Protests at
public places
Political or apolitical, protesters have no moral, legal and rational ground to destroy or damage public and private property in any manner. Causing damage or destruction of property should not be allowed even if the protest is for a just cause. Protest may be permitted but not damage or destruction. It should legally be made a civil liability for the protesters to pay for the damage caused by them. This should be in addition to the existing provision in the Indian Penal Code pertaining to fixing criminal liability in all such cases.
Chandan Kumar Nath,
Sorbhog.
Maturity of the voters in Assam
The first phase of the Assembly election in Assam is over. The voters' turnout has been good, and it has revealed that the voters in Assam are politically conscious. It is really tough for voters to choose the right candidates in an election. The ideologies of one political party are different from those of another political party. As noticed, the ongoing Assembly election in Assam has witnessed numerous political parties with different ideologies. With most of the political parties in Assam taking part in the Assembly election by forming alliances, the State has witnessed two major alliances, one is led by the Congress and the other is led by the BJP. While the principal Opposition party Congress has tied up with six political parties to form a grand alliance, the BJP has formed an alliance with two political parties. The turnout of voters in the first phase of the ongoing Assembly election in Assam has been good. The indigenous people in Assam desire that the government ensures their security in the State, and the government deports foreign nationals from the State that entered illegally after 24th March, 1971. Moreover, the indigenous people feel that the government should take proper steps to develop the State economically with a focus on creating jobs for the unemployed youths. Overall, the voters will have to choose the right candidates in the next two phases of the Assembly election.
Maheswar Deka,
Rangia.
Dirty politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Bangladesh on their invitation to commemorate the 50th year of Bangladesh Liberation. This was no doubt a big day for diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh leaving our arch rival Pakistan high and dry. During his visit he interacted with the Hindu community which is now 8% of the total population and also visited two revered Maa Kali temples which are thousand years old. Apart from that Prime Minister Modi donated a huge consignment of COVID-19 vaccine to our neighbouring country. TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee in the meantime left no stone unturned to criticize PM's visit as she felt Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit during this period would have impact on the ongoing Assembly polls in West Bengal. She has complained to the ECI for violation of model code of conduct. On 2nd May, we shall come to know as to how much impact Narendra Modi's tour to Bangladesh have on West Bengal poll outcome.
Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati.
COVID and elections
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the rising COVID cases across the country and the State. We are witnessing the second wave. In many States lockdown has been declared. Telangana has closed schools due to the increasing number of COVID cases. But in Assam most of the people don't follow COVID protocols and guidelines. Even the government is ignoring such a deadly virus. Huge gatherings are seen in election campaigns. This is a matter of concern and one should rethink about the virus that claimed thousands of lives.
The State government is not strict on COVID protocols. Is it due to the upcoming State Assembly elections? Is our State COVID free? Will there be lockdown again after the elections?
It's high time we took this matter seriously. I urge everyone to follow the guidelines and stay safe. Life is precious.
Anisha Choudhury,
Guwahati.
Garbage dumping
Through this column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the fact that dumping of household garbage continues at the Lachit Ghat on the bank of the River Brahmaputra, and it is causing water pollution. Despite having a specific area to dump garbage, wastes including plastics, food items, wrappers, flowers used in rituals etc., are thrown into the river. There should be strict rules and regulations regarding garbage disposals around the area.
Somikhya Rani Dutta,
Guwahati.
Centre's advice
The Centre advised 12 States and Union Territories reporting surge in coronavirus cases to increase testing and ensure that people follow guidelines.
The advisory says that one infected person can spread infection to around 406 people in 30 days. There are Assembly elections in some States and Union Territories. As such there should be precautions to restrict the spread of coronavirus as per guidelines of the Union government. Public should be alert in this respect. The State and Central governments should hold awareness programmes.
Putul Sarma,
Biswanath Chariali.