Festive bite
Sir — The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has unofficially banned the sale of meat and fish in the state during Navratri and Dussehra. While many Hindu festivals demand a vegetarian diet, Bengalis are often shocked by such a proposition. Indulging in kathi rolls, biryani and fish fries is a part of Durga Puja. Moreover, in many places, fish and meat are offered to goddesses like Durga and Kali as it is ritualistic for married women to eat non-vegetarian food before leaving their parental homes. Such a ban, then, could prevent not just mortals but also deities from enjoying a delicious meal.
Annapurna Dhar, Calcutta
Inhuman attack
Sir — According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 500 people, including women and children, were killed in the attack on the Ahli Arab Hospital (“Gaza’s safe haven is dead”, Oct 19). Notwithstanding this inhumane act, several people continue to support Israel. Nations must join hands immediately to prevent Israel from attacking Palestine and usurping Palestinian land.
Afazuddin Qazi Qasmi, Mumbai
Sir — Attacks on hospitals are considered a war crime as per the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. But such a provision loses its relevance when the United Nations seems incapable of brokering peace between warring nations. The tragic loss of around 500 lives in an explosion at the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City was shocking.
In spite of this heinous attack, the Indian prime minister’s sympathy seems to lie with Israel. Narendra Modi’s lopsided stance in the current conflict could jeopardise New Delhi’s relations with the Arab world. The Centre would do well to remember that it is not wise to put all of one’s eggs in one basket.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sir — Israel occupied the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in 1967. Since then, Israel has, on multiple occasions, attacked Palestinians and fomented communal tension in the region, leading to armed resistance from Hamas, a Palestinian political and military outfit founded in 1987. The recent bombing of a hospital demonstrated that Palestinian lives do not matter to Israel. Nations across the world must come up with a solution to this festering problem.
Haridasan Rajan, Kozhikode
Sir — Narendra Modi expressed shock over the loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital while failing to control the communal riots in Manipur and provide sufficient aid to the state. Charity must begin at home.
Fakhrul Alam, Calcutta
Walk of solidarity
Sir — Many people joined the pride walk in Dibrugarh demanding gender-neutral toilets in educational institutions in Assam. Rituparna Neog, a queer rights activist and a member of the State Transgender Welfare Board, stated that using restrooms should not cause anxiety or humiliation to the transgender community. People rallying together sends a powerful message of solidarity.
M.T. Farooqi, Chennai
Clean celebration
Sir — A 2018 Supreme Court judgment banned the sale and manufacture of anything except green crackers in the National Capital Region during Diwali. But the Delhi government has banned eco-friendly crackers as well. Other states should follow suit.
Devendra Khurana, Bhopal