Assure farmers

Refer to news report ‘Will counter BJP narrative on farm laws, say Punjab unions (Oct 16)’, the BJP’s narrative can be termed only as rhetoric. The ruling party leaders have come out to inform the farmers on farm laws but may not be able to convince them as farmers have apprehensions over the guarantee that their paddy, wheat, pulses, fruit and vegetable crops would fetch a higher rate. They also want assurances about the place where they would be selling their produce after the dissolution of the mandi system and the modalities of procurement by the government agencies. Will the government fix a higher MSP or do away with it totally? The government should have taken the farmers into confidence before enacting the farm laws instead of thrusting it upon them.

Roop Singh Negi, Solan

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Covid curve

The news that the Covid curve in India is finally flattening is a positive development. But it does not mean that we should lower our guard. The festive season is approaching and our social responsibility has increased. We need to take all necessary precautions like wearing a mask, not crowding public places etc. Social distancing needs to be maintained at all places. Not only the festival season, burning of crop stubble can also trigger a second wave of the pandemic. Thus, we should follow all necessary precautions to check the pandemic and prevent a second wave.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

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Mehbooba’s release

After the release of former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, it is time to make another push for bringing normalcy in Kashmir. A way must be paved for the resumption of the political processes, which have remained in limbo since the nullification of Article 370. Mehbooba’s continued detention after the release of Farooq and Omar Abdullah had raised eyebrows. However, her release came just ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on her daughter’s petition, alleging illegal detention, which indicates that the J&K administration has not worked out a political deal with her. An economic package and allowing 4G services could help break the political stalemate and change the popular sentiment in J&K.

PS Kaur, by mail

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TRP scam

Apropos of the ‘Battle of the gladiators’ (Oct 16); before switching on to Republic TV channel, said to be owned by a BJP bigwig, Arnab Goswami was regarded as among the best TV anchors. The rise of Republic TV, through alleged TRP irregularities, needs to be investigated, if it leads to scams and fraud. Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case has taken an ugly turn mostly to derive political mileage. In Bihar, from where Sushant hailed, masks have been manufactured with Sushant's photo on it for distribution. But the matter is now settled, with technical reports of the case being a 'suicide'. TRP scam or fraud if any, must reach its logical and legal conclusion for the good of the Indian media.

BM Singh, Amritsar

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Bihar elections

Reference to the article ‘Oppn needs a positive campaign in Bihar (Oct 16)’, the role of most channels reeks of bias. The voters of Bihar seem to be caught between the devil and the deep sea. Nitish Kumar betrayed the mandate given by the people in favor of the Mahagathbandan by deserting the grand alliance and forming a government with the BJP. He may have established law and order but on all other fronts, his performance has been nothing to write home about. Anti-incumbency would have been a big factor if people had a credible alternative before them.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

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Sit-in protests

The Shaheen Bagh protest is long over. It ended in March, but in many small towns across the country, taking inspiration from Shaheen Bagh, similar sit-ins had come up to express opposition to the discriminatory CAA law. With due respect, the court response shows a restricted view of the public sphere. Certainly, it is unexceptionable that sit-in protests must not inconvenience the citizens who wish to go on with work and play. But in a democracy which assures the right to dissent, this is surely a negation, not a flexible rule. The onus was on the court to understand why the protesters converged at Shaheen Bagh and not elsewhere. A public space must have not just consensus, but be a common ground to give expression to new needs and demands to dispel old inequalities and discrimination.

EL Singh, by mail

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Cinema hall protocol

Cinema halls are reopening across the country. However, strict measures need to be taken so that they don’t become a space for mass infection. Social distancing norms and the use of face masks and besides steps for ensuring hygiene need to be taken. Prevention is always better than cure.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai

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