Case for Rajya Sabha session

I HAVE read the editorial “Let Rajya Sabha meet” (The Tribune, June 24) with interest. I am fully in agreement with the views expressed that there is an urgent need to discuss this serious national issue in the Rajya Sabha, which is intact at present. Our caretaker government should readily accept the demand made by various political parties and eminent personalities, including Dr Karan Singh.

Here it is pertinent to refer to the editorial that appeared in The Tribune on Nov 10,1998, in which a clear warning was given that Pakistan has prepared a well-planned strategy to expand its military activity in J&K. But it is most unfortunate that our government, including our intelligence network, totally ignored this fore-warning and took no notice of the serious threat made publicly by Pakistan. As a result of the laxity on our part, the enemy occupied commanding positions within Indian territory. So much so that the enemy even occupied our bunkers without our knowledge and opposition from our side.

In the present situation there are a number of questions which the Indian public wants to ask.

The facts being received through the foreign media do not tally with the claims of the Indian media. According to foreign agency reports, it is an uphill task for our Army to get our territory vacated. In their calculation the Indian Army has so far achieved 30 per cent success, which goes to suggest that enemy forces are determined to fight till the end. As such, this Army operation may take a longer time to end successfully. By then, we expect heavy casualties on our side.

The people are viewing the present development at the Kashmir border with great concern. Since the nation is passing through a very turbulent period, I find no reason why a Rajya Sabha session should not be summoned without any further loss of time. It is fully in the interest of the nation to discuss the Kargil situation in the Rajya Sabha, which is truly representative of the people. At this moment the President of India should immediately intervene without any hesitation and call a session of the Rajya Sabha to enable the members to express their views regarding the situation prevailing on the J&K border. The suggestions of the members will be certainly useful to the government in formulating a future action plan to combat the enemy in a befitting manner.

In case some members of the House disapprove of any action the government should accept it and ensure more effective measures to deal with the situation. Also the nation will know the true picture of the situation.

At present the great world powers are siding with India and forcing Pakistan to withdraw from Indian territory and respect the LoC (Line of Control).

At this stage no such criticism is to be made as may directly or indirectly affect the morale of our armed forces. Our only aim is that the enemy (Pakistan) should know well that it cannot grab even an inch of Indian territory.

RAJINDER SINGH
IPS (rtd)
Sarah (Dharamsala)

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Martyrs deserve more

Well-deserved announcements for giving relief to next of kin of our soldiers who have laid down their lives in the Kargil conflict, besides being commendable, is a real tribute to the memory of the martyrs. The quantum of relief sanctioned by the states, however, differs from state to state. This is not in consistent with the spirit of national integration and unity.

There should be no discrimination in the matter of appreciation of sacrifices. The Union Government should take the initiative and reach a consensus after consulting all the states about the quantum of relief. Five lakhs of rupees in cash, 10 acres of agricultural land, a house, free education to the children of a martyr upto the graduation level and assured employment to one of his wards would be ideal.

In addition, war heroes’ memorials should be put up at each district headquarters.

S.D. BALI
Hoshiarpur

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US sanctions

I read the editorial “US sanctions to go” (June 11) with interest. It is sad that while imposing sanctions on India and Pakistan in the wake of nuclear blasts by both countries the USA did not see the matter in right perspective.

The US Administration should have kept in mind some vital factors. India is facing two hostile neighbours — China and Pakistan. China attacked us in 1962 in NEFA and Ladakh, and is a regional super power. Pakistan’s situation is entirely different.

Further, India’s nuclear programme is an indigenous one, developed by its own scientists and engineers. India has neither encouraged nuclear proliferation, nor exported terrorism. But Pakistan openly talked of the nuclear bomb with assistance provided by both the USA and China.

India must not get trapped into the USA’s present mood. It cannot leave the company of Pakistan. We must always remain in full readiness to face any onslaught at any time, as our neighbour is treacherous.

P.S. DOGRA
Chandigarh

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CJI’s gesture to the aged

Mr Justice A.S. Anand, Chief Justice of India, has done a great service to senior citizens by declaring 1999 as the year of action especially for the aged. He will earn the gratitude of older people, who are nearing the end of their life’s journey.

The blessings of such people do not go in vain. The verdict may be positive or negative, our effort should be to ensure that they are not in a state of suspense.

JASMINE DEOL
Kapurthala