deducted from their mobile bill. I think that these calls would reduce and genuine people will easily get their calls connected.
From Mr Sam Meer
Hyderabad, India
Facebook comment
Not their job
Now this work is being left for the Sharjah Police? This woman needs to understand that the Sharjah Police don’t work for her to bring her parrot back.
From Mr Abdul Rahman Bin Nasir
Sharjah
Facebook comment
The police will help
The UAE people know that the police will help, so even if it’s not an emergency, the woman still called because she needed help.
From Ms Stella L. Abrea
UAE
Facebook comment
Misuse is everywhere
All over the world there are people who don’t have commonsense and misuse emergency services. How do you get people to stop?
From Mr Yazdi H. Malu
UAE
Facebook comment
Always show concern
Hats off to this loyal community, especially the police. Even for this matter, they are concerned. God gives peace only to those who are on the right path. This includes being patient and caring towards others.
From Mr Anis Mullah
Dubai
Facebook comment
Residents are comfortable
This doesn’t make sense, however I see that the people who live here are so close to the police that they will ask for help for anything. I appreciate the police for giving the people such care and a comfortable environment.
From Mr Ahmad Ifthikar
UAE
Facebook comment
Editors’ 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 us @GNReaders.
