War hysteria

There is substance in the argument that the TV as well the print media resort to creating exaggerated versions of events (Kaffeeklatsch). However, the post-Uri mood in the country is one of frustration and annoyance. Little doubt, then, over 60% of people this time demanded retaliation for killing our 18 soldiers. I must quote Guru Gobind Singh-Jee: "Chun kar az hama heelte dar guzasht, haal ast burdan ba shamsheer dast" (when there's no other course open to man, it is only righteous to unsheathe the sword). 

Capt Amar Jeet Kumar, Mohali

II

The media must act in a manner that contributes to cooling down a volatile situation. The Army and the security forces should also act in a responsible manner. It is sad some TV channels whip up emotions by dangerously playing up events.

Dr Krishan Malhotra, Ambala Cantt 

Work sensibly 

War hysteria bordering on demands for annihilation of an enemy country is a product of anger that sets in after events like the Uri episode. These fits of anger subside after sanity returns. War is not the right option; it is a zero-sum game. India-Pakistan ties have recently soured because of unrest in Kashmir, where the separatists are collaborating with Pakistani 'deep state.' A suggestion in Mockingbird about Governor's rule in Kashmir to restore peace in the Valley needs to be pondered over.

Prakash Hanspaul, Batala

Wounded…

Pakistan has been bleeding us for decades by sponsoring terrorists and openly violating the ceasefire. The attacks on defence installations expose weak links in our security system ('Wounded, yet no wiser'). The border area must be kept under continuous, hi-tech surveillance to prevent infiltrators. The soldiers should have modern weaponry to counter terror attacks effectively. Strong political will is required to upgrade the basic defence needs. 

SC Vaid, New Delhi

Women panchayats

It is laudable that in Haryana, women have occupied more than 40% panchayat seats in the polls ('Village makeover…'). The reports point at significant progress achieved by these women panchayats in cleanliness drives, improving the gender ratio, stopping wastage of water and helping families in sending their kids to the school. The state government must make funds available to these successful panchayats.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Roopnagar 

II

The encouraging work done by some of the women panchayats can be emulated elsewhere. It is clear that educated women representatives have planned their village priorities well. There can be a healthy competition between women and men panchayats on the development front.

Wg Cdr Jasbir Singh Minhas (retd.), Mohali

Left out in Punjab

The Leftists in Punjab shunned the power game and remained active in raising people's demands. It is a fact that today's careerist politicians are shorn of principles and values. Sadly, Punjab's Left ideologues were discarded by those who benefited from the Left struggle. The communists may have people's sympathies, but they need to understand the significance of the present economic order. 

BM Singh, Amritsar

Email your letters n Readers are invited to send their feedback to sundayletters@tribunemail.com 

The mail should not exceed 150 words.