Attempt at polarisation

Refer to ‘When Trump, Modi and I talk, it’s called threat to democracy: Italian PM’; Giorgia Meloni’s remarks smell of polarisation. By accusing the Left of ‘hysteria’ and ‘double standards’, she is painting the political opposition as irrational rather than engaging in a constructive debate. Her assertion that rightists like Trump, Modi and herself are unfairly labelled ‘a threat to democracy’ overlooks genuine concerns about governance and democratic principles. Instead of uniting people, her rhetoric may deepen ideological rifts by portraying conservatives as victims of a systemic bias. Democracy thrives on dialogue and accountability, not grievance politics. Leaders should inspire trust and cooperation, not amplify discord.

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Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Need more factories in Punjab

Apropos of ‘Spare a thought for the unwept migration’; the writer has given a historical perspective to the three waves of migration from Punjab. The area under agriculture is shrinking and the youth find working in fields neither lucrative nor attractive. Farmers, too, are struggling for a fair price for their agricultural produce. An end to their struggle seems distant. The state industry needs an impetus, beginning with the revival of the Dhariwal woollen factory and iron foundries in Batala. The deportees definitely need a helping hand and a rehabilitation plan at this juncture to come out of their trauma. Launching a comprehensive employment policy, along with the revival of closed units or setting up of new industries, is the need of the hour to reverse the migration trend.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Talk to stakeholders

Refer to ‘Quick retreat’; one of the reasons for the long pendency of cases in courts across India is the frequent strikes by lawyers. The proposed Advocates (Amendment) Bill is well-intentioned. However, the problem is that it was being pushed without taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders. Another side of the coin is that sometimes, the judges grant adjournments liberally to keep the Bar in good humour. In Sajjan Kumar’s case, the trial took 40 years to reach its logical end. This is a poor reflection on the functioning of courts. The Bar Council of India should take stringent measures, including cancellation of licences, against lawyers who resort to frequent strikes.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Uttarakhand’s misplaced priorities

Refers to ‘Laptops over trees’; funds meant for forest conservation were directed towards non-essential expenditure. It is ironic that it is happening in Uttarakhand, which houses the prestigious Forest Research Institute and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration that trains administrators to serve the people. The neglect of forests is worrisome as the 2013 Kedarnath disaster may strike again if deforestation continues. There is an urgent need to increase the green cover to save the flora and fauna of Uttarakhand before any catastrophe occurs again.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Anti-ragging awareness

With reference to ‘6 Jindal varsity students booked for ragging’; despite a ban on ragging, it is still prevalent in many institutes. Parents invest significant amounts of money in their wards’ education and do not want to see them tortured physically and mentally. Educational institutions must create awareness among students about the consequences of ragging. If institutions enforce strict rules, it may bring about some change. The menace should be tackled with severe penalties, including imprisonment, as it can scar young minds permanently and endanger their lives too.

Bhavya Gulati, Panchkula

Vulgarity in the name of comedy

Apropos of ‘Outrage, obscenity and our selective morality’; there is too much vulgarity going on in the name of comedy. Sexist jokes and innuendo have become essential ingredients of stand-up comedy. What was once spoken in whispers is now being spoken openly in our society. However, the violent reactions to Ranveer Allahbadia’s comments is a matter of concern. Death threats and attacks on the family cannot be justified, however offended one may feel.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai