Overseas Indians have shown a strong sense of civic duty

Our readers have their say about Indian elections, Khor Fakkan, the fire at Notre-Dame and the Christchurch massacre

In this April 11, 2019, photo, Kashmiri voters stand in a queue to cast their votes outside a polling station at Shadipora, outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan, File)

Voters outside a polling station in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. AP

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I write to you in reference to Ramola Talwar Badam's article Indian elections: UAE voters fly home to go the polls (April 17). This piece was truly a good read. I can only applaud the strong sense of civic duty that overseas Indians have shown as they head home to vote for the nation's next leader, impractical and costly though it may be. Ultimately, every Indian citizen should vote and I firmly believe that a high voter turnout is necessary to keep those in power accountable and ensure that governance is free of corruption.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Abu Dhabi stands by survivors of the Christchurch massacre

I write to you in reference to your article Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets imams of attacked Christchurch mosques (April 15). This is a great way for the Arab world to show solidarity with the survivors of the Christchurch terror attack.

The article includes a photograph of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, speaking with Imam Gamal Fouda of Al Noor mosque. I remember that the imam made a magnificent speech in his first public appearance after the fatal shooting. My father recalls meeting Imam Alabi Lateef Zirullah of Linwood mosque who is also a wonderful person. I am glad they got to meet in Abu Dhabi.

Cynthia Barbara Harnor, Tauranga

Khorfakkan should be on your sightseeing list for the UAE

I write to you in reference to Gillian Duncan's article Emirati town once invaded by the Portuguese opens up to tourism (April 11). The Khorfakkan beach is absolutely lovely, this is a nice town that I would recommend visiting.

Lisa Worth, Liverpool

The fire at Notre Dame in Paris is a global tragedy

I write to you in reference to The National's live updates of the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire (April 16). I truly hope this beautiful building will be saved and restored. I also pray that everyone in its vicinity is safe from the fire. This is such a sad day.

Mary Debruyn, Halifax

This is devastating news. I remember visiting the majestic cathedral when I was on vacation in Paris. Part of Notre Dame has already crumbled. I hope the it can be saved.

Ellen de Boer, Dubai

This is a dark day for my country. The destruction of Notre Dame, even if it is only partial, will leave a gaping hole in the heart of French culture and history. Notre Dame is not just a cathedral or a tourist attraction, it is a 900-year-old symbol of France and I am deeply saddened at the thought of losing this precious monument.

Sebastien Gaye, Dubai

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