Humanity lesson for all

Apropos ‘To Punjab, with gratitude from Kashmir’ (Feb 21), it is really heartwarming to read the news about the humanitarian gesture towards Kashmiri students by Sikhs in general. When so much negativity is being spread to divide us in the name of caste, religion and creed, it is appreciable that the preachings of our great Gurus — ‘Ek pita, ekas ke hum baarik’ (God is our father and we all are His sons) — are being followed. It needs a large heart to extend help even after such a heinous act committed by a Kashmiri millitant. This is a lesson for the misled youth of Kashmir, too, to shun violence against our armed forces who are always there to help us through thick and thin. Let good sense prevail and let there be peace. We should stay united and thwart the villanous designs of Pakistan. 

Sadhna Saini, by mail

Jallianwala apology 

Refer to ‘Jallianwala deserves apology’ (Feb 21); instead of apologising for the massacre, the UK government has merely promised to reflect on the apology (Feb 21). Two factors largely contributed to this fiasco: Firstly, arguments presented in the debate were stale. Those who spoke had nothing original to say. Secondly, the two Indian-origin MPs who sponsored the motion in the House of Lords had also previously supported the Sikh separatists’ cause — one of them is a voice of Khalistan, and heads the all-party parliamentary group for Sikhs. Having supported a cause purporting to legitimise the break-up of India, it is odd that these MPs should now ask the British PM to apologise for the massacre of those who died protecting the sovereignty and unity of India.

RANDHIR SINGH BAINS, UK

Be sorry for 1984, 2002

Apropos ‘Jallianwala deserves an apology’ (Feb 21), from time to time, the British government has been asked to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It is quite satisfying to observe that the UK government is  ‘reflecting’ on this perennial demand. However, to be fair, some apologies are due towards India also, like the genocide of 1984 and the Gujarat killings of 2002. Since charity begins at home, it will be appropriate and quite in order if the Indian Government also tenders an apology for these massacres of innocent people before we ask for the same from the British government.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Towering scholar 

I read with keen interest the tributes to Hindi writer Namvar Singh (Feb 21). Dr Namvar Singh was an authentic scholar of towering heights. He impacted the academic culture of our nation and was receptive towards regional literature. He led a simple life and was accessible to ordinary writers and scholars. His life was full of books and literary discourses. He was sensitive towards the literature of the marginalised sections, particularly the Dalits and the rural poor. I salute him. 

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Afghan dilemma 

‘Keep an eye on Afghanistan’ and ‘Why China has a soft spot for Masood Azhar’ (Feb 21) made for a good read and suggesting picking new equations after a thoughtful churning of the muddle that confronts India at the moment. India has its unavoidable obligations and on top of the list is the upcoming general election. The need of the hour is to focus on Afghanistan. It is also apt to maintain and strengthen relations with Iran. These two countries have experienced for long the malevolence of Pakistan. On the domestic front, the government needs to forge a unity of views with the Opposition in matters of external affairs, especially pertaining to Pakistan. Like the US in Afghanistan, China, too, faces opposition in Pakistan for its exploitative trade pacts. 

Neeraj K Sharma, Sundernagar 

Good it’s off the list 

The railways has removed the usage of word jamadar, dhobi, chowkidar, cooks, cleaners. This move has ended the categorisation of the lowest grade employees doing menial jobs. This has not just ended their recognition as someone who is doing menial jobs, but also will help people working in these jobs get more social acceptance. 

Aman Rawat, Jammu

Biometric attendance 

Refer to the Tribune report dated February 18 regarding biometric attendance in Punjab schools. I am working as a principal in a government school, and my school is covered under this attendance system. As a school head, I welcome this move. With the introduction of this machine, no one can think of coming late or leaving school before time. In my opinion, such machines should also be introduced for students in all government and private schools to reduce absentism and fake or dummy admissions. 

Amarjit Bhatia, by mail

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