Be vigilant against China

Apropos of ‘India-China talks’; the consensus during the talks between special representatives of the two nations is a strong indication that bilateral relations are on the mend. However, this process is still in its initial stages and many ifs and buts remain. It is also worth noting that the Pentagon’s annual report released by the US Department of Defence shows that China has neither reduced military deployment in the region after the Galwan clash nor has it reduced the number of tanks, missiles and other heavy weapons. Although the process of withdrawal from that area is yet to begin, the need to remain vigilant cannot be overstated, considering China’s track record.

RK Arora, Mohali

A wait-and-watch policy

Refer to ‘India-China talks’; the current thaw in bilateral relations is a welcome development. But we should not forget China’s past intrusions. It is crystal clear that without addressing the border issue with China, we cannot expect stability in relations with our hostile neighbour. With US President-elect Donald Trump’s clear anti-China policy in the offing, a trade war between the US and China would be the order of the day. Hence, Beijing wants to have peaceful relations with Delhi. But we should be wary of China. India needs to be cautious and adopt a wait-and-watch policy.

Bal Govind, Noida

Strengthen diplomatic ties

Apropos of ‘India-China talks’; the meeting between the special representatives of two countries comes on the eve of 2025, which will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. While restoring mutual links is important, it is necessary to be cautious so that the situation caused by the amassing of troops and LAC transgressions by the PLA, is not repeated. The presidency of Donald Trump is also a factor that neither New Delhi nor Beijing can ignore. India will not want to be caught on the wrong foot in case of a US-China deal that undermines New Delhi’s interests. It can only avoid that situation by strengthening its own diplomatic channels with China.

SS Paul, nadia (WB)

Check the terror surge

Refer to ‘Another explosion in Punjab’; it is ironical that the Punjab Police have been in the denial mode despite being on the radar of terrorist groups which have been targeting police stations and posts. The failure of the state police in confronting the network behind the blasts points to the worsening law and order situation in the border state. Punjab has been in the crosshairs of elements across the border who want to disturb peace and communal harmony in the state. The police should not take lightly the serial explosions at its installations and intensify operations to thwart the rise of terrorism before it engulfs the entire state again.

Anil Vinayak, by mail

Act on Ambedkar’s ideology

It’s unfortunate that the faceoff between members of Parliament over the perceived insult to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has taken an ugly turn. Political parties should rather consider how they can serve Ambedkar’s ideology. They should consider these steps to show respect to him — a library in every village; affordable education to all; fill vacant posts as crores of eligible candidates are unemployed; equality before the law; food security for all; check concentration of wealth and give a chance to poor to grow economically through right policies; casteless society and social justice through liberty, equality and fraternity; electoral reforms, judicial reforms and economic policies to address inequalities. All parties should act unitedly in implementing these steps, which are in tune with Ambedkar’s thinking.

DVG Sankara Rao, Vizianagaram

New low for Parliament

Protests by the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of BR Ambedkar turned violent, leading to the hospitalisation of two BJP MPs and the registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi. This is a new low for Parliament. It is a let-down for the voters who elected these MPs. The Lok Sabha Speaker has done well to ban demonstrations by MPs and political parties at the gates of Parliament House.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

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