A bitter pill to swallow

Apropos of ‘IC 814 lays bare an uncomfortable truth’ (The Great Game); the IC 814 hijacking episode, dramatised in the Netflix series, forces its viewers to confront an uncomfortable truth — India’s weakness in the face of adversity. The 1999 incident that saw the release of three terrorists to ensure the safety of the passengers underscored the country’s vulnerability. The helplessness of the government of the day, despite then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh’s best efforts, highlighted India’s limited leverage. The series has compelled Indians to acknowledge that we are not as strong as we believe. The truth is, we were weak then, and perhaps we are still weak. Our inability to stand up to China, the recent spate of terror attacks and widespread corruption are weighing us down.

Advertisement

Sahibpreet Singh, by mail

Holding a mirror to the state

Refer to ‘IC 814 lays bare an uncomfortable truth’; it was an insightful read. Good statesmanship is all about acknowledging missteps and foibles and going for course correction to right the wrongs. There is no point in denying that the state caved to the demands of the hijackers to save the passengers’ lives. The author has done well to point out that weakness still exists. There is no let-up in the unrest in Manipur. Our soldiers deployed in the border areas still fall prey to terror attacks every now and then. It is time to acknowledge the flaws and vulnerabilities in the country’s security framework and work to address them.

Amit Banerjee, Mumbai

India can play the peacemaker

Apropos of the news report ‘After Putin, Meloni says India can resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict’; India can play the role of a mediator in the war as it enjoys good ties with both Russia and Ukraine. PM Narendra Modi has already expressed India’s readiness to contribute to peace efforts. New Delhi can bring the two warring nations to the negotiation table. Besides, India can alleviate the plight of those bearing the brunt of the war by supplying humanitarian aid to those stranded in the conflict-torn regions. Once the war ends and a sense of normalcy is restored, India can also help rehabilitate the affected families.

O Prasada Rao, Hyderabad

Down with freebies, subsidies

With reference to the editorial ‘Punjab bites the bullet’; fiery populism is sadly the order of the day. Politicians offer countless freebies and subsidies ahead of elections to woo the voters. Our leaders, bereft of morals, know that such schemes can bleed the state exchequer dry. But all they care about is staying in power. It is time for them to wake up and put the interests of the nation above their own ulterior motives. They must be mindful of the toll that such unrealistic schemes and tall poll promises can take on the state treasury.

Sudershan Walia, Amritsar

Take steps to ease fiscal stress

Punjab was a financially prosperous state for decades. But successive governments have bled the state exchequer dry by relying heavily on subsidies to stay in the good graces of the voters. In view of Punjab’s burgeoning pile of debt, the AAP government must take steps that can improve the fiscal health of the state. The Punjab Cabinet’s decision to hike the value-added tax on petrol and diesel is a step in the right direction. The withdrawal of the previous government’s decision of subsidised power can also help ease the fiscal stress. The ruling regime in any state must not shy away from taking decisions that may not be popular or politically wise but beneficial.

NJ Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala

A relatable read

With reference to the middle ‘The high-tension entrance test’; I loved reading the writer’s account of the nerve-racking experience she had. It is safe to say that many people could relate to it. It is common for one to feel anxious or apprehensive before a test, interview or audition. And being surrounded by strangers only adds to the stress. But it is in moments like these that one must stay positive and not be overcome with fear.

Gurinder Pal Singh, Rajpura

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: Letters@tribunemail.com