Brutal assault on ASI

In this time of national crisis, the police are risking their lives to protect us from Covid, but are unfortunately at the receiving end at some places (‘Asked to show pass, Nihangs chop off ASI’s hand in Sanaur’; April 13). The video that went viral shows how brutally the Nihangs attacked the cops. We should be grateful to the police that they are out on the streets, so we may stay safe, and indoors. The Nihangs should be severely punished for this brutality otherwise people will have no fear in committing such crimes.

Rohan Kakkar, Faridabad

Use symbolic kirpan

Refers to the news report ‘Asked to show pass, Nihangs chop off ASI’s hand in Sanaur’ (April 13); this is a shocking and brutal act. The cop was only performing his duty. Kirpan is given to Nihangs to defend people and not commit heinous crimes. This butcher’s act needs to be condemned by one and all in the harshest possible way. In this day and age, the Nihangs should sport only symbolic kirpan instead of real ones to prevent the recurrence of any such incident of brutality.

RK KAPOOR, CHANDIGARH

Shifting world order

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic will seriously impact the socio-political and economic world order, balance of power and neoliberal globalisation (‘Covid-hit US has lost status as global leader’, April 13). The US and the EU have become more self-seeking and protectionist in the current dismal scenario. Regional and international institutions have failed to maintain the traditional equation of social contract between nations. But China, a growing economic and military power, has come out unscathed as it has resumed all economic activities after the lockdown. Keeping its geopolitical and strategic interests in mind, it is not only giving medical aid to others, including adversaries like Japan, but also making liberal investments globally. This will strengthen its international clout and pose potential challenge to US supremacy.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

The poor hit hardest

Apropos of ‘We let the rich infect the poor’ (April 13), it can be said passport killed the ration card. The poor always suffer in all circumstances. The need of the hour is to check the exponential spread of the pandemic and safeguard the security of medical and sanitary staff. Everybody should heed to the guidelines.

GIAN P KANSAL, AMBALA

Resuming activity

Apropos of the editorial ‘Road map for revival’, the biggest challenge is to find a balanced approach in such difficult conditions. Whatever be the action, it is bound to draw criticism. A number of experts are giving opinions ranging from one extreme to another. Economic activity can be partially restored by allowing younger people, say, aged less than 35-40 years, to go to work by following strict social distancing norms. The health system will also not be overstretched this way.

Rakesh Gupta, Patiala

In service of public

Apropos of ‘Salaries of MLAs, ministers cut 30% (April 13), people are yet to see a significant number of their elected representatives who would only accept a token salary. Elected representatives should not accept any salary, and pension too, as they get ample perks and facilities while in active service of the public. People should now only elect a representative with a sense of devotion for the public, and one who would not accept any salary and pension thereafter.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Ambedkar’s relevance

As we observe Ambedkar Jayanti, let us take some time to reflect on why this day is so important to our country. Most widely recognised as the architect of our Constitution, he crusaded to abolish untouchability and introduced the reservation system. Trained as an economist and a lawyer, Babasaheb had mastery over several other subjects such as political science, philosophy, history, sociology and education. Above all, he was a great humanist. he was the inspiration behind setting up of many pioneering initiatives of our country, including the RBI, Finance Commission, Employment Exchange, National Power Grid System, Navigation Commission, Damodar Valley Corporation and Hirakund Project. He introduced labour reforms, the concept of minimum wages, equal pay for equal work, and medical leave, to name a few. With thousands of books in his library, he was a lifelong seeker of knowledge. He contributed significantly to knowledge creation by authoring numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics. His contributions profoundly impact all sections of our society. Ambedkar continues to inspire us with his legacy and words — ‘Life should be great rather than long.’

Varun Chaudhry (MLA), Mullana

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