Editor,
We have all been taught about first aid since our school days, be it in health education or through various programmes in our schools. From making and having a first aid box to dealing with certain emergency situations we have all been given the basic idea of first aid. The question is whether we will be able to execute all what we have learnt, when a real emergency arises. This is a serious question as an emergency might happen at any time especially in our ‘Zone V’ or the earthquake prone zone. We all have first aid kits ready at home but do we know how to utilize them? Or do we keep them as showpieces? During an emergency, be it in the streets or at home, our first response is to call the emergency service because we hardly know how to attend to such emergencies. We need to learn how to deal with emergency as it can help save precious lives. An emergency service due to various factors may not reach us on time especially because of congested roads these days. So as citizens and members of society we must not overlook the importance of first aid. Our timely response can help save many lives. We don’t need to be professionals to learn first aid; it only needs a helping hand which we can all provide. Mock drills are carried out frequently as one of the ways to educate people on what to do and not just to show what the emergency service will do. For, at the time of emergency, we are the first line of help and we ourselves might need help. Therefore we must encourage the various programmes which facilitate training on giving first aid and what to do in life threatening situations. After all, an emergency may happen at any time and we’ll need each other in such situations.
Yours etc.,
Banmankhraw
Lyngdoh Shillong- 5
On Triple Talaq
Editor,
Apropos the letter on “Triple Talaq” (ST Nov 1, 2016) the real temper of the country is that people want this Triple Talaq to end. People do not want any discrimination against women on the basis of any religious faith. Divorce laws in India are such that there are cases of harassment of women by men by not giving divorce, thereby limiting opportunities for remarriage and vice versa. Any rational person would agree that the practice of Triple Talaq needs to be abolished because it results in the abuse of women. Islam allows a wife the right of ‘khulah’ in which a woman can divorce her husband by giving up her rights, that is to claim her ‘mehr’ which the husband is duty-bound to give his wife, or even by disclaiming the dowry given to the man. India is a patriarchal society and women have to wait for months and years in courts to solve the problems relating to divorce. Our marriages of whatever religion has always got sanctity and just because of the barbaric rule the relationship cannot be broken. It is high time the Muslim Personal Law recognizes this evil. Muslims in India should encourage their community to follow Indian laws and keep religion out of it, in the same manner that they expect the Hindu religion to remain secular. Does TripleTalaq offer any mechanism to review the intent to separate as do the courts today? We must put an end to this Stone Age practice of “Triple Talaq”, which is used by Muslim men to desert wives. All Muslim women must come out against polygamy and Triple Talaq practiced by Muslim men in the name of Islam. The only civilized way is a uniform civil code to ensure that every man and woman is treated equally, as promised by the Constitution of India.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad -15
Vacancies in Education Dept
Editor,
According to news reports in your paper (ST Oct 27, 2016) inspectors and other officials will be appointed to look after the welfare of schools. It may be mentioned that some Government-run schools do not have full fledged principals and viceprincipals who are supposed to administer the schools. Why have these posts been left vacant for so long? This has clearly hampered the performance of these institutions. It is no surprise that private schools far exceed the Government-run schools in academic achievements. It’s high time to do away with temporary appointments to tide over problems. Let’s hope that the Government is able to fill these vacancies at the earliest.
Yours etc.,
Smt. Omarka Laloo Mynthong
Jowai
Durga Puja celebration in RR Colony
Editor,
With reference to the letter, “Religion a private affair” by NR Pyngrope, I only reiterate what he said, “Give then an inch and they take a mile,” which I personally feel is incongruous in the context of his complaint. My suggestion to the State/District Authority is that this particular portion of the road with the RR Colony Hall and Durga Puja Mandap should be included or donated to the Community. The traffic problem and permission issues will then be permanently solved.
Yours etc.,
Anjan Kr Das
Shillong- 6