Where is a woman safe?

A trainee doctor raped in Kolkata, followed by a rape in Bihar. Now, two girls, aged three and four, have been sexually assaulted by a sanitation worker in a washroom in a Thane school in Maharashtra. Where can a girl/woman consider herself safe in today’s times? Neither were their clothes offensive nor were they out of their homes at odd hours. These horrific incidents have terrified everyone, especially mothers, with such cases coming to light every day. It is necessary that the accused be given the harshest punishment as a deterrent for similar offenders.

Bhumika, Jalandhar

No strictures against WB govt

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the brutal Kolkata rape-murder. However, the proceedings in the apex court on August 20 have caused disappointment. The Supreme Court Bench raised questions about the delay in lodging the FIR, the failure of the police and the government machinery. What was the action taken against these government forces? Nothing practical. No strictures were passed against the West Bengal Government which failed to function judiciously. Whom was the state government siding with in the Supreme Court? Was it favouring the victim or the accused?

NK Bhalla, Patiala

Men must take responsibility

After the Kolkata rape-murder, at least two states have issued an advisory for women not to work nightshifts or avoid going out alone. It is like asking women to stay at their homes if they don’t want to get raped. However, women aren’t even safe in their own homes. Women live in constant fear, are pressurised to conform to societal norms, and are often blamed for the violence they suffer. Toxic masculinity and identity crisis among men contribute to their animal-like behaviour. Men must take responsibility for ensuring women’s safety. Speaking against gender-based violence and challenging patriarchal norms is crucial. It’s time to break the silence and challenge the status quo to protect women’s rights and dignity.

Harman Rani, Hajipur (Punjab)

Slow process of law

The last few days have witnessed a series of crimes against women across the country. The Kolkata rape-murder triggered nationwide protests. We, as a nation, express selective rage and then quickly move on. We light candles on certain anniversaries while forgetting the rest. But certain tragic incidents become the tipping point. Three Kuki women were allegedly paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a Meiti mob last year. The matter is still being investigated. The survivors had sought police help, but they were left to face the mob. How many times and for how long will we have to wait for justice? The process of conviction is very slow.

Anju Mohan, Panchkula

Coalition dharma

Refer to the news report ‘Centre’s U-turn on lateral entry, vows to revisit rules’; the decision is welcome as it turns out to be the first major heartening development due to the existence of a coalition government at the Centre. The response to the objections raised by one of the alliance partners from Bihar is also surprising. It indicates how coalition partners can help save democratic institutions and constitutional values of the country. Supported by a strong Opposition in Parliament, it has sent out a positive message for healthy governance of the country.

Jagdish Chander, JALANDHAR

Deviating from father’s policies

Apropos of the news report ‘Sukhbir Badal must quit as SAD chief: Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’, the senior Akali leader has rightly asked SAD supremo Sukhbir to quit as party president. Former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur opined that people had lost faith in his leadership. However, Sukhbir is blaming the AAP and the Congress for the present state of affairs of SAD. Everyone in Punjab knows that he deviated from the policies of his father, who was known for maintaining cordial relations with all sections of society and was a flag-bearer of Hindu-Sikh unity.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

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