Opinion Protecting pilgrims
Stampedes can be prevented by adopting simple measures.
Protecting pilgrims
I think the Sabarimala incident is an unfortunate addition to similar incidents that have taken place at Mandhar Devi in Maharashtra,Naina Devi and Chamunda Devi in Himachal,and Pratapgarh in UP where scores of people have died due to administrative negligence. Panic magnifies the loss of life. Stampedes can be prevented by adopting simple measures. Permanent barricades along tracks and shelters,separation of entry and exit paths,deployment of volunteers to guide pilgrims,adequate wireless communication with security personnel,timely coordination between local administration and security agencies and rehearsals of emergency plans are some such measures.
S.C. Vaid
Greater Noida
Blame game
Apropos From a corner of a foreign court (IE,January 21),the writer traces Pakistans blasphemy laws to Judeo-Christian prehistory but forgets General Zia-ul-Haq,who inserted those sections into Pakistans constitution,under which Aasia Bibi was sentenced to death. The cases of Binayak Sen and Aasia are not comparable. Many newspapers,writers,human rights activists and lawyers have criticised the verdict against Sen. It will,hopefully,be set aside by a higher court. But in the case of Aasia,we know what happened to Salman Taseer,who had sought mercy for her. If the British are really to blame,as the writer suggests,who prevented India and Pakistan from amending their penal codes since 1947 when the British packed up?
A.J. Philip
New Delhi
Crusading for her
This refers to An eleven-year shadow (IE,January 21). It is inspiring to see that atrocities against women are being brought to light and authorities are made to take strict action against the culprits. This is a victory for the media and highlights the true role of mass communication in society. Pressure also needs to be exerted on the immune powerful diplomats and politicians to make this exercise wholesome.
Siddharth M. Joshi
Almora
Beyond America
The thaw in China-US ties should serve as a wake-up call for South Block. The post-Soviet era saw a pro-US tilt in Indias foreign policy with the twin objectives of fostering defence and economic cooperation and countering China. In the bargain,India has been neglecting its ties with a resurgent Russia. However,reciprocation from the US has never been wholehearted,evident in its Af-Pak policy and now,China. India should also warm up to Southeast Asia.
Amit Arora
New Delhi
Flagging controversy
I respond to the ongoing controversy about Srinagars Lal Chowk where the BJP intends to unfurl the Tricolour. It seems the BJP is the only nationalist party in India and others are playing votebank politics. Omar Abdullahs reaction is unbecoming of a CM.
Manohar M. Kamath
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