This refers to the editorial (Oct. 15), where the heading “The rape of reason,” says it all. The “solution” suggested by the former Haryana Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala, is in no way a solution. Let us not forget that some of the victims include married women and some rapists are married men. What has made things worse is when a State minister has explained away these cases as the outcome of consensual acts, which is appalling. The need of the hour is stringent measures against the perpetrators and special fast track courts. By relaxing laws pertaining to child marriage the only thing that will be achieved is denying women the very things that they need which includes, primarily, education.
Yamini M.V.,
Ramagundam
There have been many debates going on among khap panchayats and mahapanchayats relating to frequent cases of rape being reported in Haryana.
One of the “solutions” was that girls should get married at an early age, while another looked at a dress code for girls. The problem lies elsewhere. Haryana is a State with the lowest sex ratio in India and where villages are very patriarchal. Most people think a girl child is a burden. Parents must strive to ensure better education to the girl child.
Saidalavi K.P.,
Puducherry
Mr. Chautala’s suggestion is the most offending and ridiculous one can make. The other explanation that most incidents of rape are consensual is another statement which humiliates rape victims.
The editorial is right in pointing to the fact that both the rapist and victim can be married or unmarried. Moreover, there are cases of girls below the age of five being raped. So, according to Mr. Chautala, should the age of marriage be now reduced to below five?
The many explanations are an attempt to not only reduce the seriousness of the crime but to also discourage a rape victim to fight her attackers. Explanations cannot be a substitute for stringent action.
Ashutosh Kumar Lakhan Shah,
Patna
Mr. Chauthala’s dark statement shows that many of our leaders are just out of touch with reality and make impromptu assertions on issues without applying their mind.
N. Sadasivan Pillai,
Guntakal
Unfortunately, the major political parties, except the leftists, who are supposed to play a pivotal role in enlightening the masses against social prejudices and further social causes are either being evasive or taking sides with regressive forces, only to avoid the wrath of satraps. The pity is that they are not looking beyond elections.
Dr. D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla
Mr. Chautala’s foot-in-the-mouth statement is shocking as this is a person who I am sure will aspire to come to power again. One would have looked forward to a statement that recognised that social commitment is necessary for a welfare state. Women’s organisations and other social welfare NGOs should make Haryana aware of the dangers of electing a politician with such a mindset who is only a roadblock on the path to progress and gender equality.
M.K.B. Nambiar,
Mahe
Men should be gender sensitive and learn to respect women. Early marriage has a lot of disadvantages. What the State should do is initiate effective measures to curb rape, which is the pursuit of perverts.
K.S. Thampi,
Chennai
The problem can be effectively tackled only if exemplary punishment is given to the perpetrators instead of soft-pedalling the issue and suggesting placebo remedies.
P.K. Varadarajan,
Chennai
Mr. Chautala has addressed the situation without thinking of the consequences and not having enough facts to consider. Bending laws won’t change human nature. Strict laws are needed. Is child marriage even an answer?
Stanzin Rigzang,
Mysore
Increasing instances of rape seem to be coming to light. With dipping gender ratios, the problem is bound to get worse. Reducing the legal age for marriage would be a retrograde step. It’s time to think modern rather than being regressive. Tough laws are needed.
Shivpratap Singh Bais,
Pilani
