Nuvem death raises concern over mob violence
A 30-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death at Nuvem by a mob following suspicion that he was involved in the theft of a two-wheeler. According to reports, the man was assaulted with kicks, fists and repeated blows before he was taken to the South Goa District Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The Maina Curtorim Police has reportedly arrested three persons in connection with the incident. The reported incident is particularly alarming because mob violence of this nature is extremely dangerous for a state like Goa, where people have traditionally taken pride in living in a peaceful and orderly society. It should serve as a serious warning that a dangerous culture of “street justice” must not be allowed to take root. Citizens can help catch a suspected offender, but citizens cannot become the judge, jury and executioner. Members of the public have every right to stop a thief, prevent escape and immediately hand the suspect over to the police. That is responsible civic action. Even when there appears to be overwhelming evidence, the accused must be dealt with through the criminal justice system. It is the job of the police to investigate, the prosecution to present the case and the courts to determine guilt and punishment. If this is indeed Goa’s first reported case of mob lynching, then every effort must be made to ensure it does not become the beginning of a disturbing trend. The police are there to enforce the law. The courts are there to administer justice. Citizens have a role to play in assisting both.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Beyond caste labels
Himachal Pradesh has decided to remove caste-related columns from school and college admission forms from the next academic session. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the move will apply from pre-nursery to college and will also cover college prospectuses. Routinely identifying children by caste can create feelings of inferiority or superiority, and the change is expected to promote equality and reduce caste-based discrimination in educational institutions. However, caste-based reservations, scholarships and welfare benefits will continue. Students seeking benefits linked to their social category will still be required to provide caste information separately, wherever necessary. This is a welcome move by the government and could help create a more inclusive educational environment, where children are encouraged to see themselves as equals rather than being defined by their caste identity.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Control sugar prices
The sharp rise in sugar prices, with rates reaching around Rs 70-Rs 80 per kg in Mumbai and other parts of the country, is a matter of serious concern. With the festive season approaching, the increase is likely to push up the prices of sweets and other sugar-based products, placing an additional burden on household budgets. The government should take timely steps to stabilise prices and ensure adequate supplies so that consumers are protected from further price shocks.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Grief needs compassion
Grief is a state of profound sadness caused by an irreparable absence or an irreplaceable loss of loved ones or cherished things. Grief is deeply distressing to both the individual and society because it extends beyond the emotional realm to encompass the physical, behavioural and cognitive dimensions of those affected. Coping with stress or grief requires resilience and calls for companionship. Although “Grief Awareness Day” is observed primarily in the United States on August 30, author Angie Cartwright’s book ‘My Grief Diary’ is a must-read. It portrays a society structured to support those experiencing sorrow. Society’s responsibility is to convey the message that it stands steadfastly beside those affected by grief. If tears are the language of grief, laughter could perhaps be its remedy. Friendship and friends can lessen grief by half, because shared grief is half-sorrow. As American writer and journalist Anne Roiphe says, “Grief has two parts—the first is loss. The second is remaking of life.”
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
India fails again
The Indian cricket team still lacks the spirit, enthusiasm and spine required to continue fighting in the game. In the Sri Lanka series just finished, they did not push hard enough for victory in the second test. Though one must admire Sonal’s back-to-the-wall innings, his second century of the match, which held off India and denied them victory, one must also say that we simply did not try hard enough. With the Sri Lankan lead at 170 and about 30 overs remaining in the day, the Indian fielders became lackadaisical and lax, failing to press hard for a win.
S Kamat, Mysore
