Govt promoting movies!
It has been noticed recently that the central and even Goa government ministers have gone out of the way to screen certain movies for the public! I trust that the politicians were of the view that it was very important for citizens to be aware of some things which they feel are facts; so be it!
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My point is that those are even more critical issues in the country today, for example, India being amongst the world’s most polluted countries, should there be movies/documentaries on such critical subjects by Indian citizens? Will the ministers also go out of the way to have these movies (with facts of course) to promote these movies publicly?
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Addiction is a social evil
In the 21st century, addiction is often seen as a pass time to seek temporary pleasure, or sometimes socialise. It’s driven by the influence of peers. Overtime, if these habits turn into obsession to seek pleasure, the outcome could be very hazardous and lead to severe social issues, which could be fatal.
Those who are addicted can go to such an extent that their intelligence can be manipulated to control others, leading to an illness that affect both the mind and body. In the early stages, neither the addicted individuals nor those around them fully understand the consequences, which may result in denial, deception and finally depression mode.
These days, not only the younger generation, but also elderly are addicted to social media, which has serious health implications, when combined with other addictions, for example smoking, which should be banned throughout the world.
What is the point in producing cigarettes and labelling them with warnings like “smoking is injurious to health” doesn’t make any difference as it is scary to know that the risk of heart attack or tongue cancer has increased by 8 % for each additional year of active smoking.
To break free from addiction, one must adopt the golden Ds – discipline, determination, diligence and dedication – to overcome the powerful pull of Dopamine, which acts as a neurotransmitter.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Body worn cameras
for traffic cops
Traffic cops are expected to strictly enforce traffic rules. However it is learnt that traffic cops of the Anjuna Traffic cell were reportedly shunted for issuing challan on “influential tourists”.
It has become a common feature in the State that when a person is apprehended in traffic violation, the violator calls up some influential person on the mobile in order to direct the traffic cop on duty not to issue the challan. This needs to stop if we are to reduce the number of road accidents attributed to violation of traffic rules.
For the traffic cops to perform their duties without fear or favour, it is vital for them to wear the Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs). It is pertinent to note that the Goa traffic cell has reportedly procured several BWCs recently in order to bring accountability and transparency to traffic control.
These compact devices are designed to capture audio and video recordings during interactions between the cops and the public. It serves as a deterrent against unruly behaviour and dispels any allegation against traffic police by the traffic violators.
A traffic cop needs to activate the camera while interacting with the traffic violators. The recordings ensure that neither the cops nor the citizens suffer injustice. A camera also acts as a restriction on the traffic police. It stops them from using their power unjustly and as a deterrent for alleged acts of accepting bribes.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Man and animal can live in harmony
Apropos to ‘Extraordinary morning’ photo featuring Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and a monkey (Herald, December 5, 2024), it was a pleasant sight of a monkey locked in embrace with Tharoor. It seems the monkey had hugged Shashi Tharoor and dozed off on his chest.
While the picture makes for a pleasing sight, I think we should not lose sight of the underlying importance of a warm hug, whether it is between humans or animals, aptly demonstrated by Shashi Tharoor and the monkey. Man and animal can live in harmony after all, if only we permit that to happen.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Custodial deaths judgments
Two recent judgments — one of the Delhi High court and the other from a special court in Bengaluru—convicting policemen for custodial torture and death of accused has sent a strong message on putting in place a robust mechanism to end the scourge once and for all. 687 persons died in police custody between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2023, a damning indictment of the police.
Generally, custodial deaths go unreported but for vigilante organisations and proactive families that have a keen nose for suspecting foul play. The Supreme Court guidelines in all cases of arrest or detention are clear–cut. During custodial detentions, mandatory documentation and presence of legal counsel are compulsory.
Additionally, every police station should have CCTV cameras installed in strategic points. Those in the know about police methods and madness, have pointed out as to how the police systematically prepare for custodial beating: CCTV cameras are rendered inoperational or switched off.
Furthermore, few states have put the ‘Police Complaints Authority’, as ordered by the top court, in place. Augmenting investigative techniques, providing better facilities in rural police stations, refresher courses in wide ranging subjects, psychological counselling - all these possible ways to reform the police are confined to papers only.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Failed martial law
The short stint of “emergency martial law” declared in South Korea by President Yoon Suk Yeol, shows the country’s decades-old democracy remains robust.
The country is no stranger to martial laws and coups, as past history shows that it was ruled for some 40 years under a military-authoritarian system with repeated phases of martial law.
The reversal of development has brought a big relief for the US and other countries having huge security and economic stake in South Korea. The sudden event is a lesson for other struggling democracies.
Non-democratic systems of governance appear to be on wane even in countries which have seen protracted periods of military rule. Nonetheless, Seoul’s episode draws a lesson of intraparty dissents in democracies.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
