The unrest in Kerala must be resolved peacefully

Our readers have their say on Pakistan, Dubai, cats and the Sabarimala temple

Indian Hindu activists burn effigy of Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan during a demonstration over two women entering the Sabarimala Ayyapa temple in the southern state of Kerala, in New Delhi on January 3, 2019. Clashes broke out in southern India for a second day on January 3 as Hindu hardliners went on the rampage, seeking to enforce a general shutdown in protest at two women entering one of the country's holiest temples. A day after violence among rival groups and with police left one man dead and 15 people injured, authorities said that 266 protestors had been arrested across the state of Kerala.
 / AFP / CHANDAN KHANNA
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I write in reference to your ­article Third woman enters flashpoint Hindu temple in south India (January 4). The ongoing unrest in the south Indian state of Kerala, which started after two women entered the Sabarimala temple, has resulted in protesters clashing with police and beating journalists.

At the time of writing, 15 people had been injured and one has lost their life. This is deeply sad and comes after last year’s court order lifting the ban on women from ­entering the temple.

Hindu activists and traditionalists have broken the women’s wall organised to safeguard the entry for them, as per the court’s directive.

The Keralites are strong ­believers in old customs and traditions. This is a very complex matter. Will the issue be settled amicably? We will have to wait and see.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Pakistan visit shows a deep and enduring fraternal bond

In reference to your ­article Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ­arrives in Pakistan (January 6), it is indeed very ­heartwarming to see the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme ­Commander of the Armed Forces visiting Pakistan.

The continued support and multifaceted welfare ­activities of the UAE ­government in Pakistan reflects the ­strong brotherly ties between the two countries.

Mohammad Hamza, Dubai

Dubai’s eight principles offer an example to all of us

I refer to your article Sheikh Mohammed issues eight principles of governance to strengthen growth and tolerance (January 6). The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai's words formed a beautifully constructed statement, the content of which should be welcomed and followed by all businesses and residents of the UAE.

David Learman, Ras Al Khaimah

Cats are an ally against pests – if they’re not pampered

I have just read your article Dubai tenants rattled by rat menace as numbers spike (January 5). The problem is that people leave food for stray cats at every corner. This makes them dependent on people and eventually stops them from hunting for their own food. Why waste energy on catching food if it's dished up daily, sometimes even more than once?

Name withheld by request