Interfaith dialogue is crucial to counter extremist attacks

Our readers have their say about interfaith dialogue, cow slaughter in India, and airstrikes on Gaza

UAE ambassador to the UN, Lana Nusseibeh. UN

I write to you in reference to your article UAE ambassador says attacks on places of worship an 'abomination' (May 5).

UAE Ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh’s call for more interfaith dialogue and her condemnation of attacks on places of worship are much needed today.

Interfaith dialogue can only promote peace and fight extremism. Her appeal should be taken into account and places of worship guarded against terrorists everywhere.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Indian politicians should start implementing better policies

I write to you in reference to a news item by Ramola Talwar Badam India elections 2019: Development and economy draw voters to Narendra Modi (May 4).

I was recently on a work trip in Allahabad, and some of its neighbouring towns. All the major arteries in this area were crowded with stray cows and bulls, abandoned by their owners, after having outlived their productivity.

My team and I went there to study the wholesale vegetable and fruit markets, but entering these towns was a total nightmare. Stray cattle were gnawing and stomping stacks of vegetables and shop owners would rain blows on them with bamboo sticks.

Despite the beatings, the cattle would sneak back into the markets, to get a mouthful of something edible. They were desperately hungry.

When the government banned the slaughter of cows, it did not provide adequate shelters for older farm animals to spend their last days. The cattle have thus been left to roam aimlessly on the streets, obstructing traffic and

stealing food.

In rural areas it has become arduous to drive. Out of nowhere, a cow will suddenly dart on the road and provoke an accident. Poor lighting exacerbates this problem at night.

Farmers in many states are complaining that their crops are being eaten and trampled by stray cows, who are not looked after.

Making lofty promises and half-baked policies is not enough; there has to be a concerted plan to efficiently implement these new laws.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Let us pray for Palestinians in besieged Gaza this Ramadan

I write in reference to your online video captioned Israel strikes Gaza as tensions escalate (May 5).

There is always a surge in airstrikes at the onset of Ramadan. This ­happens every single year. The ­Israeli­ ­government is a cruel ­oppressor of the Palestinian people.

Ruby Ehsan, UK

I hope negotiators will find a political settlement to this conflict. Peace talks are the only solution to this never-ending violence.

Sejjusa Darius, Dubai