Adding fuel to fire

Apropos the editorial, ‘Brazenness on display’ (December 25), in a democracy, community-based mobilisation is legitimate. So are protests, as long as these are peaceful. But the primary fault for the violence in UP lies with the government. CM Yogi Adityanath’s vindictive language and the attempt to overpower the agitators by brute force added fuel to the fire that cost several lives. Instead of doing a volte-face on a pan-India NRC, the Modi government must revoke the CAA and stop shooting itself in the foot.

SS Paul, Nadia

Cops at receiving end

The police authorities are targeted by the media and politicians for the actions, whether legal or illegal, taken by them for controlling protesters provoked by rumours. Mobs mobilised by politicians and anti-social elements damage public property and target innocent people. Nobody thinks about the circumstances being faced by policemen, who have to bear the brunt of mob fury. They are being condemned by these self-styled flagbearers of democracy who can go to any extreme for their vested interests. We forget that police personnel are also part of society and they perform their duty to ensure public safety; otherwise, there will be anarchy and chaos everywhere.

Deepak Mehra, by mail

Divisive legislation

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is against the democratic fibre of which India’s Constitution is made. In a secular nation, it is atrocious to distinguish immigrants on the basis of their religion. Violating the basic freedom to protest and voice one’s opinion, and arresting political thinkers and other leaders, is also unacceptable. This stand taken by the BJP is clearly divisive. Ultimately, the CAA and the NRC are going to damage India’s pluralism.

Habeeba, Bathinda

Jharkhand setback

Reference to the editorial ‘Bested in Jharkhand’ (December 24), it is quite unfortunate from the BJP’s perspective that it failed to form the government in Maharashtra despite a favourable mandate and also lost Jharkhand. The prime reasons could be that PM Modi’s mass appeal did not have a bearing on state politics, even as the voters paid more attention to local issues than national affairs. Also, Raghubar Das’ government deprived the tribal people of their natural and inalienable rights. Although it is too early to press the panic button, the BJP must realise that it should make all possible efforts to reach out to the public and also meet the demand of political expediency.

Maanind Mishra, Ujjain

CDS at last

Apropos the report ‘Historic step: India to get Chief of Defence Staff’ (December 25), the creation of the post of CDS was first recommended by the Kargil Review Committee two decades ago. The committee had highlighted the urgent need for structural changes in the armed forces and suggested that a five-star chief would bring unity of command between the three services, rising above the often competing views of the Army, Navy and the Air Force, to advise the Defence Minister on issues like strategy, requirements of weapons and manpower, as well as work towards tri-service operational jointmanship.

LJ Singh, by mail

Misleading contests

Reference to the news report “Govt to put stop to ‘beauty’ contest of ‘super’ bulls” (December 25); it is a good decision for the betterment of animals. Such competitions spread misinformation, due to which dairy farmers often start using semen of ‘prize-winning’ bulls for the sake of better milk-yielding breeds, but actually this practice is a major threat to the whole breed development programme. Such contests should be based on the health and purity of the breeds.

Arti Chaudhary, by mail

Remedial action

The news report ‘Man gets 1-yr-term for beating up son’ (December 25) highlights a good remedial action. Parents need to be made legally responsible for a decent upbringing and education of their children so that they do not become a public liability. However, it took over two years to decide such an urgent case. Court decisions should come early.

MPS Chadha, Mohali

Befitting tribute

The middle, ‘A leader and a gentleman’ (December 25) fondly remembers Atal Bihari Vajpayee. An organisation is as great as its leaders and workers. The BJP had a star leader in Vajpayee who had a positive approach to policy and procedural issues which today’s India needs all the more in view of the growing complexities. Governing India is a privilege wherein positivity has always been valued.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

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