Hopes for a peaceful solution to Indian religious site dispute

Our readers have their say on Indian protests and stray animals

Crowds gather for a rally to demand the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, India. AP 

I write with reference to your article Ayodhya tense as thousands of Hindus gather near disputed religious site (November 26).

This report offered a ­careful and detailed account of the ­ongoing tension in the ­northern Indian city, which lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Hindu groups are calling for the construction of a temple on a disputed religious site, where in 1992 a mosque was destroyed by a mob.

Most Hindus believe that the site is the birthplace of the warrior god Lord Ram. As such, they want a temple to him to be erected there.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been instrumental in the ratcheting up of demands for the building. This matter will also be high on the agenda of political parties during next May’s Lok Sabha elections.

Both Hindu and Muslim groups have petitioned India’s Supreme Court to help resolve the issue.

The state government has deployed police commandos to ensure that clashes between both groups do not occur.

My hope is that all parties will behave in a peaceful manner and that law and order will be maintained.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

We must remember that stray animals are a human problem

I was sad to read your article UAE campaigners dismayed at surge in owners dumping pets (November 24). Unless people can understand and accept that pets are valuable family members and not show animals or playthings, this phenomenon of discarding unwanted animals will continue.

It is worth remembering that this is a human problem, first and foremost. The protection of animals – especially domestic pets – is the responsibility of ­communities and wider society. Laws can help only if people realise this.

Name and address withheld by request

We all need to be careful on the UAE’s wet winter roads

I write with reference to your article UAE hit by rain, sandstorms and lightning as extreme weather returns (November 25). The piece stated that visibility was reduced for motorists as winter weather struck. Even though the roads are wet and slippery, you still get drivers tailgating and flashing their lights. People need to be careful when ­conditions are not what they are used to.

Name and address
withheld by request