Police brutality

This refers to the editorial ‘Institutionalised brutality’ (June 30). Unbridled power application by the executive in the garb of curfew enforcement is a blot on the country which prides itself on promoting the rule of law, fairness and natural justice. Custodial violence in Tamil Nadu is the latest example of how police brutality results in the loss of life. This pattern needs to be changed, and for change to come, all of us have to raise our voice. After all, it is not the people who should fear the government, but the government who should fear the people.

Divya Singla, Patiala

Urgent police reforms

The custodial death of P Jeyaraj and his son in Tamil Nadu has caused nationwide outrage. Both of them were victims of police brutality. Their bodies were bleeding profusely when they were to be produced before the magistrate. Later, their condition worsened in the government hospital and they met a tragic death due to police torture. Four police officers have been suspended and an inquiry has been ordered. Custodial deaths have taken place in different parts of our country. It is a matter of serious concern. According to the National Humans Rights Commission report for 2017-18, around 15 cases of custodial violence and torture were reported every day, with nine people dying every 24 hours in judicial and police custody. This can only be addressed through police reforms, including better training and prosecution of custodial malpractice.

Krishan Malhotra, Ambala Cantt

Do our lives matter?

The problem with police brutality is that we don’t even consider it as a problem and keep ignoring it. Several cases have come up worldwide where people lose lives after being brutally and inhumanly treated by the police. Getting someone stripped naked, sexually assaulted, killed for violating Covid norms can’t be termed as law and order. We must not sit in silence but advocate for actionable change. This barbaric brutality needs to be stopped and rotten apples need to be removed at the earliest. We all stood for George Floyd but do we stand for someone who lacks media coverage? ‘Black Lives Matter’, but what about Indian lives?

UPASANA, AMRITSAR

Healthcare for elderly

It is really disheartening that our elderly have been at the receiving end during the lockdown restrictions (‘Healthcare needs of elderly call for upgrade’, June 29).There is no doubt that they are more prone to Covid-19 because of comparatively low immunity, but also at times, suffer from a variety of other lifestyle and psychosomatic diseases. Their comorbidities need more evaluation and better treatment during a pandemic. How callous it has been on our part to become oblivious of their routine diseases and to have just focused on their vulnerability to Covid. We should always be conscious that the medical needs of paediatric and geriatric patients are unique and different from other patients.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

We will overcome…

Refer to ‘Thought for the day’ by Helen Keller; it is quite relevant for this year and also gives us hope. The world is suffering from Covid-19. We had bad news like the Delhi riots, death of Bollywood celebrities, suicide cases, Indo-China clashes, locust attacks, cyclones, etc. Globally, we also had George Floyd murder case sparking the protest against racism. We must keep hope alive for better times. We will definitely overcome these times.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Ban on Chinese apps

The recent move by the Indian government to ban 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, is a welcome move in consonance with the idea of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and protecting the sovereignty of the nation. Moreover, this will encourage young children to divert their attention to more productive activities instead of wasting time on such apps.

Jashandeep Singh, Amritsar

Go for Indian goods

In order to deal with China’s foul play and disturbing elements every now and then, it is for the state to form a policy, negotiate, resolve through diplomats/senior commanders and fight for a resolution to have peace and normalcy on the border. But ‘we the people’ of Bharat have vast powers to teach lessons to China without any fight by simply boycotting all sorts of Chinese products from today onwards, strictly and sincerely. There are thousands of items which are in use, for which our own products are available. But for cheap pricing, we are buying Chinese goods. This one action on our part, on top priority, requires no permission but will affect China.

Jagdish Singh Jassal, Patiala

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