M A I L B A G

Dictators act like deceitful devils

HK. Dua’s front-page editorial, “Insecurities and illusions of dictators” (Nov 6) is timely. Dictators, they say, always act like deranged and deceitful devils whose main destination is to dominate and destroy democracy, claiming that their action is in the national interest. General Musharraf has gone a step further by claiming that he is prepared to sacrifice his life for Pakistan, forgetting that he has himself murdered democracy in that country.

It is a disgrace that the Karachi-based editor of Jung was slapped and shunted into the police van. If judges and journalists are ill-treated and imprisoned, one can infer that General Musharraf suffers from mental deception and distraught.

While the US called Saddam Hussein a criminal, what would one call General Musharraf for committing crimes against the people of Pakistan and spreading terrorism? Ms Benazir Bhutto should remember that dictators are devils and can never be democratic as long as they rule. I, as a retired soldier, urge the US to try General Musharraf for crimes against Pakistan in the same way as was done for Saddam Hussein.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari (Hamirpur)

II

Like all dictators, General Musharraf also feels that he is indispensable and wants to remain in power forever. While assuming absolute power, he has suppressed the civil society and muzzled the media. Critics and opponents have been thrown behind bars and the judges have been sacked and put under house arrest.

Mr Dua aptly says that “all dictators suffer from suppressed insecurities”. There can be a ‘coup in-a-coup’ situation. Since a neighbour’s house has caught fire, let us be vigilant and cautious.

Dr L. K. MANUJA, Nahan (HP)

III

Indisputably, General Musharraf faced heavy odds, a hostile and palpably politicised judiciary above all. The situation in the country was becoming increasingly chaotic with each passing day. The General had perforce to act to avert total chaos, failing which history would have accused him of shying away from discharging his onerous duty at a critical juncture.

To my mind, the General seems more sinned against than sinning. Let us pray and hope for early return of normalcy in Pakistan.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

IV

General Musharraf has become overambitious; he wants to remain in power by hook or by crook. He is allergic to democracy in which people and not he who will rule the roost. That’s why, he has usurped the rights of all those who espouse for democracy.

Pakistan’s history is replete with incidents of rulers being overthrown. And General Musharraf forgets that he has sown the seeds of his own destruction by throwing his critics behind bars. His misadventure is going to misfire sooner or later as people are fully enlightened, are conscious of their rights and responsibilities and can’t be taken for a ride for long.

Consequently, General Musharraf should not remain under any illusion as no unjust ruler can command respect and obedience. If he is sincere, honest, impartial and efficient, he should lift emergency immediately, restore civil liberties and order a free and fair election, which Mr Dua rightly remarked, “to mark the birth of democracy in Pakistan”.

TARSEM S. BUMRAH, Batala

The bare truth In India, where the majority of South Asia’s population lives, the agricultural sector has lagged considerably behind other sectors. Thus, it has a negative effect on poverty alleviation in rural areas. India may be the world’s second fastest growing economy, but it still has a long way to go in eradicating hunger where it is ranked at 94, way behind neighbouring China and Pakistan according to a global report. In our country, one in 10 people go to bed hungry every day. Two meals a day are still a distant dream for crores of Indians. Onion and salt along with a few rotis are a feast for a few millions. And this is happening even after 60 years of Independence! It is a matter of shame. Our political masters must wake up from their slumber and do something meaningful before it is too late. Dr NARESH RAJ, Patiala

Costlier cinema

The cinema houses in Bathinda keep charging the cine-goers at will. The balcony ticket which was Rs 30 a few weeks back is now Rs 50! Moreover, the city cinema owners are fooling the public and the government by not mentioning the cost on the ticket. As a result, one does not know how much one is paying for the show and how much of it goes as excise duty to the government.

Prof P. K. GUPTA, Bathinda

Mediclaim policy

The premium of the New India Assurance Company Limited medical claim policy payment is through cheque and if it gets bounced at the first instance, then the policy gets cancelled. Sometimes due to unavoidable circumstances, the cheque gets bounced.

One more chance should be given to the mediclaim insured person to deposit in cash the annual policy premium within a stipulated period. If this is not done, then the policy should be cancelled. This action will benefit many mediclaim policyholders.

KRISHNA AVTAR, New Delhi