THIS is apropos of the report ‘Teachers manhandled for not allowing cheating in exams’ (May 10). The unfortunate incident of manhandling and beating teachers at government college in Karachi, is disheartening and social brutality to say the least.

It’s simply outrageous and intolerable. The teachers were humiliated and physically tortured just because they refused to turn a blind eye to the students cheating in examinations with impunity.

The brutal treatment meted out to the builders of the nation speaks volumes regarding moral degradation, for no civilised society can ever think of insulting the people who mould and shape its future.

Unfortunately, cheating seems to be an accepted reality in our examinations these days. Students cheat in exams without least realising that it is cancerous. It erodes them like termites erode wood.

They can get degrees by unfair means but knowledge remains a distant dream for them, and hence they fail in their practical lives miserably.

Such students are advised to mend their ways. They must know that only hard work, respect for their teachers and prayers they earn from their parents, elders and teachers can help them attain their desired goals.

It is time the government and the authorities concerned rose to the occasion to take effective steps to curb the menace of cheating to save our youth from being spoiled and worthless.

Efforts, at the same time, must be made to protect teachers from such humiliation and painful experience. Their respect and dignity must be maintained and upheld if we really want our nation to make progress with pride and dignity.

KHADIM HUSSAIN SUBHPOTO Hyderabad