Afghanistan under Taliban rule
A video that has gone viral shows a Taliban militant in Afghanistan taking classes for little children in a room. However, what is being taught is not something that little children learn in school. Children as young as 7 to 8 years are being taught to be Jihadis. They are being brainwashed at a very young age and are being prepared to fight the “infidels” by even becoming human bombs. Small boys are taught how to handle AK-47 guns, rifles, pistols and even hand grenades.
This is a very dangerous trend and Afghanistan under Taliban will most definitely become a terrorist country exporting terrorists across the globe to fulfill their aim of an Islamic world. It is learnt that the Taliban have appealed to the international community to recognise it among growing resentment against it in Afghanistan and abroad. Taliban has also urged international monetary organisations to release funds to the new government. They have also dismissed growing concerns over Taliban rule curbing the freedom of women under its plan to impose Sharia law. And that under the new Taliban government would protect the women’s right to education and work.
This, however, cannot be taken at face value. The world, especially China, needs to be very cautious while promising any assistance to the Taliban government. There is every possibility of Afghanistan under Taliban rule becoming the terror capital of the world. It is understood that hundreds of militants from across the world are converging into Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country. This is a very disturbing trend.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Teachers should wear facemask
The SOP guidelines pertaining to Covid-19 pandemic are not restricted to certain class of people but are meant to be followed by one and all. However, in villages around Ponda (including Talaulim and Durbhat), we come across some teachers proceeding on two-wheelers without wearing a facemask. This act is very undesirable and dangerous too. If teachers themselves do not follow the prescribed instructions to avoid spread of the deadly virus, then how they can expect students to abide by the same?
Of late positive cases in this regard have been rising day by day. Hence it is very much essential for each and everybody to follow the SOP rules compulsorily. Hence wearing a face mask regularly and using sanitiser gains great significance. The Directorate of Education as a competent authority should take a serious note of above unwarranted practice followed by teachers.
Necessary circular should be issued to all schools in the State thereby instructing the staff members and teachers to abide by the SOP guidelines compulsorily. This authority needs to depute its representatives to schools situated at different locations in the State for getting acquainted with the existing situation in above regard. Schools found overlooking the prescribed SOP’s should be taken to task without any discrimination. Of course, the spread of deadly virus must be restricted at all costs.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Competitive freebies are perilous
No sooner had a political party which has been trying to make inroads into Goa promised 300 units of free electricity if voted to power than our Hon’ble CM rushed to announce 16,000 litres of free water per annum to every resident. The government’s own Water Resources Department in its 2021 report advised against free supply of this community resource as the State has to make considerable investments in infrastructure required to extract water from its natural source, purify it and then pipe it to consumers; at least part of this cost should be recovered from the users.
The policy document recommends charging consumers based on the volume of water consumed to ensure its judicious use as it is probably the most important resource determining the state’s growth and development.
The other critical aspect to note is that the salinity content in many rivers which has so far been our basic sources of water has increased to such a level that they have been reduced to mere creeks now. With increasing pressure of population, industrial pollution, untreated sewage discharge into water bodies and the availability of natural water sources remaining static we may even have to install desalination plants on the coast to meet our drinking water needs in future.
In light of the constraints above it is foolish, nay absurd of the CM to dole out free water for the sake of votes. It should be borne in mind that anything offered to the public without costs attached is never valued, free water will result in more wastage than judicious use. Most States of India are certified water stressed, let’s not add Goa to that list.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
What about women safety?
The upsurge in rape, murder and other crimes where women are assaulted are on rise even during the pandemic. If any crimes occur, it is disheartening to hear statements made by the authority holding the parents of the pupil responsible. However, the fact is true that it is the parents’ responsibility to take concern of their pupil. But, is the government doing enough to ensure women their safety?
With upcoming election every party is ready with its manifestos of fake promises. But, sadly none would promise or assure women safety as a priority. What about women safety and empowerment? Are we not a part of the society or are we not humans? Is our safety not your concern and responsibility? The authority in power is observed stacking files, hiding criminals, and hardly taking serious action against the criminals and assaulters and this is not with concern to the cases occurred now but it is observed for decades.
I appeal to the concerned authority and upcoming parties to ensure women their safety and make women empowerment a concern. And let those fancy manifestos voice women safety and empowerment as a necessity and concern for the upcoming elections.
Lisa Fernandes, Quepem
Wake up Goemkara now
Et Tu Brutus. For long Goa you have been betrayed by your own elected MLAs. We were branded ‘anti Indian’ and warned of harsh police action like Hitler. You elected someone and someone else with a second face is dominating and controlling you after backstabbing you. Greed for money and power is only on their agenda. Forget all the parties and please select a genuine amcho candidate. Don’t fall for the crumbs and freebies offered which are short lived treats.
Imagine the future of Goa if the current affairs continue for another five years. If Delhi could do it with their own AAP, you too can select and elect your own candidates to rule Goa with dignity and respect Goans deserve. Use your balcao, bazaar, tinto, bar, taverna and barber shop and chai shop to start the change. Mobilise and sensitise other Goans through your every single word for change. Great Brazilian educator Paulo Friere wrote about the ‘the culture of silence’ and ‘the pedagogy of the oppressed’ to wake up people from Latin America when they were ruthlessly dominated by their rulers. Wake up from your slumber and teach a lesson to all the betrayers and selfish rulers.
Goans starved for oxygen during Covid but they didn’t care and they will starve you again if you give them a chance. Dear Goemkara you break your silence and come to the rescue of your fellow people who are oppressed by these leaders. With the excellent support from your much loved newspaper ‘Herald’ take this only golden opportunity to save your suffering Goemkar. If you don’t bring the change, change will never come in our Goa.
Jo Dias, Chandor
