Should the army be allowed to carry arms in public places such as the Kamakhya temple when they are not on duty? Picture by UB Photos

When protectors turn violators

Indiscipline and intolerance among armymen and paramilitary forces has become a common fact. This is especially true for Assam.

The recent incident at Kamakhya temple has thrown up some serious questions. Should army personnel be allowed to carry arms when they are not on duty?

The army is given guns to save lives, but sadly, they use these weapons to intimidate and attack innocent civilians.

The BSF top brass should instruct their subordinates to be more tolerant and rational. The temple fracas clearly indicates that the security forces misuse the power that has been given to them. I hope such shameful acts will not be repeated in future.

Vinod Hazarika,
Dibrugarh

Ignominious acts

The country has been shocked into silence by the misbehaviour of the BSF personnel at Kamakhya temple on Nilachal hill. They think they can do anything and nobody will stop them. Their king-sized egos cannot tolerate the fact that they will have to stand in a queue like the common man.

Armymen should behave in an exemplary manner, as they are the custodians of the country’s pride and honour. But sadly, they behave in the most dishonourable manner possible.

The rowdy behaviour of the BSF personnel cannot be pardoned at any cost.

The guilty should be severely penalised, so that it acts as a deterrent.

Ashim Kumar Chakraborty,
Bijni, Assam

Patriarchal values

In most states of the country, the falling female ratio in the population has become a cause for concern. This adverse ratio can be attributed to the prevalence of female foeticide in the country.

In Assam, a different picture emerges and we find a balanced ratio.

Horrifying tales of dowry deaths and rape cases are still little known in the state. We should try to continue with this record and set an example for the rest of the country to follow. A nation that does not respect its women will never survive and is sure to collapse.

India has an entrenched patriarchy and has denied a dignified life to its women. No country can progress if it nurtures such hidebound values. I hope the country will follow the example of Assam and provide opportunities for its women to lead a more complete and dignified life.

Monalisha Sharma,
Guwahati

Threat to forests

Due to rampant felling of trees, the entire Northeast is fast losing its green cover. The silence of the environmental activists regarding destruction of forests by timber smugglers has caught the attention of many a concerned citizen.

The unabated felling of trees, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, which till date boasted of an impressive forest cover, has become a serious issue. Unless this is stopped, forests will be reduced to vast stretches of barren land. Why is the state government not waking up to the issue? Too much delay will cost the state heavily.

If Arunachal Pradesh, famous for its green treasure, loses its natural gift, it will find itself in a tight spot. It is high time the government adopted stringent measures. The public should lend full support to the cause of protecting reserve forests.

Pinky Tage,
Itanagar

Parks in danger

Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities of Gauhati Municipal Corporation to the misuse and poor maintenance of public parks in Guwahati. Some corners of the parks have been converted into dumping grounds for garbage. Stray cows and dogs can be seen roaming unchecked.

The decay and degeneration of many a beautiful spot started with the misuse of the parks and fields for public meetings, weddings and other social functions. The leftovers strewn all over the place attract stray dogs, cattle and pigs.

Pitching of tents has worn off the grassy carpet, while plants have been crushed by the feet of the uncaring crowd.

Vendors and hawkers systematically encroach upon certain areas of parks. Some people have also put up stalls inside parks.

The gardeners employed by the corporation are harassed by miscreants frequenting the place at night to pursue their nefarious designs. It is, therefore, imperative that steps be taken to arrest the degeneration of beautiful public places.

The errant workers should be penalised for their negligence. The encroachments should be cleared. I hope the parks regain their original beauty through the efforts of the authorities and the public.

Suman Borthakur,
Guwahati

Alarming population

From a state with a population of several thousands in 1947, Assam, especially Guwahati, has become a place of several crores of people.

The growth in population is phenomenal. However, if the growth rate is unchecked, we shall be the most populated state in India.

Population explosion drains our natural resources and hampers development. Unemployment too, has increased as a fallout. Then there is the problem of feeding the teeming millions as we go on adding more and more to our population each year.

Housing, clothing, education and medical facilities are required in the same proportion. Thus, we need proper planning to deal with the problems.

The only ray of hope lies in promoting and practising a practical, foolproof and scientific campaign of family planning. Vigorous drives must be launched to educate the masses on the dangers of population explosion.

Strict laws should be introduced to make family planning a reality.

Piyali Nath,
Guwahati