Haroon Siddiqui, the distinguished Toronto Star columnist, often writes eloquently about the modernity of his native India. How India can be an example to the rest of the world of an emerging nation. A nation that wants to be recognised as a world power.
I have been waiting for his column about the brutal rape and subsequent death of the poor girl on the bus India, that has gripped his native country. How India has a policy of ignoring the abuse of women, sexual assaults, of looking the other way, or worse blaming the victim.
The Toronto Star has always had a history of reporting on women's issues. They have had numerous articles and editorials on this horrific rape in India. I want to hear from their most decorated writer, Order of Canada recipient, a man that has written about his homeland on countless occasions. He can add a perspective and gravitas to the issue that no other Star writer can match.
India cannot join the First World of nations until they treat women, minorities and the people living in unspeakable poverty under their deplorable caste system with dignity, respect and equal rights under the law.
It makes no sense that Haroon has yet to write a column about this case and its underlying causes. I can't take another column from him, about the rise of India, seriously until he addresses this case. It seems to me that he has been reluctant to report on the dark side of India, preferring to write positive stories. I don't think he can write about his native country again without a comment on this issue.
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