Better late than never for Mamata

Refer to ‘Laapataa ladies & opportunistic BJP’ (The Great Game); West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is an experienced politician. There is, however, no doubt that it was wrong of her to drag her feet in the aftermath of the incident. Her delay in speaking out for the victim punched a hole in her party’s reputation. But Didi is no goongi gudiya. She is a fighter who knows how to thrive even in hard times. She has already become the face of the protests against the rape-murder of the doctor. The BJP’s attempt to capitalise on the brutal crime to bring down the TMC will not succeed.

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Sudershan Walia, Amritsar

Don’t milk rape case for politics

With reference to ‘Laapataa ladies & opportunistic BJP’; the nation hangs its head in shame once again. The Kolkata horror mirrors the 2012 Nirbhaya case. It reflects the authorities’ failure to instil fear in the minds of criminals. Mamata Banerjee owes the nation an apology and an explanation. Instead of taking to the streets and leading a protest march with fellow party leaders, she should have done her bit to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the matter. However, it has been rightly pointed out that the Trinamool supremo stole a march on her political opponents by taking control of the narrative before they could. But politicians must keep in mind the agony of the victim’s family and refrain from milking the heinous act for politics.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad

Exemplary punishment is the key

Apropos of ‘Laapataa ladies & opportunistic BJP’; the gruesome rape and killing of an on-duty doctor on August 9 at a medical college and hospital in Kolkata has jolted the whole nation. The barbaric assault on the medico is just horrifying. The incident is a reminder of how vulnerable our health professionals are. While doctors across the country are striking work to call for justice, politicians are seizing the opportunity for electoral gains. Our leaders must understand the sensitivity of the matter and desist from politicising it. The Centre and the state governments must take concrete steps to ensure the safety of not just healthcare professionals but all those serving in the public sector. A time-bound trial and exemplary punishment for the perpetrator can help bring about a positive change.

NJ Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala

A new dawn in J&K

Refer to ‘Polls in J&K’; the announcement of the much-awaited Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is a big step towards ensuring the masses’ participation in governance. Notably, this will mark the first Assembly polls in the erstwhile state since 2014. It has been five years since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two union territories. The conduct of polls in the state-turned-UT can help fulfil the people's aspirations. From restrictions on civil liberties to the sharp uptick in militant activities in Jammu, the region is staring at several dire challenges. The recent Lok Sabha elections saw a heartening turnout in J&K, a testament to the locals’ undying faith in democracy. The powers that be should try to keep up this trend by ensuring that the elections are held smoothly.

LJ Singh, by mail

Of mango policy and diplomacy

Apropos of ‘Mango exports’; India’s mangoes, those golden orbs of summer, have long graced our tables and tantalised our taste buds. Yet there has been an unexpected twist: China, once unfamiliar with this tropical delight, is now leaving India behind in mango exports. The irony is as ripe as a sun-kissed Alphonso. Mangoes have played a significant role in diplomacy, too. Saplings sent to China in the 1950s bore fruit. Now, as we tally the export figures, the scales tip in China’s favour. Decoupling from China seems tempting, but it is fraught with risks. We must balance security with policy.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

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