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

Turning point in US history

The news report “US ushers in new era” (Jan 21) by Ashish Kumar Sen was informative. Of course, it is a historic event for the US and a turning point for the Americans. Mr Barack Obama won because he convinced the US citizens that he could usher in a new America, which would earn respect from the world and not demand it by bullying. He also epitomises youth, dynamism and free spirit.

Now, Mr Obama has a daunting task ahead. First, he must put his own house in order and tackle economic recession. Secondly, his foreign policy has to be based on construction rather than destruction. Thirdly, and particularly with reference to India, he must not club India and Pakistan together.

India must be treated as an equal. Mr Obama will do well to treat the J&K issue as an internal matter of India and not meddle with it. He must be firm with Pakistan in taking immediate action against terrorists operating from its territory. The new President stands for a change. The clock has begun.

COL R D SINGH, Leh

The fact that some Americans had brought their little babies in the freezing cold to witness the swearing in of the US President Barack Obama speaks volumes about the hopes people have pinned upon him. Mr Obama represents hope, not only for America but also the world at large. Amidst grave challenges on economic and diplomatic fronts, he would need the complete support of his countrymen and the world to make a perceptible change.

DR AMRIT SETHI, Bathinda

III

President Barack Hussein Obama is bent upon bringing about a change in America. He will surely not let the world down. He will certainly bring about a social, political and economic revolution in his own country and across the border, not excluding India.

OMAR LUTHER KING, New Delhi

The euphoria surrounding the swearing-in ceremony of President Barrack Obama is understandable. However, a sense of balance was crucial, especially at a time when the world is going through a distressing time.

Some of the frills and the frivolous expenses could have been cut. For instance, the train journey to Washington by Mr Obama was a needless gimmick. The ball with singer Beyonce, “At last”, was also dispensable. This was a time for a sober ceremony, for rolling up sleeves and getting down to work to ensure that factories do not close down and people have a job, a home and money to buy food and clothes.

SURAJ KAPOOR, Solan

Pursue organic farming
The article “Organic farming is worth it: Farmers’ commission report illogical” (Jan 15) by Sukhpal Singh has provided a comprehensive review of the biased recommendations by the Punjab State Farmers Commission. Our research into the travails of the farmers supports much of what he has said.
The profitability of agriculture based heavily on chemicals has gone down considerably over the years. If the farmer still continues with such agricultural practices it is often because of a complete lack of guidance. He is clueless as to how more profits are to be made in adopting organic farming. Remember, profit is the difference between input costs and sales proceeds. If the cost of inputs is reduced it automatically translates into higher profits, even if the total sales are lower.
However, the government continues to subsidise the fertiliser industry heavily to the tune of thousands of crores. No wonder, the farmer is urged by vested interests to invest heavily in excessive farm chemicals. Chemical-laced products have poisoned the entire environment.
Field studies have established a close connection between genetic defects, low sperm counts and increasing feminisation of male species and the presence of agricultural chemicals in the environment. There is nothing to support the continuation of current harmful agricultural practices.
M RAJIV LOCHAN, Chandigarh

Notable amendment

Although the recent amended provisions in the Criminal Procedure Code stipulate that normally the police will make no arrest where the maximum term of punishment is seven years or less, what would happen if an offence under this category is classified as non-bailable (“Making law humane”, editorial, Jan 5)? Would the police issue a “notice of appearance”, instead of arresting a person accused of such an offence according to the new amended law? No doubt, the arrest should be made only in exceptional circumstances, but without a comprehensive amendment in all relevant statutes, the new provision would be a dead amendment.

It is unfortunate that instead of highlighting the above anomaly, the bar panels in the region are vehemently opposing changes in the CrPC like cutting down unnecessary adjournments, accelerating trial of rape cases, use of audio-video technology in recording examination etc. for vested interests. They are not realising the fact that the amendments, if implemented, would make the criminal justice system more efficient and speedier.

HEMANT KUMAR,Advocate, Ambala city

Just fight

The editorial “Supreme folly” and the article “Transfer of judges” (Jan 19) by Rajindar Sachar were thought provoking. Mr Sachar’s article in particular was very interesting. Transfer is no punishment as has been adjudicated by the courts and the government in the case of the government servants. Then why make a hue and cry about a few transfers of judges?

In May 1971, the Akali Government in Punjab dislocated 40,000 teachers of the Punjab education department. They bore the brunt of the Akali wrath and Indira Gandhi had remarked, “How could it be administratively feasible to transfer 40,000 teachers?”

The teachers fought their case with the government and the transfers were revoked after three months.

So the aggrieved judges should represent their case to the President of India and get justice, if their cases are genuine.

BEHARI LAL SADDI, Otalan, Samrala