You'll be grateful
I think this is an excellent way to move forward ("Want your bonus? Cut the flab", Gulf News, August 19). It would promote healthier lifestyles and encourage individuals to make an effort to exercise. In the beginning it would seem difficult but later on everyone will thank the Ministry of Health for coming up with this helpful idea.
From Ms Nadia Seddiqi
Sharjah

Look into it
The fire accident at Khalid Port is a perfect example for one to understand the importance of safety ("Massive fire breaks out at Sharjah port", Gulf News, August 18). Having an oil company in the near vicinity of other manufacturing units is an unsafe practice. I was among those watching this fire being put out. The concerned authorities should please look into it and ensure that disaster management systems can combat such incidents.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request

Assuring rights
While exposing the myth of Indian secularism, Kuldip Nayar has forcefully advocated the case of suffering of the Indian Muslim minority ("Indian secularism has a long way to go", Gulf News, August 18). The bluff of equal rights of minorities is now a glaring fact. If India wants real progress and to be counted as a "super power", then fundamental rights in the constitution must be guaranteed and assured to all.
From Mr Mohammad Iqbal
Dubai

Political scars
I am truly impressed by the article written by Kuldip Nayar. It's not the extremists but the Maharashtra government that is a key factor responsible for the riots - trying to prove by attempting to pull down the ruling party. In any case the politically driven riots have left scars on both the communities with bitter feelings towards each other. Even today my heart cries when I recall the barbarism inflicted on fellow brethren. Women being the ones primarily targeted.
From Ms Neena Baig
Dubai

Think and speak
Taslima Nasrin is now trying to create tension in a particular community after creating much furore over her controversial book ("Islamists offer reward for eliminating Nasrin if author does not leave country", Gulf News, August 18). She got asylum in India so she should recognise the good heart of the country and keep herself away from any move that instigates violence. Even though we have the freedom of expression, we should adhere to a limit. People's work shouldn't do any harm to others. She knew the religious sensitivities of India; even the slightest provocation could lead to catastrophe.
From Mr Adil Sulaiman
Dubai

Melting iron
If Japan experienced 40.9?C heat and train rails got bent, then is it possible that people over there are stronger than iron ("Japan heat wave claims 6", Gulf News, August 16)? How is it possible that train rails, which are definitely made of iron, got bent by a mere 40.9?C and people survived? It is understood that iron melts at temperatures of over 100?C. I haven't seen metal bend/melt in Dubai, where the common temperatures on hot days is in the 40s.
From Mr Narendra Sadhawani
Dubai

Salary rises
Each year the authorities raise the salary of employees. But still some companies don't follow directives in this respect. The news circulates in the media that salaries have been raised by 20 per cent. However, I have noticed that a five to seven per cent raise is given to lower level staff and up to 20 per cent to upper levels. There is a need for blanket enforcement of these directives in each establishment without any discrimination. Let us not forget that the increase in the cost of living affects each and every employee.
From Mr Rehmat Ali
Dubai

NOC matters
It is an important and serious matter to be addressed by the Ministry of Labour, regarding the No Objection Certificate, to transfer a job. Even after completing the contract one needs the mercy of an employer to change the visa. The Ministry of Labour should allow anybody to change the visa once they complete the contract without any violation.
From A Reader
Ajman
Name withheld by request

Alternative
Every day I reach home late at night and as one can understand, I don't get parking space. I am therefore left with no option but to park on the pavement. Recently, the police have started issuing fines for vehicles parked on the pavement. I would like to ask the police where do they expect us to park our vehicles? With no alternative parking, where are we supposed to park? I hope the concerned authorities look into the matter and find some solution.
From Mr Abdul Qader
Dubai

Blocking the view
It would be appreciated if the Abu Dhabi authorities monitor the placement of the garbage receptacles on pavements and roads, which at times block the view of the road and approaching traffic. The same applies to vehicles, which are parked on the corner of the roads blocking the view of approaching traffic. Understanding the scarcity of parking space, the police do not penalise people for such parking but people shouldn't take this for granted.
From Mr Zafar Saeed
Abu Dhabi