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

Pakistan must tackle the enemy within

I fully endorse the views expressed in the editorial “Obama to Zardari” (May 8) and H K Dua’s Editor’s Column “The enemy within” (April 14). Both pieces reflected the grim scenario prevailing in Pakistan. Surely, the threat to Pakistan comes from terror outfits that it has “nursed” since long. At present Pakistan is facing an insurgency of sorts.

The US President, Mr Barack Obama, has made it clear to Pakistan that its Indian obsession is unwanted and unreal. Pakistan should realise the urgency of shifting focus to the real problem and prove its commitment in fighting the Taliban. The Pakistan Government’s decision to launch an all-out war against the Taliban may change things. The failure to tame the Taliban will not only be fatal for Pakistan but for the entire region.

CAPT S K DATTA, Abohar

Judicial activism

The editorials “Plunder of Aravali” and “SC’s anti-ragging drive” (May 11) highlighted the good work being done by the apex court. However, it must be remembered that while judicial activism is welcome, the courts are doing what should have been the duty of the Executive.

Saving environment, wildlife, water resources and curbing social evils like ragging are the inherent responsibilities of the Executive that has failed in discharging its duties. Our country has many enabling laws but sadly the same are violated blatantly.  

DR H S GILL, Amritsar

Negative voting

No major political party can claim itself to be clean on criminalisation and corruption as all of them have fielded criminals in the elections. The short- sightedness of the political leadership in the country has degenerated the political atmosphere and led to unprincipled alliances and coalitions.

Coalition governments are a compulsion and cannot help in the formation of a stable government. Voters are dismayed and are left with no option but to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea.

HARBANS SINGH CHOPRA, SAS Nagar

Failure to vote

Some well-known politicians and figures of India failed to cast their vote in their constituency because they were busy campaigning in other constituencies.

If any politician fails to cast his vote then the Election Commission should have the right to debar the politician concerned from participating in elections for a considerable period.

M K GOYAL, Patiala

Ragging: Get tough

The Supreme Court of India (“SC gets tough on campus ragging”, May 9) has taken a serious view of ragging and has directed all states to set up two committees, one for de-addicting and another for providing psychiatric and psychological counselling.

The apex court had come down heavily on ragging before, too, but it had no deterrent effect. Aman Kachroo was allegedly beaten to death by a group of drunken students. Ragging has forced many students to commit suicide. The educational institutions should be vigilant and must develop zero-tolerance against ragging.

M L GARG, Chandigarh

Badal’s love for Modi

There was a great hue and cry as well as vociferous protests over allotment of tickets to Mr Jagdish Tytler and Mr Sajjan Kumar due to their alleged role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

But one wonders why the SAD leadership did not condemn the killings of innocent Muslims in Gujarat and the alleged role of Mr Narendra Modi in this genocide. Can Mr Parkash Singh Badal explain his special love for Mr Modi? Mr Badal owes an explanation to the secular people of the country.

R K KAPOOR, Ambala City

Fractured mandate awaits India It has become clear that India will see a fractured mandate on 16th of May. No party or pre-poll alliance will be able to command an absolute majority. In such a situation, it has become apparent that there could be large-scale horse-trading. Changing alliances, buying and selling of MPs for cash or promise of ministerial portfolios or withdrawal of criminal cases are not new trends in Indian politics. We have a history of horse-trading. In the past we have seen how politicians have adopted undignified and dubious ways to achieve their political targets. Thanks to their vested political interests, they invariably corrupt the system. After May 16, we will see an entertaining drama. TV channels will televise a slew of discussions and debates. The voice of reason and wisdom, as usual, will remain unheard. ASHWINI AHUJA, Fazilka