L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

No end to Naxalite violence

There is no let-up in the Naxalite offensive. The
condition is fast deteriorating. In the last one year,
as many as 177 policemen have been killed by the
Naxalites. They have established liberated zones
and are running the administration.

The government’s writ doesn’t run in partts of some states which appear to be at a loss to handle and curb the spreading menace. After Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal, the Naxalites have now struck in Orissa where they killed 10 policemen in a mine blast on June 18.

The Central Government cannot remain a passive onlooker, making vacuous statements. If the evil is not nipped now, we will be faced with a situation graver than what Pakistan is facing in the Swat valley.

R.J. KHURANA, Bhopal

II

The Centre and the states have launched various welfare schemes for the tribals, but these are almost negligible. One section blames the government while the other condemns the extremists for perpetrating violent protests.

The solution to problems like Lalgarh or Red Corridor cannot be tackled by the Army or special security forces. The answer lies in improving the socio-political system through effective rural development programmes that really benefit the weaker sections of society.

NEHA PAUL, Patiala

Timely warning

The editorial “Let not goondas rule: Ludhiana Akali attackers must be punished” (June 22) is a timely warning to the Akali government in Punjab whose MLAs and party workers think that they are above the law of the land. The brutal treatment meted out to the duty-conscious Tehsildar will further erode the confidence of those discharging their duties in letter and spirit.

Surprisingly, though Mr Benipal had written to the Deputy Commissioner about the threat to his life sometime ago, he was not given any protection. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal should not take such criminal acts of his party workers lightly.

LAJPAT RAI GARG, Chandigarh

Impeach the judge The editorial “Impeach Justice Sen” (June 17) aptly states that judges must be perceived to be incorruptible. Parliament should impeach Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court expeditiously as his acts have lowered the reputation of the higher judiciary and are unbecoming of a judge. Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily has indicated that the Centre has “no vested interest in protecting the corrupt, whether inside or outside the judiciary”. Though the process of impeachment of a judge is very cumbersome, let Parliament show its resolve that it too wants a corruption-free judiciary. Justice Sen’s impeachment will send the right message down the line. HARBANS SINGH CHOPRA, Mohali

Gruesome attacks

The spate of attacks on Indians continues in Australia. Education is Australia’s third largest export industry and it will be adversely affected if the country is considered an unsafe destination.

The recruiting agents shamefully exploit the ignorance of rural Indians and lure them with the dream to permanently settle in Australia. Reality strikes them when they have to reside in unsafe crime-infested suburbs, doing menial jobs.

Of course, the whole nation cannot be blamed for the violence perpetrated by a few unscrupulous and evil elements. Ultimately, they need to be brought to book immediately. There is need for a quick and efficient response mechanism with confidence building measures from the Australian police.

ARPAN, Chandigarh

Raja Mann Singh

The 470th birthday anniversary of Maharana Partap was celebrated in Punjab on June 17. But what about the birthday of Raja Mann Singh? Both belonged to the same era. Raja Mann Singh enjoyed the rulership and occupied an exalted position in his darbar.

Maharana Pratap resisted the advance of the Mughal Emperor. He stood like a rock and fought a tough battle at Haldi Ghati. He fought like a brave soldier. The result of the war did not in any way cast a shadow over his bravery and valour.

His suffering is a harrowing tale but manifestly shows the character and conviction of a man who did not barter away his honour. We bow before him reverently. His birthday, too, should be celebrated widely to inculcate the spirit of sacrifice among our youth.

B. S. BHATIA, Chandigarh