Lopsided Bill

In reference to ‘RS okays citizenship Bill after fiery debate’ (December 12); it is sad that Parliament has passed this controversial Bill by ignoring concerns. Assam is already grappling with fear because of the NRC, and this Bill has taken indigenous tribes by shock. The Centre is paying enough attention to the state, and has deployed the Army and suspended Internet services to control protests, but what signal does this give? Is it fair to implement a Bill without taking all stakeholders into confidence? It takes care of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries, but makes no mention of the Rohingya, Ahmadiyas and Shias of Pakistan, and the Hazra community of Afghanistan. Why is there no provision for these communities? The Central government must allay fear and confusion among the people and address the issues specific to Assam, otherwise the state will be on the boil like it did before the signing of the accord in 1985.

Minanshu Mittal, Indore

Genuine contenders

Reference to the report ‘RS okays citizenship Bill after fiery debate’ (December 12); the objective of this amendment is to provide Indian citizenship (through a six-year residential stay in India) to those non-Muslim migrants who have come from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. In my opinion, the amendment Bill will be a boon for all those unofficial Indians who are going from pillar to post for getting Indian citizenship. It bodes well for such migrants, who will improve their present living condition.

Sachin Shrivastava, by mail

Focus on present

Reference to the Citizen Amendment Bill; our country is facing a lot of problems, and still, the government is concentrating on Bills and other regulations. It is not paying attention to the rising cases of rape and crime against women, and towards JNU students. The government is concentrating more on future plans. But if the present is not taken care of, the whole future will be in vain. By implementing the CAB, the government is only eyeing its vote bank.

MOHIT KUMAR, PATIALA

Will they be loyal?

Reference to ‘Assam burns, curfew in Guwahati, Army deployed’ (December 12); there are many areas in Assam which are owned by Bangladeshis. Such people may get citizenship, but will they be faithful to India? The government should consider all aspects of the citizenship Bill.

Nikita Bhati, Rajasthan

FASTag glitches

Apropos ‘Snag, low balance slow down FASTag lanes’ (December 12); there are still many glitches. Some tolls are sans FASTag system. Traffic movement is disrupted when the RFID doesn’t read FASTag or if there is insufficient balance. It can be fixed by charging commuters more, or they may be given overdraft facility. FASTag is a welcome move by the government and should be implemented assiduously.

Sarabjeet Singh, Batala

Park timings

Apropos the editorial ‘Chandigarh, too, not safe (December 12), it is rightly said curbs on movement will not help in any way. Time restrictions will deprive both men and women of a walk in early morning and late evenings. These restrictions will have no effect on culprits, but health lovers and those fond of walking will feel much inconvenience.

Sohan Lal Gupta, Patiala

Safety of women

Refer to ‘Chandigarh, too, not safe’ (December 12), heinous incidents are being reported from across the nation. Earlier, women were treated with respect. Now, everything seems to have changed. Women have to walk in public space as they go about their work and daily business. The government should take measures, so that women can move out of their homes freely.

Akash Bhakri, Phillaur

Why were they given bail?

The death of the Unnao rape victim is shocking. When the rapists were behind bars for so serious a crime, where was the need to free them on bail, which offered them an opportunity to settle scores with the victim who dared to get them punished? The judge who granted them bail is also responsible for what happened to the victim. The UP Government and the judiciary failed to provide protection to the rape survivor. Rape is rampant only because the rate of conviction is low. Justice moves at a snail’s pace, and thereby encourages criminals to commit more crime. Parliament must enact law of death penalty for rape and murder victims.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

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