Root cause

Sir — It is sad that a boy from Arunachal Pradesh lost his life in Delhi in an allegedly racial attack. Now, a 14-year-old Manipur girl has been raped in Delhi. Earlier too a few such cases were reported. For the future of not only Delhi but that of India, a mindset that breeds hatred against fellow citizens must change.

One reason for the rise in such crimes is the growing intolerance in people towards those from other States. Remember, in Delhi or Mumbai, development is not just because of one community or the regional people; people from other States living there too have contributed to the growth.

There is an urgent need to change the thinking and behaviour on social matters through proper education and media publicity. Also basic infrastructure in all the States, particularly those that are backward,  must be improved for its people to be gainfully retained. It is true that the Centre and the States have failed to solve many political and social problems of citizens, especially in the smaller States and villages.

The solution is to provide for jobs and development not only in the big cities but in all States, especially where there is a paucity of employment opportunities.

The Government must devote time and resources for the development agenda of all the States so that there is no political and social unrest.