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Maoists & mosquitoes

With reference to “Mosquitoes win over…” (TSI, April 25-May 2) by Prasoon Majumdar. The massacre of CRPF jawans in Dantewada forest sent a shockwave across the nation. On account of growing internal security threats, the paramilitary forces are deployed in the remote areas without adequate facilities. So, the country loses more personnel due to diseases, natural disasters and accidents than during ambush and anti-insurgencies missions. Also, our officers suffer from AIDS, cancer, and psychiatric problems. It is a matter of regret that although the CRPF personnel help in establishing peace in the disturbed areas, they themselves are a shattered lot. Their duty hours are tough. Often they are posted in tough conditions and do not have proper arms and ammunition. They get ill-treatment from the local police and the authorities in the states where they are deployed. Moreover, there is nobody to help or counsel them. For a soldier, a life lost in a battle is self-rewarding but a life lost in a battle with mosquitoes has no justification. It is outrageous that the soldiers who take an oath of safe-guarding the fellow countrymen are themselves vulnerable to the negligence of their own political masters.

Aryaman

Chandigarh The basic rights

Arindam Chaudhuri has aptly criticised our government for killing more people than Maoists (TSI, May 3–9). Be it jawans dying due to mosquitoes or improper security, the government’s callous demeanour is the reason behind. It’s a pity that our nation is still struggling to provide basic needs to its citizens. According to the latest National Family Health survey, over 40% of children under 5 years of age in India are underweight. In unhygienic environment, more people die because of diarrhea, typhoid and malaria. Even in the cities, overflowing drains and slums are there. Sanitation is not difficult to achieve if we are dedicated to action. Despite growth-orientated policies adopted by the government, the economic, regional and gender disparities are posing a challenge for the health sector. Lack of awareness among the rural population is the reason why various schemes are not executed. It is unpardonable if rural people are deprived of the basic amenities like clean drinking water, basic health facilities and education.

Bhagyarekha Deshpande

Hubli Being human

In the recent past, many citizens have put us to shame. After reading “Fiends on the prowl” (TSI, May 3-9), I realised that these people are our own shadow, being reflected from different angles. It would have been great if the humans would have conquered the earth first by not letting hapless kids fall prey to the voyeurism of sick minds. It prompts me to recite an Urdu couplet, “Koi mehfooz nahin ghar mein apne, magar seemaon par pehra kada hai". We are still pursuing the same ‘barbaric instinct’, which we pursued during the Stone Age. Since it's a shame on the society as a whole, we all should come together and do something for it. To conclude, I would quote this “Ab to mazhab koi aisa bhi chalaya jaye, jismen insaan ko insaan banaya jaaye.” It is time when we should start afresh and try to be a human being.

Rajneesh Batra

New Delhi