letters to the editor

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a very important day for the Muslim community, as this day marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan (or Ramzan) is when Muslims from all over the world keep fasting from dawn to dusk, as a mark of piety to Allah (Peace be upon Him), their God and His teachings. Not even a glass of water is drunk during this holy month of Ramadan, however sultry the climate may be or however thirsty one may feel.

The holy month of Ramadan is very auspicious to the Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated on the day after the crescent moon is sighted. The Muslims observe a fast for 30 days, starting with the sighting of the new moon and end it after seeing the new moon, the next month. Muslims give alms and recite the Holy Quran during this holy month. Coming to the new moon, the festival marks the end of Ramadan. Eid is celebrated in India with much enthusiasm and fervour by Muslims from all strata of life.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai

Savage act

The savagery act by a mob to strip and lynch Mohammed Ayub Pandit, a police officer, needs to be condemned. Interestingly, the brutal killing on the holiest day in the Islamist calendar is self-speaking evidence how far the dehumanisation of Kashmir has proceeded and failure of law and order machinery in the state.

The history of violence and unrest in the Kashmir valley is decades old. Each passing day we hear violence and killing of people with no sight to security of lives. Till date, no solution and agreement seems to be in proximity that is acceptable to India, Pakistan and Kashmiri separatists. India and Pakistan have already fought three wars over Kashmir.

Hopes of betterment were raised when PDP-BJP government came to power in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the government of the day has failed completely and both parties are pinning blame on each other for the present sorry affairs. The army and police force may be doing their best to control the violence but their act comes under the pulls and pressures of politicians. Such intervention can demoralise and imperil Kashmir’s police force.

Gregory Fernandes, Marcel

River pollution

If our rivers are extremely polluted and is a big danger to our health as scientists claim, then it is the duty of the Tourism Minister to ban swimming and other activities in the polluted rivers. Experts warn us not to enter the water as it is a health risk. He has to protect Goans, Indians and international tourists.

We need effective disaster management immediately. The Tourism Minister has to ban swimming and water sports. People's health cannot be put in danger even if some people lose money. The duty of the government is to protect the health of the public.

But there is also good news. With nationalisation of rivers the Central government can begin to clean up the rivers of Goa. They will receive the support and gratitude of the people of Goa. If they add to the pollution they can expect the wrath of Goans. We have to act now before it becomes big, global news after occurrence of some disastrous episode. We cannot allow our polluted rivers to drown the goose who lays the golden eggs.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar needs to intercede as he only has the stature to tackle this problem and make the Centre see what is good for Goa and the BJP. This, in essence, is Goan identity and Goenkarponn. What is Vijai Sardesai's and Goa Forward's opinion on how to solve the thorny problem of our polluted rivers?

Joao Barros Pereira, Japan

Maintenance of Hospicio

A part of the Hospicio Hospital gallery wrought iron grill reportedly suddenly collapsed from the first floor and landed on the head of a woman grievously injuring her. It was by providence that not many were injured in the incident. 

The hospital is visited by thousands of visitors and patients every single day hence the collapse of the dilapidated structure could have caused immense damage to life and limb.

It is understood that the top floor of the new block has also started crumbling with a large portion on the floor giving way while also showing signs of the poor condition of the building. It appears the hospital building is not being properly maintained. The government should see to it that the building is repaired so that such incidents do not reoccur.

The opening of the District Hospital appears to have been postponed indefinitely and hence citizens of South Goa are left with no option but to visit the Hospicio Hospital. The coming up of the new district hospital cannot be basis of the reason for not maintaining the Hospicio Hospital. The PWD needs to do the structural stability test of the building and carry out the necessary repairs on a war footing. The lives of the patients, doctors, staff and the visitors to the hospital cannot be put at risk.

It is observed that while structures of some buildings fell apart in the Port Town of Vasco this month, the government buildings are also in need of urgent repairs and maintenance.

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Bonding of coach with his team

The first and foremost task of a coach of Indian cricket team is to have a bonding with the team. How much a coach is game to become the immediate family of the team along with its head is more important than his reputations as a player. He is in no way a non-playing cricket captain like his counterpart in tennis in Davis Cup. So, he should never try to tread the disastrous way which was created by a chap some years ago. His job is to primarily win the trust of the captain as well as other members of our national cricket team. A coach like a parent should let his boys get all the attention and enjoy their success from the sidelines without trying to steal the show.

Sujit De, Kolkata

Traffic signals

This has relevance to your article on June 19, titled "Police to get tough with Traffic violators in Margao". It’s really sad to know that only those places are developed which have a representative in the ruling side. So what happens with areas which don't have a representative in the cabinet?

I have always highlighted the need for traffic signals at Margao near the Municipal garden, and in front of Hospicio and near the Navelim Church. What does it take to have one? 

Why don't we have lanes marked in these areas? Traffic signals are definitely the need of the hour.

My request to the Government to take initiatives in these regards, regardless the areas are represented in the ruling side or not. My request to the Hon'ble TCP Minister, Mr. Vijai Sardesai to take up this issue, as you are capable of the same.

Godfrey Barros De Rodrigues, Navelim / Dubai