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Conduct studies to stop rape

I agree with the views expressed in the editorial “Rape victims” (October 1, 2012) that while an effective law and its implementation is a must; society also needs to stop blaming the victim.

We should lay emphasis on values and morals and teach it as a subject in schools and colleges. Capital punishment for the rapist has acted as an effective deterrent around the world. At the same time, we should be supportive and rehabilitate the victims.

Rape cases in India should be carefully examined and an action plan to tackle the menace should be formulated.

As shown by the study of the first ‘Rape Treatment Centre’ in the United States, which was launched in Miami, Florida, in 15 per cent of the cases, more than one attacker was involved; in one-third of the cases, attackers were known to the victims and in 30 per cent of the cases the attack took place in either the victim’s or the attacker’s house. Moreover, 13 per cent of the cases took place in automobiles and 21 per cent of the attackers had a knife or a gun or both.

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozeur

II

A large number of rape cases go unreported as the victims are stigmatised in our society. Everyday I read about a rape incident in the newspapers. Most recent ones have been reported from Haryana.

These victims will be under a lot of pressure from the apathetic khap panchayats to withdraw their FIRs. The media also is insensitive to the stress that the victim goes through and keeps grilling her for more information.

We are becoming more and more globalised but we still treat rape victims as objects of shame. They need the support of their families, friends to recover from the trauma. They should be treated with respect. Those who commit this heinous crime should be hanged till death.

INDERDEEP KAUR, Mohali

Bhagat Singh’s legacy

I read with interest the (editorial, “Bhagat Singh’s legacy — It transcends borders”, September 29). It is a perfect tribute to the icon among icons, a legend among legends and a selfless super hero of the subcontinent for several decades.

Pakistan deserves all applaud for its recent initiative to commemorate the charismatic young leader much as the Indians do, as also for its revived efforts to renovate Nankana Sahib. It is true that Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice fires the imagination of many youngsters of today’s times too. They need correct exposure to his values, ethics, thoughts, deeds, personal and national priorities and his concern for establishing India as an egalitarian society. His legacy will live on, and one does hope we get at least a few good and honest leaders as can pursue his values.

Both India and Pakistan would do better to ease the processes for visits for such ceremonies and places of pilgrimage for both the populations across the borders.

TEJINDER SINGH BEDI, Gurgaon

Dirty politics

How shameful and disgusting it is to learn that the BJP has vowed to reverse the FDI in multi-brand retail if voted to power (editorial, “BJP’s rollback talk: It would reflect bad governance”, September 28). It is clear that it wants the traders, who loot the common man with impunity, to be protected.

The BJP is a party of shopkeepers and thus fears that if FDI is brought into operation in India, the trading community will lose jobs. We certainly don’t want such businessmen or shopkeepers who show no mercy to the common man by charging the prices of essential commodities at will.

With the advent of FDI in multi-brand retail, people will get quality products at much reasonable rates. But why should we be so worried about what the BJP would do and what not, as it is 100 per cent sure that this party will never come to power at the Centre again. It has certainly played havoc with Parliament as it did not allow it to function for the whole of monsoon session.

Even last year it did the same thing by installing Parliament’s winter session. People will never forgive them for the humiliation the BJP brought to the people with its dirty politics. It surely has no agenda but to oppose all decisions of the Centre only for the sake of Opposition.

RK KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Befitting tribute

The renaming of Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore is an amazing development, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the strained relationship between India and Pakistan.

I was deeply moved by this step taken by the Lahore District Administration Chief Noorul Amin Mengal. He wholeheartedly supported the renaming of Shadman Chowk after the legendary Bhagat Singh. His admonishing the City District Government of Lahore’s Chief Publicity Officer for trying to block the move on flimsy grounds is all the more laudable.

Mengal’s assertion that all Pakistani citizens, including minority communities, had equal rights under the Constitution should serve as an eye-opener to religious fanatics on this side of the border also. The day our Constitution is implemented in letter and spirit in India and Pakistan, the process for the unification of both countries may begin.

CHAMAN LAL, New Delhi