Clear message to Pakistan

Apropos of ‘Pak threat brings India, Taliban closer’; the writer has aptly pointed out that New Delhi is improving ties with Afghanistan one step at a time. The welcome accorded to Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is a case in point. As he landed in New Delhi, Pakistan carried out an attack on Kabul. Within a couple of days, the Taliban retaliated fiercely. India had little presence in Afghanistan during the previous Taliban rule. Now, things have changed and Delhi has big stakes in Afghanistan. The message to Islamabad is clear: mend your ways or face the wrath of your neighbours. Pakistan should not forget the damage caused by Operation Sindoor.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Don’t let down Ladakhis

With reference to ‘J&K statehood at right time, will find just solution to Ladakh crisis: Shah’; the Home Minister’s statement on restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood has sparked doubts, especially considering the pre-Article 370 abrogation promise to grant statehood to Ladakh. The latter is seeking statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Shah’s statement may fuel tensions as locals are becoming restive over their pending demands. The government’s intent to address regional aspirations is not backed by any timeline. The situation in Ladakh remains sensitive and the use of force will create a big divide between Ladakhis and the Central government.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Police reforms a must

Two suicide cases in Haryana and a corruption case in Punjab have shown the police force in a poor light. A judicial probe by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court can help in uncovering the truth. The media is already rife with stories of misconduct and corruption by police personnel. A grim picture is emerging about an institution that is supposed to uphold the law. Even after 78 years of Independence, it is disheartening that corruption and caste-based discrimination have not been eliminated from the police force. The need for police reforms is more pressing than ever. It is time to take a hard look at the systems and processes and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Ajay Bagga, Hoshiarpur

India firm on buying Russian oil

Reference to ‘Trump harps on Russian oil’; New Delhi has defied the US President by refusing to discontinue the import of Russian oil despite being burdened with punitive tariffs. However, India should not compromise on its strategic autonomy. It needs to safeguard its energy security. India would do well to factor in changes to the cost-benefit matrix of relying heavily on one energy supplier. It must explore the possibility of increasing energy imports from the US as this can help in deepening our relationship. As India looks to conclude its trade deal with the US sooner than later, it must skilfully navigate contentious points.

PS Hanspaul, by email

Need for Indian Education Service

Apropos of ‘Let’s go beyond marks, focus on children’s well-being’; the spike in suicides by schoolchildren is a matter of concern. This disturbing trend threatens to adversely impact our demographic dividend. The time has come for compulsory classes of parents to counsel them on issues like diet and other issues relating to the physical and mental health of the children. The recommendation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) to integrate the preschool age group into schools does not seem to be bearing fruit. There is a need to constitute the Indian Education Service for the administration of school education, as recommended by the NEP-2020.

S Kumar, Panchkula

Ray of hope for Palestinians

The reopening of the Rafah crossing offers a fragile ray of hope for Palestinians. Every gate that opens for humanity should remind us how many remain closed by politics. Relief corridors are not charity; they are moral obligations in times of war. Yet, will these crossings bring lasting peace or just temporary survival? The world applauds “humanitarian gestures,” but who will stop the conditions that make them necessary? If human rights depend on political convenience, where does humanity stand?

Hasnain Rabbani, Mumbai