Rabies and strays
At a recent function organised in Mapusa on rabies eradication, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar lauded the efforts undertaken in Goa by ‘Mission Rabies’ during the past 3 years for its grand success in making Goa virtually rabies-free. Over 20,000 people reportedly die due to rabies every year in the country. Goa in this respect has set a wonderful example, as not a single death due to rabies has occured so far this year. However, there is no reason to be jubilant as this is only half the battle won, as strays continue to proliferate in numbers and pose a great threat to people, especially children, who are often mauled to death. The number of people bitten by strays in Goa, has also been reported to be on the rise. Even tourists continue to be harassed by strays on our beaches. And all this despite the sterilization drive to bring down their numbers. The plight of these strays on our streets and by-lanes feeding on garbage in the bins, has sadly been overlooked by NGOs and animal rights activists.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
**'
There was much chaos in Margao after a recent order of the Margao Municipal Council directing crematoriums/burial grounds to demarcate a certain portion for the cremation/burial of persons professing other faiths. While the sentiment on which the said order is based may indeed be purely with a noble intention, religious groups should have been consulted beforehand. A solution to this issue can be an electric crematorium operated by the municipality. The said crematorium should be open to the deceased from all castes and creeds. A nominal fee could be charged. This will be hugely beneficial to citizens.
K B Dessai, Fatorda
**
All parties and the nation unanimously endorsed the surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in POK. Rajnath Singh advised the Press "wait and watch". Nobody took his good advice. Pakistan went about its usual denial and even reportedly took the media to some site to prove Indian claims as false. Both the Opposition and Government differ on publishing video evidence to blunt Pakistan propaganda. The ruling party tried to politicise the issue by taking credit in posters and statements which were promptly objected to by the Opposition, especially the comment by Sanjay Nirupam propounding Pakistani skepticism which was disowned by the Congress party. The BJP's intolerance to other views propounded in a democracy, with endorsement by most of the biased television anchors reflecting the ruling party's views was obvious! As events unfolded, Sanjay Nirupum has shot himself in the foot, his credibility down. The beauty of democracy is eventually 'Satye Mavye Jayete' (Truth Shall Prevail), the slogan in our national emblem which politicians and many in our nation, find hard to follow.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
**
