Freeing wrong people

The news report that the Punjab Government has decided to release  more than a dozen cops convicted on account of carrying out fake encounters is highly deplorable and amounts to insulting and lowering the prestige of the law of the land (‘Pardon to convicted cops stirs row’; October 17). It is nothing short of defiance of the court and exhibition of double-facedness. The convicts have already been favoured by paying their salaries to their dependents who have no complicity in the heinous crime committed by the bread-earners. But this type of charity should be doled out to those dependents, too, who live in miserable conditions. 

Chaman Arora, Ferozepur City

---

Against Guru’s teachings 

With the onset of the month of Kattak, the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak will be commemorated by the Punjab Government and the SGPC by hosting different congregations in the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi. Guru Nanak gave the message of a casteless, classless and an egalitarian society. He tried to bridge the difference between humans based on religion, race, birth, caste and gender. He undertook udasis (travels) to meet people and spread the message of brotherhood. Yet, the commemoration event of the apostle of unity is being celebrated in the most divisive way by indulging in political wrangling and one-upmanship. It would be commendable if both sides rise above their natural self and come together on a common platform, as a token of respect to the Guru. 

Jashandeep Sandhu, Patiala

---

One Vidhan, one nishan 

Refer to the editorial ‘Article 370 & Haryana’ (October 17); even Assembly elections are no more fought on local issues only. Abrogation of Article 370 is bound to have an impact on Haryana and Maharashtra elections. With the Article gone, there would be ‘one Vidhan, one nishan’ in the whole of India — from Kashmir to Kanayakumari. Like 370, let us take another bold step and withdraw the Kashmir issue from the UN and ask it to recall its observers from Kashmir. The UN has done little to resolve the problem. 

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

---

Local issues matter more  

Apropos the editorial ‘Article 370 & Haryana’ (October 17); the Opposition has failed to match BJP’s strategy of selling the hard talk against Pakistan, surgical strikes and Balakot attack. Fair enough, these events being of national importance could influence the voters. But for the ensuing elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, abrogation of Article 370 is out of place, considering there are local issues like unemployment, farmers’ suicide, price rise, social intolerance and rising crime. The opposition parties still get entangled into the web of BJP’s nationalistic approach and are unable to exploit loopholes in real governance as far as local issues are concerned.

COL KULDIP S GREWAL (RETD), PATIALA

---

Legal aid to detainees

Refer to ‘Provide free legal aid to PSA detainees, HC tells state govt’ (October 17); no matter how J&K leaders have reacted toward the scrapping of Article 370, they have the formal duty and right to represent their state. The voices which were being suppressed till now will rise. Slowly, and with the citizens’ approval, J&K will move toward a new union territory and development.

Sonali choudhary, Jammu

---

Make safer roads 

Reference to the editorial ‘Road building an uphill task’ (October 17); I was in Chamba in 2005, and even now, there is hardly any upgrade of highway roads. The roads are narrow and zigzag. The route from Chamba to Bharmour needs extra attention. The soil of hill areas is soft, and due to this, there are heavy landslides during monsoon. This is the busiest road for the Pathankot route and affects local business and essential commodities for the people of Chamba. The government should cut some portion of nearby hills to broaden roads. The roads, especially in Himachal Pradesh, should be properly built to avoid mishaps.

SUBER SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari

---

Motormouth minister 

Courting controversies is not new to the minister. This maverick minister has hogged headlines in the past as well for the wrong reasons (‘Plaint filed against Ashu for hurting religious sentiments’; October 17). Several videos have gone viral, trolling the ‘haughty’ minister for ‘threatening’ public servants and others who have the temerity of speaking up against his uncouth demeanour. Some other issues were his alleged role in the multi-crore Ludhiana Grand Manor Homes scam and ‘threatening’ investigative agencies to delay the process of justice delivery, browbeating another top-ranking police officer in another case. Various political outfits have staged dharna for his ouster, but the ‘boss’ is in no hurry to take action. 

RAMESH K DHIMAN, Chandigarh

---

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]