M A I L B A G

Musharraf digs own grave

General Pervez Musharraf has murdered democracy by declaring the Emergency in Pakistan. It is really shameful that the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhary, has been forced to quit his august office. Justice Chaudhary was actually “independent-minded” and he had come to symbolise democratic aspirations of the common people of Pakistan.

Though General Musharraf has been able to win the confidence of the Pakistani army, he has got clearly isolated from the people of his country who have deep resentment against him in their hearts.

Despite all his high-handed and dictatorial tactics, there is a strong undercurrent of revulsion against the military ruler in the present-day Pakistan. Over and above all, he has cheated his own countrymen and committed a sort of treason against his own nation. He has dug his own grave into which he must lie one day. If the people of Pakistan are against him, the Pakistan army will not be able to stand by him for long.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Art of publicity

This refers to the news of a police case against a Chandigarh artist (Oct 25), who had earlier lost his art college teaching job on alleged immoral charges. The artist should have realised that he is not a Husain who can wriggle out of such controversies that he deliberately creates to elicit cheap publicity. If none of the few local art reporters, who generally are ill-equipped to look at paintings discerningly and shower praises even on amateur artists, could see the vulgarity in those paintings, it is not a valid defence for the artist.  

It really pains to find that today artists also have started following the stooping marketing trends in the name of freedom of expression to achieve their commercial goals.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Sting operations

These days the media, especially the electronic media, plays a big role in exposing crime in society. Without going deep into the facts and circumstances of the case, the accused is labelled as a criminal. By repeating the report, it prejudices the public as well as the judiciary. So the chances of true justice become doubtful. I request the judiciary to refrain from media gossip and give verdicts without bias. One must not get swayed by the so-called sting operation stories.

Dr B. B. MITTAL, Bhucho Mandi (Bathinda)

Save animals during Diwali Diwali has gained notoriety for burning the easy money on fireworks, lights and gifts. For gifts made of silk, wool and leather, silkworms, lambs and cows are abused in ways that defy description. Humans, especially children, and animals are maimed or even blinded every year through an irresponsible and callous use of fireworks. The bright flames and unrestricted noise of fireworks present an exquisite sight but have a gruesome effect on animals. Bursting crackers is horrifying to the poor in huts, patients in hospitals and animals. Children need extra care and supervision during the lighting of crackers. Dogs, cats and rabbits are oversensitive and as such should be kept in safe rooms. Close the doors and curtains and keep television on loud volume to reduce the noise of crackers. Cows and horses should be herded into safe places to guard against any mishap. We need to take care of stray animals roaming unprotected on the roads. We must spare a thought for those who cannot afford to be part of the Diwali festivity. Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

Onus on voter

The assembly elections in Himachal are round the corner. Once again the responsibility lies with the electorate to accept or reject the tainted politicians. The voter’s verdict should not be vague and ineffective. Candidates in the fray should be morally elevated. So the distribution of party tickets should be a fair and honest deal. In no case tickets should be given to the tainted candidates.

RAVI DATTA, Dehra (Kangra)

Synthetic khoya

Synthetic khoya is doing a roaring business in Punjab. It is manufactured with ingredients such as milk powder, shampoo, urea and starch, which are injurious to human health. When the government knows that milk is too short to meet the daily demands of consumers, why does it allow the manufacture of khoya sweets? Besin and maida can be used for making sweets which are good for health and cheaper too.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

Pollution control

For the past one decade there has been public concern every now and then over the pollution caused by hundreds of dyeing units—big and small —in and around Panipat. But there has been no earnest effort to relocate them so far.

For instance, those who completed all formalities and deposited the requisite amount as far back as January are yet to be allotted plots. It is stated that the Chief Administrator, HUDA, is very busy. As if pollution control in Panipat is none of his business!

VISHWA MITRA, Panipat