Inhuman treatment
I was disgusted by the treatment meted out by the organisers of the India-Pakistan cricket match in Abu Dhabi. Water bottles were taken away at the entrance. We gave up, thinking we would buy water and food inside the stadium. But that was not the case.
There were 12,000 people and no water or food. If you left the stadium to try and find some, you were not allowed back in.
Parents were holding up children crying of thirst to the organisers, pleading for water, only to be ignored and treated like animals.
I was appalled by the lack of humanity.
From Mr W.O. Bentley
Dubai
Better arrangements
The India-Pakistan cricket match was indeed a feast for the eyes. The joyous competitive spirit was amazing.
But the spectators suffered a lot of inconvenience. Since it was a day-night match, it was sweltering hot in the afternoon.
A lot of people felt thirsty and many mothers had to attend to crying kids. I request the organisers to make arrangements for water and eatables the next time. That will help us enjoy the match.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Editor's note:
Similar complaints were received from Ms V. Ramakrishna from Dubai, and Mr D. Joseph and Mr T. Fulton from Abu Dhabi.
Only a game
Cricket matches between India and Pakistan always make me nervous. Somehow the feeling on both sides is that it is an all-out war, with the world as an amused spectator.
It is marvellous that in the UAE, peaceful co-existence and fruitful cooperation have been so effectively achieved between people from so many different parts of the world.
The respect and affection between Indians and Pakistanis here is nothing short of remarkable and whatever the outcome of the cricket match, let us all remember that it is only a game.
From Ms Z. Habib
Abu Dhabi
Does cricket care?
The DLF trophy weighing 45kg was impressive. The cash awards handed out for the man of the match and the series were fabulous and mouth-watering.
It would have been great, however, had the teams refused the money and donated it for the victims of the October earthquake, many of whom are still suffering.
Only then would cricket for a cause have been meaningful.
From Mr F. Sunil
Dubai
Unfair caption
I wish to draw your attention to the photo feature "Easter around the world" (Tabloid, Gulf News, April 17).
It has a photograph of a Filipino woman holding a baby with the caption "Bathing in the polluted waters of Manila Bay, Philippines, to celebrate Easter Sunday".
This is not the way Filipinos celebrate Easter. I, as a Filipino, would prefer you not include us in your coverage rather than discriminate against us by featuring such a big picture with an unfair caption.
The Philippines, being the only Christian (Catholic) country in Asia, does have many ways of celebrating the Holy Season.
From Ms M. Zembrano
Abu Dhabi
Bad publicity
Considering that the Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia, the way you projected Easter celebrations there was not proper.
Please send an experienced photographer or reporter the next time to get the real picture.
I was offended, and I am sure I am not the only one. No more bad publicity, please.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Other activities too
When I saw the photograph of a Filipino lady holding a baby high, I couldn't help but smile. But when I saw the caption, my smile turned to a frown.
It is one thing to state the Manila Bay is polluted because that is indeed the truth.
But to insinuate that we Filipinos - who are mostly Catholics - celebrate Easter by bathing in the polluted waters of Manila Bay is insulting.
We have early morning mass, dawn processions, egg hunting and the Renewal of Baptismal vows. Why didn't you include the photos of those activities?
From Ms K. Zembrano
Abu Dhabi
Editor's note:
Similar sentiments were expressed by Ms Nadia B. Roaring from Abu Dhabi, and Ms M. Matias-Augusto, Mr R. Dulay and Ms M.A.G.C. Eliserio from Dubai
Good work
Apropos the editorial "Come forward when help is needed" (Gulf News, April 16).
Whereas a feature article is more common, you chose to invite the readers of your influential editorial to support the work of the Special Care Centre of Abu Dhabi.
In doing so, Gulf News has given to those of us who are blessed with good health and healthy bank accounts an unprecedented wake-up call to address the needs of less privileged children with special needs.
God bless you and all the good-hearted people who respond to your call.
From Mr V. Poonoosamy
Abu Dhabi
A fair settlement
I refer to the news item "Hamas responsible for attack - Olmert" (Gulf News, April 18). It is tragic when anyone dies violently.
However, the Israeli claim that the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv was a declaration of war is nonsense.
As many as 15 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli artillery in the past two weeks, isn't this too a declaration of war?
At some point, both the sides have to stop the cycle of retaliation and act with honesty and integrity.
Both must admit they are at fault and sit down to negotiate a fair settlement. Without doubt, the agreement must be consensual.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Advocating cannibalism
It is with shock and revulsion that I read the article "Cruise: I will eat placenta" (Tabloid, Gulf News, April 19).
It was nauseating to read his desire to eat his newborn placenta. What is the world coming to? First, Tom Cruise declared his wife will give birth in silence.
And now this latest revelation. It is fine for him to promote Hollywood, Scientology and Mission Impossible movies.
But he is now advocating cannibalism.
From Mr K.S. Manian
Abu Dhabi
Maintain decency
This refers to the article on Tom Cruise's desire to eat the placenta. People can say anything, but a reputed newspaper must decide what to publish and what not.
It is good that you bring the readers all sorts of news, but it is your obligation to put it in a decent way.
The newspapers are delivered at home. Imagine young children asking about such things.
From Mr S.A. Hyder
Dubai
Salty water
For the past 3 to 4 months, we have been getting salty water in our building in Ajman. The watchman says there is a problem with the municipality supply.
I checked up with the authorities, but they say there is no water shortage. I informed the building owner, but realised he is not paying proper attention.
From A Reader
Ajman
Name withheld by request
