Separate Telangana state
When new countries are born because of under-development and discrimination, asking for a separate state is a reasonable demand (“Protest spreads to trains in Telangana”, Gulf News, July 14). Like South Sudan, Telangana, in India, is bestowed with natural resources such as flowing perennial rivers and abundant mineral resources, yet this region was never developed. All these resources, including employment, have been looted under the Andhra-Rayalseema regime. Many of the people working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries come from India. Lack of job opportunities and agricultural developmental activities had forced these people to migrate to the GCC countries. There were agitations and agreements in the past but none of them were honoured. Congress is now toying with the old idea of forming an independent council for Telangana. All these proved to be failures. In my opinion, making Telangana a separate state within the Indian constitution is the only long-lasting solution for this vexed problem.
From Mr Vijay Bhasker Reddy
Abu Dhabi
The future of Rahul
The general and political intentions of Rahul Gandhi seem to be ambitious but his worst enemy seems to be that he is from the Gandhi family (“Rahul needs to show a broader vision”, Gulf News, July 12). Not all Indians, let alone a few political leaders, are ready to accept another scion of the family to lead the country. However, his eagerness to follow his father’s footsteps in boosting up a clean image for himself and the Congress has helped but not to a great extent. Focusing on farming and backward uplift alone won’t work. In the long run, he might make a wonderful leader with enough experience and a strong vision.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
Regulation
For the kind of quality of life and security offered in the UAE I do not mind paying the extra bit (“Abu Dhabi, Dubai most expensive cities in Gulf”, Gulf News, July 13). The only part that I dislike is the way rents increase when the going gets good. Rents end up taking away more than 40 per cent of my salary. It would help the public if the authorities took over the leasing business — let all owners list their property with the authorities’ registered offices. This way they can regulate rents as per area and the public takes it on a first come first served basis from these registered offices. This will eradicate any possibility of brokers raising rents at every given opportunity.
From Mr Latif Shaikh
Dubai
Website comment
Rents still too high
I completely agree with Mr Latif Shaikh’s comment. I think it is time the authorities do something about the rent issue. Although the rents seem to be falling, it is still difficult for people to pay for it, especially in Abu Dhabi. I really wish they would do something about this.
From Ms Sumiyya
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Stability is more important
Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai are in this list of most expensive cities, their political stability has sustained the quality of living at a higher rate compared to its Middle East and North Africa neighbours. Due to this, investors are expected to return since the country remains the commercial hub in the GCC.
From Mr Alan Bacason
Dubai
Website comment
Accident about to happen
I stay on Naif Road, Dubai and every day I have to cross the road to reach the mosque which is on the opposite side. Crossing the road using the pedestrian crossing is a big problem for us as motorists hardly stop to allow pedestrians to cross the road.
Humps are really a must if the authorities are seriously thinking of avoiding accidents at pedestrian crossings. The Naif Road crossing is like “an accident waiting to happen”.
From Mr Riyaz Ahmad
Dubai
