Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Manipur’s violence & govt’s inaction
The video that has surfaced on social media depicting two Manipuri women of the Kuki tribe being stripped and paraded naked by a mob of violent men in Manipur is heart-wrenching. It shows in broad daylight the ugly face of ethnic violence and the utter failure of administration there. The nation has hung its head in shame to witness the display of heinous crime in Manipur in the name of fights between groups. That the inhuman incident said to be occurred three months ago could not make the authorities to act all these days until the video got attention now speaks volumes about the failure of law enforcement there.
Still worse is that the police were said to be present there as mute spectators at the time of the incident. It’s high time the centre would act decisively to take the situation under control in Manipur. Though PM Narendra Modi has condemned the crime, it is highly unfortunate that the authorities haven’t found any solution to the prevailing crisis so far. The state is passing through a difficult phase and all communities are suffering. It is due to inefficient handling of the situation by the Centre. If we cannot defend the honour of our women, how can we expect to defend the honour of our country?
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Teaching physical skills
In the modern era of technology and digital devices, it is becoming increasingly important to emphasize the teaching of physical skills in early childhood education. While academic subjects such as math and language are crucial, the development of physical abilities in children should not be overlooked.
In this article, we will explore the significance of teaching physical skills to children until the age of 10 and discuss the numerous benefits that arise from incorporating physical education into their educational journey.
Physical education plays a vital role in the holistic development of children. By engaging in activities that promote physical skills, such as running, jumping, throwing and balancing, children develop their gross motor skills and coordination. These skills lay the foundation for further physical activities and enhance their overall physical competence.
Regular physical activity from an early age is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing sedentary lifestyles. Teaching physical skills instils healthy habits and promotes an active lifestyle among children. By incorporating physical education into their daily routine, we can combat the rising concerns of childhood obesity and related health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
Physical activities not only benefit children’s physical wellbeing but also contribute to their cognitive development. Research has shown that physical exercise stimulates brain function, improves memory and enhances cognitive abilities, such as attention span, problem-solving skills and creativity.
SAIRA SAMO
Larkana
Beggar mafia
In Karachi, there is a group of people called the “beggar mafia” who take advantage of vulnerable individuals, like women and children, by making them beg for money. They force these people to beg by threatening them or using violence. The mafia puts the beggars in crowded places and tourist areas to make more money. To stop the beggar mafia in Karachi, we need to do many things together.
The government should make its police stronger and take down the mafia. They should help the people who are forced to beg and make sure they are safe and supported.
People should be told about the problem through campaigns so they don’t give money to the beggars controlled by the mafia. Also, we should help vulnerable people find jobs and support so they don’t have to beg anymore. If we work together, we can solve this problem and make our city better.
SYED MINHAL RIZVI
Karachi
Women insecurity
In Pakistan, many people are facing inequalities due to human rights violations like “Violence”. Violence particularly against women, takes many forms including physical attacks, sexual abuse, harassment and forced marriages. Women don’t feel safe at their homes, in public or in their workplaces.
Some days earlier a father killed his daughter on the suspicion of having an affair. About 63,000 cases of GBV (Gender-Based Violence) had been reported in Pakistan over the past three years. UNICEF estimates that around 19 million women are married before 18 in Pakistan.
Women with higher education attainment are more likely to seek help to end the violence as they have better knowledge of laws. Women feel discouraged from reporting incidents due to lack of female officers and unfriendly environment and high fee demanded by lawyers. We should address the lack of awareness about the relevant laws such as lack of support from society, acceptance of GBV and more.
The existing laws need to be executed and brought out in their true spirit by building capacity in law enforcement agencies, police, judiciary, lawyers and media. There should be well-organized awareness campaigns for educating both men and women on GBV. There must be helpline services and vice versa. Both men and women have the right of life as equal citizens of Pakistan. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without any discrimination.
CHAHAT SANTWANI
Sukkur
Box letter
Illegal encroachment
Illegal encroachment in Karachi is a pervasive issue where individuals and businesses occupy public spaces without authorization. Footpaths, streets and parks are often taken over, leading to traffic congestion, hindered pedestrian movement and reduced recreational areas. Weak enforcement and corruption contribute to the persistence of this problem. To address the issue, stringent enforcement measures, penalties for encroachers and proper urban planning are necessary, along with raising awareness among citizens about the significance of public spaces and adherence to regulations. A collective effort is crucial to reclaim Karachi’s public areas and ensuring a more organized and liveable city. To effectively address illegal encroachment in Karachi, the city authorities must prioritize strong enforcement actions, impose strict penalties on offenders and develop a comprehensive urban planning strategy. Simultaneously, creating awareness campaigns to educate citizens about importance of preserving public spaces is essential for a collective effort in solving this issue and ensuring a well-organized and liveable city.
S HAIDER RIZVI
Karachi
