India and American designs

“MIGHT is right” is an old proverb, but the USA has proved it to be correct even in this scientific and civilised age. Yugoslavia is the fourth country which has been attacked by the USA and its allies during the past one year. Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq were its earlier victims. Casual attacks on Iraq are still continuing.

The attack on Yugoslavia by NATO forces on the pretext of human rights violations in Kosovo, one of its provinces, cannot be justified. It is not only Serbs but Albanians also who violated human rights. The UN and the whole world is watching helplessly the killing of thousands of innocent people.

There is the apprehension that some day the USA and its allies might attack India on the pretext of human rights violations in Kashmir. Our future defence plans should be based keeping in view the American base in Diego Garcia. Acquiring at least two aircraft carriers has become necessary to strengthen our Navy. Further modernisation of the Air Force is equally important. The development of new versions of the Agni missile should get priority.

Fortunately, we are having surplus foodgrains this year. Taking advantage of this opportunity, India should explore the possibility of exporting the surplus stock to Russia and in turn get military hardware from that country.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has firmly stated that there will be no compromise on the question of security of the nation. One hopes the government would get full public support on this issue.

To counter American influence, India, Russia and China should come to an understanding on the lines of NATO.

ARJUN SINGH CHHETRI
Manjoo (Solan)

Question of stability

I read Mr T.N. Kaul’s timely article, “In search of stability” (The Tribune, May 14), and whole-heartedly endorse the points adumbrated therein.

No doubt, the multiplicity of political parties/groups plaguing the country has played havoc with the parliamentary system. Apparently, it seems that there can be no salvation for the country unless the multi-party system yields place to a two-or-three-party system; the sooner the better, as Mr Kaul has opined.

Whether the powers that be would go in for the requisite constitutional amendment restricting the number of political parties at the desired level seems a moot point. The exasperated electors may, however, help achieve the desideratum by opting in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections for only such political parties as seem capable of providing a stable government at the Centre.

I have a hunch that the much-needed miracle would happen this time, and, as a consequence, the splinter groups would irretrievably be thrown into the dustbin of history to the immense delight of the harried polity.

TARA CHAND
Ambota (Una)

* * * *

Safety on highways

Some time ago I travelled from Kotla to Mile 32 on the Pathankot-Mandi road by a Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus. There is an old narrow steel bridge (of nearly 300 feet span) on the stream flowing through this small town. Its load capacity is five tons. Before I boarded the bus I saw one heavy truck, with about 10 tons’ load of bricks (total weight approximately 15 tons), passing over the bridge. The HRTC bus mounted the steel bridge, bumper to bumper, without allowing the truck to vacate the structure.

Now when two or more vehicles mount a structure like this simultaneously, the chances of its failure increase manifold. It is, therefore, desirable that the authorities should ensure that the operators of such vehicles are not negligent about the essential safety measures.

The civil engineers maintaining the road(s) should display cautionary boards with words like “Weak bridge. Only one vehicle at a time, please” prominently on either side of the vulnerable structures. This will not only minimise the threat to the lives of passengers but also maximise the safety of public property against any act of negligence on the part of indifferent and unwise users.

K. L. NOATAY
Shimla

* * * *

Entrance test problem

Punjabi University, Patiala, started conducting an entrance test for admission to B.Com (Part-I) on the lines of the practice at Panjab University, Chandigarh, a few years ago. Panjab University, however, dispensed with the holding of the entrance test with effect from the 1998-99 session.

The university at Patiala conducted the entrance test for the year 1998-99 and has not made its position clear for the academic session 1999-2000 till now. As a result, students are still in the dark about the holding of the entrance test.

The Punjabi University authorities should clarify whether they are going to conduct the entrance test or not so that students may prepare themselves accordingly.

SUSHIL KUMAR JAIN
Lehra Mohabat