Ensure safety of health workers

Apropos of ‘Doctors’ strike’; it is unfortunate that doctors often get shoddy treatment from patients and their kin. Worse yet, the government has long ignored the medics’ well-placed concerns about their safety. We cannot afford to let our healthcare workers, who toil day and night to serve us, continue working in unsafe conditions. The onus is on the government to shield medical professionals from abuse and violence. Besides, the general masses must also act responsibly when dealing with health professionals.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Don’t ignore plight of doctors

The rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata have ignited a firestorm, and rightly so. It is unfortunate that our healthcare workers have been compelled to strike work and take to the streets to call for justice, as the government continues to dither. It is a pity that our doctors, the very people who save lives, remain vulnerable to violence while on duty. Their demand for a safe working environment is legitimate. The authorities concerned cannot afford to ignore the medical professionals’ plight anymore. It is time for swift, stringent action to set a strong precedent.

Sewa Singh, Amritsar

End crimes against women

The brutal rape-murder of a young doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata just days before the nation celebrated its 78th Independence Day is a disgrace. It must prompt us to ask ourselves: Why are the girls and women in this country still not safe? Probably, it is so because our laws are not stringent. Or maybe it is because the judiciary failed to make an example of those who committed such heinous acts in the past. But enough is enough. The government authorities and politicians must take concrete measures to end crimes against women.

Malkeet Kaur, Patiala

Have no faith in politicians

The heinous Kolkata incident has rightly drawn condemnation from all quarters of society. But make no mistake. Our politicians are least concerned about the safety of doctors or women. All they care about is securing votes and winning elections. Isn’t it strange that the same politicians who want the perpetrator of the Kolkata horror brought to justice have no problem with Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who has been convicted of raping two of his female disciples, being let out of jail ahead of elections in Haryana?

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Modi’s balancing act

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a crucial visit to Ukraine, the stakes are high. Several Indian lives have already been lost in the ongoing conflict. The PM has done well to stress the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. But India’s strategic autonomy and pro-Russia leanings have understandably raised eyebrows. By lamenting the civilian casualties in Kyiv while maintaining good ties with Moscow, Modi is walking a tightrope. It remains to be seen for how long the PM can perform this balancing act, as the Indian nationals recruited in the Russian army are yet to be discharged. Modi must exert pressure on Moscow to release them. This visit is an opportunity for India to assert its role as a peace broker. But delicate diplomacy is required to navigate the complex web of alliances and interests. Only time will tell if the PM’s visit turns out to be a step towards peace or a misstep in the geopolitical minefield.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Check cyber trade of illegal arms

Refer to ‘Online arsenal’; cyber-savvy criminals tend to be a few steps ahead of law enforcement and probe agencies. It is high time that the government authorities took a serious view of the unchecked trade of illegal arms through the dark web. As border states, Punjab and Rajasthan can ill afford to ignore the risks associated with the rise of web-based apps and dark web marketplaces. Worryingly, it is not known how far and wide these criminals have spread their tentacles. The powers that be must act promptly to rein in the menace.

Bal Govind, Noida

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