Women are not safe in Maximum City

Memories from a time when music ruled
The article about shutting the iconic concert venue, Rang Bhavan and constructing a building in its place evoked many memories and emotions. I have gone there for so many concerts, where my husband Nandu Bhende sang and also to watch bands like The Police perform. We really miss that atmosphere, the crowds, the sounds and the smells. Apart from that, what I remember most clearly is both my kids sleeping peacefully on stage next to the drummer, during Nandu’s concerts! I always thought that someday I would take my grandchildren there to watch their grandpa perform. But the government, as usual, played spoilsport. Even my children are saddened by this sudden development. Finally, I guess, memories is all we have been left with. We will always treasure those wonderful memories of that special era when music ruled.
—Usha Bhende, via email

Women are not safe in Maximum City
This refers to the article on Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandes who were killed by local goons on October 20, while trying to defend themselves. May their souls rest in peace. My condolence also to Priyanka Fernandes,Keenan’s girlfriend. It’s a pity girls are not safe in Maximum City. The other day, I went to the Vishnu Nagar Police Station in Dombivli (West) to register a complaint against my neighbour who keeps harassing us. The officer on duty wouldn’t even write down my complaint unless and until I gave him chai-pani (bribe). Shame on our police department that works in connivance with goons and murderers who get away every time.
—Jubel D’Cruz, via email

Assange’s extradition is a travesty of justice
The British High Court’s decision to dismiss WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s appeal against extradition to Sweden to face rape charges is a travesty of justice. However, it does not come as a surprise. By relentlessly exposing the murky details that has caused great embarrassment to powerful individuals, he has made a number of enemies all over the world which includes the Government of the USA. Considering that the Swedish police has not filed any case against him on the alleged rape and the investigation into that crime is only proceeding now, the British Court’s anxiety to hand him over to the Swedes appears fishy and part of larger conspiracy to silence this man. If, Sweden hands him over to the US to face trial there we can take it that it will be the last we will hear of Julian Assange, the fearless crusader.
—Arun Chandra, Mumbai

Why get in the way of development?
This refers to a news item about the fast at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. While India is trying to put an end to nuclear apartheid and attempting to make significant progress in harnessing nuclear power for the development of the nation by establishing nuclear plants in various parts of the country, a certain group of people is trying to discredit the nation and the Indian Nuclear program by resorting to gimmicks. Misconceptions and fears are created in the minds of innocent villagers. On the contrary, over the last decade, the neighbourhood has benefited immensely in terms of economic development, education, infrastructure, employments. A huge investment also has been made by the government from the time of conception of the plant at Kudankulam and the ‘Kudankulam baby’ is now going to be delivered. Why are people trying to kill the baby?
—S Saha, via email

Voter, don’t get carried away by tall claims
Come elections and we see exuberance from all political parties — be it the Shiv Sena, the NCP, the Congress or the BJP. They seem to suddenly start caring for you and your welfare when they hardly show their faces throughout the year. One common mode of reaching out to the masses is through hoardings, posters and banners erected with gay abandon all over the city. Most of these mediums extol the so-called virtues of their leaders and project as if the common man would stand to benefit directly from the so-called initiatives. Often, these are misleading. Most of the banners have been illegally erected and the BMC is cheated when parties end up erecting many more hoardings than they actually pay for. This is an eyewash and the discerning voter needs to be vigilant about such claims and not get carried away by empty and tall promises.
—Deepak Agharkar, Mumbai

Save Mumbai, adapt these measures
Oil companies have started their disgruntlement requesting the government to increase petrol prices. Our government has not taken any measures to prevent this hike in petrol prices. The government should try some preventive measures such as not registering any new vehicles for a year at least and all government servants should be forced to reduce their petrol consumption. In addition, the state should advertise through the media, requesting people to reduce consumption of diesel and petrol.
—V Venkitasubramanian, Mumbai

BEST is the only way to go for the city
Every Mumbaikar faces a problem while getting an autorickshaw or a taxi. With an increase in prices of petrol and diesel, there will be another demand from auto and taxi operators for a revision in rates. Sharad Rao will again hold Mumbaikars to ransom. Soon, the fares will be out of reach for many Mumbaikars. The BEST have started Ferry 1 and 2 from CST to Nariman Point and back via Churchgate. This is a good start. The BMC should purchase at least 10,000 buses and start expanding their fleet, increase the routes and the frequency. They can raise funds through issuing infrastructure bonds like Konkan Railway. Mumbaikars will be happy to help. This will decrease our dependence on autos and taxi.
—Shashi Phatak, Mumbai