Wrong Treatment

The beginning of the lead ‘Police seen as spectators of killings’ frontpage on Monday, 2 January with the derogatory word “Shala” in prominent italics is disgraceful. Newspapers are supposed to be read by children also and such words, even if based on reality may adversely affect their formative minds. They may be indirectly referred to, may be in an inside page. But it is always advisable not to put such words on page one, especially keeping in mind the maturing psychology of children who are actually often advised to read newspapers.