Massacre of MP Journalist and Family
THE massacre of Hindi journalist Chandrika Rai and his family in Madhya Pradesh has proved that investigative journalism is at great risk in the country.
Media reports indicate that some criminal-politician nexus is behind the massacre. The massacre is also linked to Rai’s expose of the alleged involvement of Umaria MLA, Mr Gyan Singh in illegal coal mining. More shocking is the clean chit given by local SP, Mr Manohar Singh to the two arrested abductors, which has surprised even the state DIG. Investigative journalists are always at risk of incurring the wrath of those exposed. So, the government should provide security to the investigative journalists. Stringent laws should also be made in support of those journalists and whistleblowers who show exemplary courage in fighting injustice and corruption in high places.
BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad
Carnival Festivities ‘Sabotaged’
ONE cannot understand why the yearly Carnival parades were cancelled. The tourists were eagerly waiting for the parades, and so were many of us. Yet because of the Calvim accident, the Carnival celebrations were cancelled. Parades could have been held in some towns of Goa. Accidents take place, and they take place throughout the year. But what was the reason for politicians to take advantage of it. Will the government cancel Ganesh festivities if a similar accident takes place just before the start of the Ganesh festival? Why not postpone the elections as everyone in Goa is "mourning" the dead. The Carnival is linked to the Christian Lenten season when Christians worldwide observe fast or abstinence for a period of 40 days. It is wrong of all concerned in Goa to cancel the Carnival, which is celebrated only for three days, before Christians observe Lent and abstain from all kinds of festivities including marriages.
ANTHONY FERNANDES, Mapusa
Election Scenario in Goa
ELECTIONS are the time for all of us to vote and choose a leader who will fulfil our dreams and also try to bring about a change. This can be made possible only if the Election Commission ensures that poll candidates are not corrupt, involved in scams or too old to contest. In today’s scenario, we have older political leaders than youngsters. Some of them are so old that they can’t even walk; some are paralytic but still want to contest elections. Today’s politicians bribe and lure the voters with freebies hoping that their gifts will influence the electorate to vote in their favour. These politicians don’t allow newcomers to enter politics rather they want tickets for their brothers, wives, children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, etc. They even threaten to quit their post and the party if their family members are not given tickets to contest the elections. Given this grim situation, people still elect the same corrupt politicians rather than giving a chance to someone who is honest and who will work to fulfil our dreams. Rather I would say instead of giving chance for the robbers to become greater robbers, let some new face take over. I think this is the reason why most of the youth don’t like to vote as they know that the candidates in the fray are corrupt.
FELSON LUIS FERNANDES, Navelim
