The most abominable crime

APROPOS of Khushwant Singh’s "The most abominable crime" (August 5), there is no denying the fact that no crime could be worse than child abuse and today this crime is on the rise. The most agonising aspect of the problem, however, is that it is not taken seriously either by the public prosecutors, the police or, even the parents of the child. The attitude is one of indifference. Moreover, the law is not severe enough to deter men from committing the crime. It is being increasingly felt that a heinous crime like child abuse should be punishable by death. Unless effective steps are taken, the crime will continue unabated.

According to medical experts, abuse causes terrible trauma, both emotional and physical to the child. If the child is below two years of age, he or she will refuse to eat properly and his or her mental development will be delayed. If the victims are between eight and 12 years then they are likely to suffer from conduct disorder; might find it difficult to develop and sustain intimate relationships. The child may become withdrawn or aggressive.

Abuse is usually committed by someone known to the child and it often takes place over a long period of time.

There is an urgent need for separate courts on child rape and child sexual abuse. The cases need to be decided quickly. The accused should not be acquitted on flimsy grounds. Child rape should be a non-bailable offence.

In fact, there needs to be a total review of the laws relating to women and children — they need to be codified, simplified and put together in a separate section.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

This refers to the write-up "A year after the guns fell silent" (July 29) by Himmat Singh Gill. The Kargil war showed the failure of our intelligence agencies. We had to pay a heavy price in Kargil and lost many brave soldiers due to the government’s carelessness. Pakistan continues to support and provide arms and ammunition to militants. Our government should formulate a comprehensive strategy to deal with the situation.

During Kargil war hundreds of our soldiers laid down their lives for the nation. Many others become disabled. It is the responsibility of the government to look after the families of soldiers killed in action. However, it is sad and unjust that some families have still not got the compensation and other benefits that they were promised. Employment opportunities should be provided to at least one member of the martyrs’ families so that they can live with respect and dignity. This will not only raise the morale of the soldiers but will also be the best tribute we could pay to our martyrs.

SUNIL KUMAR DOGRA
Chandigarh