Standing united
Immediately after the heinous and blood-curdling terror attack on innocent tourists, the Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown against for the first time in 35 years. Political parties and organisations from all walks of life and the people supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam. The shutdown was a symbolic display of collective grief and protest against the deadly terrorist attack, and truly showed the unity and solidarity of the people. It also goes to show that the people want peace, and it is only through peace that progress and prosperity can come. It is truly a powerful message of unity and resilience in the face of violence, as Kashmiris mourn the loss of innocent lives and reaffirm their collective stand against terrorism. The Valley, no doubt, has seen a lot of progress in the past few years and with normalcy returning, there has been an enhancement of tourism infrastructure, job creation and a lot of development taking place in transportation and other sectors, resulting in an economic boost like never before. Progress puts an end to poverty, unemployment and evils like radicalism and extremism. The agents of chaos, bloodshed and death, both alien and domestic, need to be tracked and wiped out completely. At this time of grief, it is the duty of all Indians to stay united.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Thwarting terror attacks
Terrorists recently opened fire at Pahalgam in Kashmir killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is considered as the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwana strike in 2019. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to target tourists, including foreign, in order to gain international attention. The timing, choice of target and the manner in which the attack was carried out suggest strategic objectives that its planners had in mind. The attack also came at a time when US Vice President J D Vance and his family were vacationing in India. It is learnt that following the Pahalgam attack, security has been tightened in Goa. Since terrorists have been targeting tourist destinations in the country, the threat to Goa, which is a tourist destination, cannot be taken lightly. It may be recalled that in 2000 a series of bombings were carried out inside churches in Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh by Islamist extremist group Deendar Anjuman. On June 9 the same year, a bomb exploded at the St Andrew’s Church in Vasco. Tourism and tourists are under a constant threat of terrorism, which also impacts economy of a region. After a terrorist attack, it is observed that security is heightened across the country. This happened after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai in 2008. The security was later gradually downsized. We need to be proactive and not reactive in preventing terror attacks.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Malaria incidence
Health workers and professionals, with an active participation of the government, have slowed down the malaria incidence. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Technical Strategy 2016-2030 has initiated several steps to halt malaria in its tracks. It wants a 90% reduction in malaria incidence and mortality rates by the year 2030. Diagnosis, surveillance, risk monitoring and cost-benefit analysis are systematically mapped. Infants, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, HIV and AIDS patients and travellers are at a high risk. Seventy per cent of the world’s malaria burden is borne by ten African countries and India. Female Anopheles mosquito vector control, therefore, cannot be de-escalated by any means as is the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malarial parasites, the causative agent of malaria. There are as many as 30 malaria transmitting anopheles vectors, so the challenge is huge. Insecticide resistance is another contentious issue. Climate watch, rainfall assessment, elimination of places where the vector mosquitoes exist and human immunity are factors that matter.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Taxi turf wars
The government has signalled its intent to reform Goa’s taxi industry, with a push for app-based services to streamline operations and reduce conflicts that have long plagued the sector. The Chief Minister has directed the police and the transport department to take strict action against taxi-related disturbances, aiming to bring order to an industry that has frequently resisted regulation. Local taxi operators, backed by political and social figures, have historically opposed structured fare systems, refusing to run services on meters and charging exorbitant fares that impact commuters and tourists alike. Meanwhile, GoaMiles, the state’s lone app-based service, has faced hostility despite its popularity among passengers. With the government’s latest intervention, the end of taxi turf wars might finally be in sight paving the way for a transparent, efficient and tourist-friendly transport system. Whether this push translates into tangible reforms remains to be seen, but the urgency of action has never been clearer.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
