Take up Imran’s offer

THE article ‘Imran rekindles hope of peace in J&K’ (July 30) is an attempt to analyse the reactions of various Kashmiri groups to Imran Khan’s offer of initiating peace negotiations with India. Though the reactions in totality seem positive, there is no official response from the government which might have restrained itself as the official installation of the government headed by Imran Khan is yet to take place. India should reciprocate in clear terms to his offer. The incidents of ceasefire violations across the border and terrorist violence in Kashmir have intensified  since the deadlock in the process of mutual negotiations and closure of diplomatic channels.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Talking peace 

Apropos ‘Imran rekindles hope of peace in J&K’ (July 30), Pakistan’s political scene has drastically changed with fresh hope coming from the ace player-turned-politician. Sportspersons are usually more friendly and have a global outlook, and hopefully, Imran may prove it. The good thing about the recent election results is that people have rejected Islamic militancy, since they too have suffered from it. Voters have opted in the spirit of an Urdu couplet: ‘Chand par  baad me jaana jameen valo—pehle dharti pe to chalne ka salika seekho’. Imran Khan’s public victory speech that all contentious issues shall be resolved through dialogue, and if India took one step, Pakistan would take two, was refreshing. 

BM SINGH, AMRITSAR 

The fight for privacy 

Apropos ‘Guarding information and privacy’ (July 30), our concept of data privacy has moved little from the Copyright Act of 1957. The IT Act 2000, to aid the revolution in digital transactions, is even now beset with plethora of amendments. The Privacy (Protection) Bill, 2013, to safeguard  sensitive data of persons, was invoked more against FB posts! We are  yet unclear on critical core areas of concern on data privacy. To be fair, every nation is as unsure. The NDA was utterly dismissive of Aadhaar during the UPA regime. And yet, three months into office the government was quick to  sing its paeans. The issue of right to individual privacy is under the attention of the apex court. Let’s hope for the best. 

R Narayanan, Navi Mumbai

AAP digging its grave 

The Punjab unit of AAP is being dismantled brick by brick by arrogant leaders of Delhi like Kejriwal and Sisodia. They first ousted Yogendra Yadav, a well-meaning person, and then, Prashant Bhushan, founder-member of the party. Then, they sidelined two Punjab MPs, Gandhi and Khalsa. Thereafter, it was the turn of Chhotepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Kumar Vishvas, and now it is Khaira. It is true that if the AAP is resuscitating somewhat in Punjab, it is because of his efforts as a crowd-puller. His suspension or neglect in state politics would boomerang and prove to be the party’s Waterloo in the next general election.

PRAVEEN KHANNA, PATIALA

Not wrong if conduct right 

Reference to the news ‘What is wrong in standing with bizmen: Modi’ (July 30); there is nothing wrong with siding with businessmen as they are also useful members of society. They are not untouchables, but sincerity must be on both sides. The PM has rightly said, ‘If your conscience is clear, you can stand along anybody without a blot on your name’. But the question is if there is any yardstick to measure the clarity of conscience? All businessmen are not corrupt. Most of them have played an important role in shaping our economy. But past experience shows that many a time something goes wrong to shake this belief. 

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

Illegal travel business 

Refer to the editorial ‘Overseas ticket to doom’ (July 30); the only way to stop this gory business is to help free youth from the menace of drug by offering them suitable jobs. This must be done on priority. All travel agencies in the state should be shut down with immediate effect and the properties seized by the government. Only a Central government agency should take over this business. It cannot be possible to run this murky travel agency business without the involvement of top-notch powerful politicians. Such figures and their agents should be identified and sent behind bars. 

RK KAPOOR, CHANDIGARH

Tent collapse 

This refers to the news ‘50 hurt in Rajasthan shed collapse’ (July 30). Close on the heels of a tent collapse in PM Narendra Modi’s rally, the shed collapse at a tractor tug-of-war competition in Rajasthan leaving 50 injured, has sent chill down the spine. More surprising than shocking is the way the dispensation is feigning ignorance about the episode. Puerile as it may sound, how can such a massive event be organised without the prior permission of the dispensation? It is also beyond the common man’s ken how such an event was allowed to be held sans the support of the authorities concerned. This calls for a thorough probe. Why were people allowed to ascend the tin roof? The guilty should be brought to justice to check the recurrence of such mishaps.

RAMESH K DHIMAN, Chandigarh

Intriguing ants 

Apropos ‘The ant-man’ (Spectrum; July 29 ), the article was a veritable album of ants discovered by myrmecologist Himendar Bharti, which opened up the beauty of the ant-world. I think curious readers would have appreciated some information on the inter-specie differences and what to look for in ants; black, red or white. Children pluck either antenna and observe that the ant has gone blind on that side. In fact, these antennae are sensors with which they receive chemical signals from other ants of the species. It is believed that these insects will outlive the self-destructive homo sapiens!

MOHAN SINGH, AMRITSAR

Green homage 

Reference to ‘Homage to grandma, the green way’ (July  27); the initiative to distribute a sapling on the condolence meeting is commendable. Deforestation is taking place across the country in a big way. The government is trying to encourage citizens to plant saplings by giving these free of cost through certain nurseries. But not many people are coming forward. But if it can become a trend to distribute saplings on every occasion related to our happiness or sorrow, in no time our environment will benefit. We all are responsible for making our environment healthy and conducive. 

Radhika Devgan, Amritsar

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: Letters@tribunemail.com