Agnipath needs
to be revamped
Last week at the Deolali Firing Ranges in Nashik, Maharashtra, two Agniveers aged 20 and 21 were killed during an exercise when a team was firing a field gun and the shell exploded. Hope the government compensates their families with Rs one crore, as assured when the Agnipath scheme was launched.
Though the amount is for those who are martyred while carrying out the duties at the border but the present type of incidents too merits the same compensation. Was there a need to use live ammunition when training young cadets/recruits?
On 11th October 2023, a new recruit “died of self-inflicted gunshot injury” along the Line of Control in the Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir. Ten days later, a youth from Maharashtra lost his life in the “line of duty,” due to “complications arising out of high-altitude conditions.” He succumbed to the cold in the Siachen terrain, the world’s highest militarised zone. The first recruit was not given a guard of honour or military funeral as per the Army’s policy but by Haryana from where he hailed; while the army honoured the second Agniveer. Why this colonial-type of discrimination? Both youths were on duty and not on leave when they lost their lives.
New recruits – whether Agniveer or non-Agniveer – are sent to the borders soon after their training. Undoubtedly, they are trained well but may not have the skills to face real-life situations. The posting of recruits could be commensurate with age and proficiency by initially keeping them in sensitive places within the country before deputing to the borders where the stakes are high.
The Agnipath scheme was promoted by politicians and defense personnel (serving and retired), sitting in the comforts of their offices, homes and TV studios. How many of these “promoters” have sent their children or grandchildren to become Agniveers?
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Influx of tourists
come at a price
"Atithi Devo Bhava" is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "Guest is God". The phrase has been used in a campaign by the Ministry of Tourism in India to raise awareness about how to treat tourists properly and attract foreigners to the country.
The campaign's goal was to develop a sense of responsibility towards guests. However it must be said that local tourists who visit Goa also have the responsibility of respecting the hosts. However this is not always the case. There have been several instances of confrontation between the local tourists and Goans for various reasons.
Fontainhas has been on all Goa brochures and social media platforms and is visited by several tourists. The locality is often referred to as the “Latin Quarter” of Panjim. This historic neighborhood is renowned for its well-preserved Portuguese-style architecture. However for the residents, the influx of tourists has come at a price. The noise that the tourists make can be overwhelming thereby depriving the residents of an afternoon siesta.
On several occasions, visitors have reportedly had verbal and even physical confrontations with the residents. Despite “No Photography” sign-boards being put up, in quest for a perfect shot, tourists are often seen disregarding community concerns and privacy. It is learnt that these tourists arrive as early as 6 am every morning. The government needs to look into the matter and take necessary steps to put a stop to the inconvenience caused to the citizens of the locality.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Colva Police must
patrol beach area
Recently as a result of the violence orchestrated by bouncers at Baga club, the Home Minister and Police (as usual) appear to have woken up and announced increased police patrols on the coastal belt. It's another matter that the (lethargic) Home Ministry and police are always in a reactive mode until it becomes prime news!
Can I request the Colva Police to ensure regular patrols on all the beach areas of (particularly in the night/early mornings).... In this week itself a group of drunk tourists were creating a huge ruckus and noise at the beach square (about 4 am) and this was not an isolated incident! Sometime back, there were fights in the same square involving tourists!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Voters to decide
fate of politicians
After the recent assembly elections in Haryana and J&K, the poll bugle has now been sounded for Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The elections in Maharashtra will be held on November 20 and Jharkhand on November 13 and 20. The by-elections for Assembly and Lok Sabha seats in various states will be held on November 13 and 20. Of all the assembly elections, the one in Maharashtra would be closely watched as this is not only because of the size of the State legislature which, with 288 seats, has a bearing on national politics.
Unfortunately, the Congress party’s loss in Haryana means it will have less bargaining power for seat-sharing power in the MVA coalition. In fact, both the ruling Mahayuti and MVA are bound to see turbulence in seat-sharing. The BJP, with a fresh victory in Haryana, would be eager to improve its performance after a disheartening showing in the parliamentary elections.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai