The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Appalling

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Saturday, Jan 05, 2008
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Appalling

That a group of about 60 men felt bold enough to molest two women who came out of a five-star hotel in Mumbai on New Year’s Eve, without fear of action, is appalling. Mumbai Police Commissioner D.N. Jadhav’s statement — that the media were making a mountain out of a molehill — is irresponsibility at its worst. Organisers of New Year celebrations must provide adequate security and protection to women. And women, on their part, should beware of the lurking dangers.

N. Nageswaran,

Chennai

* * *

While the sight of the mob pouncing on the two helpless women was shocking, worse was the fact that the outrage took place in Mumbai, considered one of the most developed and safe cities. It only shows that whatever the level of our progress, the mindset of some people is yet to change. Mr. Jadhav’s comment is most unfortunate. If this is the thinking of a police officer, what can one expect from a common man?

Imran Wadood,

New Delhi

* * *

Indian streets, it seems, are not safe for women. It is very unfortunate that a beastly incident, which should have been condemned as a crime deserving stringent action, was dismissed by a senior police officer as a minor issue. Stern punitive measures against such savagery are the need of the hour.

Beorn Kiruba,

Bangalore

* * *

When will men learn to respect women and stop treating them as objects of pleasure? Equal rights exist only on paper. The fact is women in India have a very long way to go before they can call themselves equal to men. I only hope those who outraged the modesty of the two women get the punishment they deserve.

Bhuvaneswari VamciKrishna,

Chennai

* * *

A few minutes past midnight brought shame to a country celebrating New Year’s Eve, forcing it to face the harsh reality that characterises the condition of women in India. The horrifying outrage at Juhu only reaffirms the need for strict action on the part of society and the police against such incidents so that women can exercise their right to live with dignity. While some or (most) men like Mumbai’s Police Commissioner may dismiss such incidents as a minor issue, thankfully there are a few who think differently. The Mumbai outrage is one among many other crimes against women, action on which is conspicuous by its absence.

Shambhavi Srivastava,

New Delhi

* * *

News of molestation from Mumbai and Kochi during the New Year’s Eve has brought shame and disgrace to the country. India, it seems, is becoming more unsafe and dangerous for women by the day. The Mumbai incident shows how fearless unruly mobs have become. It is obvious that the men who indulged in the heinous act were not afraid of the law. Crimes against women should be dealt with seriously and severe punishment given to the culprits.

Radhika Ramaswamy,

Chennai

* * *

Easy money, moral degeneration, and disrespect for the advice of elders are perhaps some of the reasons for undesirable happenings across the country in the name of New Year celebrations. It is just one more day in the lives of the poor while for some it is an opportunity to display their wealth. It is another instance of aping the West blindly, ignoring our noble traditions.

V. Vijayendra Rao,

Neyveli

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Appalling