M A I L B A G

Helping stray dogs, Delhi shows the way

I appreciate Soshil Rattan’s view in these columns (January 13) that my article “Dogged by misery” (Spectrum, Dec 2) should have also suggested ways on managing stray dogs. Well, a friend narrated to me how a kind hearted, anonymous Indian (may even be a group) has made the Khan Market in New Delhi a “home” for the homeless dogs in much the same selfless spirit as are the SOS Children’s Home across India.

At an appointment time and over several chosen spots, separated from one another within the Khan Market, these dogs are provided food twice a day. Come winter, which out-of-doors in Delhi is severe, around 8 p.m. each evening these dogs are draped in warm canine coats which are removed each morning. Straw mattresses are also placed at selected nooks and corners each evening for the dogs’ basic comfort.

The dog’s confidence won in ones and twos they are handed to the Vets to prevent further procreation. Once fully recovered, they are restored to their territory in the Khan Market. Even if this story be partially tinged with wishfullness, nevertheless it merits adoption in totality by a civilisation as noble and ancient as India!

These Khan Market dogs are happy, they have food and a home and they no longer cause nuisance to any one.

Lt-Gen BALJIT SINGH (retd), Chandigarh

II

Last week, Gullu, a 10-year-old boy, was badly wounded by a stray dog. He had to be admitted to the Batala Civil Hospital. Apart from Gullu, another woman was also attacked by a herd of six stray dogs. This attack proved to be fatal. Countless examples can be cited regarding men, women, children and infants of cows and buffaloes having been devoured by these stray dogs.

I am at a loss to understand how and why these blood-thirsty stray dogs needs to be adopted. Instead, why not adopt the children of very poor people who find it difficult to provide them even two square meals a day?

Earlier, the municipal staff used to tackle this menace and even sterilise them as a duty. These days, no body bothers about it. One should decide whether the lives of human beings are more valuable than stray dogs. Hardly any day passes when we don’t read about the victims of stray dogs!

PIARA SINGH MANAV, Batala

III

In a country where there are countless children who need care and shelter, talking of adopting dogs is rather misplaced. The safety of stray dogs will in no way contribute to ecology or the well being of the human race. Why such people don’t have any concern for lakhs of children who sleep on the pavements with empty stomachs and without clothes?

Lt-Col BHAGWANT SINGH (retd), Mohali

Blinkered journalism

Khushwant Singh, in his column “Above All” (Saturday Extra, Jan 5) has taken to task the people who protested and demonstrated against M.F. Husain for his paintings and Taslima Nasreen for her novels. The writer has called such people bigots. At the same time he did not comment on the continuing agitation by somegroups against the head of Dera Sacha Sauda.

Is it an attack of amnesia or is it out of sheer cowardice that the writer has not dwelt on this?

J.K. Mago, Panchkula

II

When Taslima criticises Bangladeshi Muslims for intolerance towards the Hindus living in Bangladesh in her writings, how can it be called blasphemous? The vote-bank politics in India has demeaned the concept of secularism. The policy of appeasement has been followed by our politicians towards Muslims for securing their votes.

The CPM government in West Bengal — which is the redeemer of secularism — must make arrangements for Taslima Nasreen’s safe and comfortable stay in Kolkata. She deserves to be given an Indian citizenship.

IQBAL SINGH, Hamirpur