Tackling flu and fear
This is with reference to R. Krithika’s article “Fighting the flu” (Magazine, August 23). Panic is worse than the disease. People, out of fear triggered by swine flu, are pressing the panic button. The press and the government should take appropriate steps to dismiss the fear and provide succour. The authorities concerned should arrive at a mechanism to manage the swine flu. The Health Ministry should arrange to procure a vaccine against swine flu, if such a vaccine is not manufactured in our country.
K. Pradeep
Chennai
The articles “Fighting the flu” and “Hype or hazard?” by Dr. R. Narasimha (Magazine, August 23) were insightful reports on Swine Flu. People should no longer get paranoid or hide themselves in fear of getting infected by the hybrid virus. These inspire people to stay calm, positive and prepared rather than being influenced by rumours and misinformation
Priyanka Goswami
Raxaul, Bihar
The Magazine deserves praise for enlightening the readers on the ‘do-s’ and ‘don’ts’ in dealing with swine flu. After the initial knee-jerk reaction like shutting down malls, schools and cinema halls, the nation has come to terms with H1N1. Though the electronic media has contributed to the panic as it spiced up every death resulting due to swine flu, the print media has eased the tension by explaining the facts. Nevertheless, what the government has done to bring awareness about the pandemic or to calm down the people’s anxiety is pathetic, the tall claims of “preparedness to deal with swine flue” notwithstanding.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin
Kadapa
Ending the isolation
“Manipur once more” by Kalpana Sharma (Magazine, August 23) is a stark reminder of the prevailing harsh realities in Manipur and other NE States after 60 years of negligence and step-motherly treatment by the Centre. The media rarely takes cognizance of these States as they are cut off from the mainland. Encounter killings, extortions and fake search operations have become so common that women’s organisations are forced to resort to hunger strikes to repeal the special powers given to the army and to stop the NE people becoming aliens in their homeland. Lack of development is causing alienation of the NE States and if they are to be brought under industrial-fold, the much-talked about financial inclusion and industrial development are the need of the hour and have to be taken up on a war footing to end 60 years of isolation.
A.V. Narayanan
Tiruchi
Kalpana Sharma has suggested that mainland Indians should know more about the Northeast in order to understand and contribute a solution to the problems there. In this regard, Ritu Raj Konwar, the newspapers photographer is doing a commendable job. His photo “Nature’s revenge” (August 23) portrayed the state of the environment in upper Assam. I am admirer of his high impact photographs from Northeast. The Hindu can arrange for a photo exhibition of the Northeast from its archives in various mainland (sic) cities to educate the mainlanders about the northeasterners.
Murugan
Karaikal
Fake encounters are not new in Manipur, hundreds of such killings had been continuously carried out by the State forces. I would say Manipur is the killing fields of the armed forces. There is no law and order.....laws are in the hands of ministers and officials! This is the major issue but there are lots more like unemployment, corruption, lack of health and education facilities. There is no incentive for investment from outside firms. In spite of the fact that all these issues have been there for almost 30 years, no acceptable action has been taken by the State. And the people of Manipur are dying...
Rabikan Kshetri
Kakching, Manipur
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Magazine
