Farooq’s arrest

Refer to ‘Farooq arrested under PSA’ (September 17); his arrest speaks more about the government than about a man who, until now, was the face of the moderate Kashmiri. He and his son may have many questions to answer about their record of governance in J&K, but not about fealty to the Constitution. It is astonishing that the court has accepted it without even questioning the Centre for using a draconian Act against a key political leader, who once was the standard bearer for India on the Kashmir issue.

LAJWANT SINGH, by mail

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Dip in car sales fine

One wonders why so much coverage is given to the decline in car sales. Car manufactures are not suffering losses, they are still making profit, though less. Some established car companies have made enormous profits so far by selling old designs and featureless cars with obsolete engines. Now, some other companies have entered the market with latest engines, designs and never-heard features. Competition has increased, and the old companies are feeling the heat. The decline in sales should be viewed as a relief to the ever-increasing pollution and traffic. The media should encourage people to ditch personal cars and use other means of transport.

SS Bhathal, Ludhiana

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Old Pak game 

Refer to ‘Pak says will open Kartarpur corridor on November 9’ (September 17) and ‘India cautions Pak over ceasefire pact violations’ (September-16); just like the two faces of a coin, these are the two faces of Pakistan.  One, where it has violated ceasefire for over 2,000 times in a year, and another where it is pretending to be nice towards India by talking of opening the corridor. It is playing with the sentiments of the people in the name of religion, which is unacceptable.

Surbhi Attreya, Meerut

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Jobless, still 

Refer to the editorial ‘Focus on job skills’ (September 17); for the past some years now, the focus has been on imparting job skills, but those who did take such courses are still unemployed because there is no job opportunity. The minister seems to be just passing the blame rather than creating jobs. Due to the non-availability of skilled persons, lakhs of posts are lying vacant in the Railways and in various ministries and departments.

ROOP SINGH NEGI, Solan

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Divisive statement  

Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar has created a controversy by making a statement that there is no dearth  of employment in the country, but there is a paucity of qualified people in North India. He has forgotten that the country is one, education system is one, and employment opportunity is one. People from the northern part of the country excel equally. It is an unwarranted, insulting and divisive statement. The government has failed to provide jobs, despite PM Modi’s promise in 2014 to provide two crore jobs. Pink slips are being given in the private sector. By diverting peoples’ attention through such statements, the government cannot escape its responsibility. 

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

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NRC idea foolish 

This refers to the news report ‘In Haryana, NRC just a loud thought’ (September 17). I fail to understand why does Haryana CM want to have a National Register of Citizens in his state? Do we not have one national identity card, the Aadhaar? His idea is nothing but a foolish one to divert the attention of the people from other issues being faced by them. 

RK KAPOOR, CHANDIGARH

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Safe driving in hills 

Apropos the editorial ‘Hit-and-run in Himachal’ (September 17), ‘safety first’ is the responsibility of each individual driver. If this is observed along with traffic discipline, a lot of accidents can be avoided. In hilly terrain, road-users have to negotiate steep highways, for which one needs to remain alert and drive skilfully. Motor vehicle inspectors should ensure that only mechanically fit two-wheelers and other vehicles ply, and buses and trucks are not overloaded. All must comply with speed restrictions. Travel in hills is a pleasure, and should not become the cause of pain in any manner. 

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

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Putting plastic to use 

Refer to ‘HP to buy plastic waste at Rs 75/kg’ (September 17); the initiative of the government to purchase plastic waste from local urban bodies and ragpickers for making roads, and to give to the cement industry is commendable. By doing this, Himachal has become the first state to formulate such a policy. Other states should also take up this initiative to recycle plastic to keep environment plastic free. 

Kanika, Dharamsala

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Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]