Tackling crime against women

Public outrage against crime against women and non-stop clamour for stricter laws is nothing new. The issue needs to be immediately debated in Parliament and stringent measures, including effective punishment as a deterrent, should be chalked out. There are several cases where criminals are let off for one reason or the other. All this is an eye-wash and public will not be fooled any longer. Some immediate steps to prevent these crimes are: a) Children from the age of three years should be taught to report any kind of assault or inappropriate advances to parents, teachers and elders (as is the case in the West where children are taught to dial 911)

b) Martial arts should be made a compulsory subject in schools and other self-defence skills should be taught. c) Every girl should be provided with a " pepper spray" for self-defence. The authorities should involve citizens to suggest measures and listen to their voices.

Tara Pathak,

Salisbury Park Need for practical solutions

UNION Minister Shashi Tharoor's suggestion to frame anti-rape law in the name of Delhi gangrape victim is indeed a result of high noble sentiment flowing out of the tragic incident. In the wake of the incident, human sentiments, emotions and outrage against crime against women is on a high tide, which is justifiable and understandable. However, the need of the hour is to channelise our feelings and come up with more pragmatic solutions. A national fund on the lines of existing national relief fund should be created to recognise women. The Delhi gangrape victim do not require a name or a face. The innocence and helplessness of this victim is permanently and painfully etched in the Indian ethos and mind. Therefore, this cruel incident or the name of the victim should not be attached to the preventive aspect being contemplated. One need not go over board owing to deluge of emotions.

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