Delhi-centric Punjab politics

Apropos of ‘BJP’s baffling silence in Ludhiana West’ (The Great Game); Delhi-based political parties have been playing games in Punjab, but they have failed. The ruling party in the state is being dictated by its political masters in the Capital. AAP can play a major role in the state only if it is able to shed the heavy burden of its central leadership. The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal will have to join hands in a bid to regain power. The Congress, with a lot of internal rivalries, can do better if its leaders forget their differences and work in unison. It is surprising that the top brass of the Congress and the BJP are not serious about Punjab affairs and the central leadership of AAP has become a liability for the state government.

Onkar Singh Parmar, Ludhiana

BJP’s disconnect with Punjab

Refer to ‘BJP’s baffling silence in Ludhiana West’; despite the saffron party’s nationwide momentum, its apathy towards the upcoming bypoll in Punjab is perplexing. The resignation of state unit president Sunil Jakhar months ago, coupled with the cultural disconnect of Telugu-speaking RSS leader Manthri Srinivasulu, underscores a leadership vacuum. However, the BJP’s over-reliance on the Akali Dal and the inability to penetrate Sikh-dominated villages should be a matter of concern for the party. Punjab’s historical scepticism towards central authority compounds its aversion to the BJP. If the saffron party aspires to be pan-Indian, it must genuinely connect with Punjabis to earn their trust and support.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Follow defence timelines strictly

Refer to ‘Delivery delays’; the Air Force Chief is not known to mince his words and it is not the first time he has raked up the issue of missed deadlines. We not only need to catch up with hostile neighbours like China but remain a few steps ahead. The Ministry of Defence should facilitate Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in ramping up and removing all the bottlenecks in production and seek the help of private players. Following timelines strictly is in the best interest of the nation.

Bal Govind, Noida

Strong measures for border areas

Refer to ‘Balm for Poonch’; long-term solutions are needed for people living in our frontline border areas. They deserve early warning systems, protective bunkers and regular emergency drills. Critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and transportation networks needs to be made safer to withstand potential conflict. Evacuation plans should be clear, community-driven and routinely practised. Compensation should be hassle-free and treated as a rightful entitlement. Standard insurance policies often do not cover war and war-like risks; therefore, the state must step in to bridge the gap.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Remembering Valmik Thapar

The passing away of Valmik Thapar, a well-known wildlife conservationist, marks the end of an era in India’s conservation movement. As one of the country’s most passionate and respected wildlife experts, Thapar dedicated his life to protecting India’s natural heritage, particularly its tigers. His demise is a profound loss not just to the conservation community, but to the whole nation. Through his writings and documentaries, Thapar brought the plight of India’s forests and endangered species into public consciousness. He was never afraid to challenge policies, question inefficiencies or demand accountability in the management of our natural resources.

Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar

No religious bias in the military

Apropos of ‘HC upholds Army’s decision to sack officer who objected to attend religious parades’; the Delhi High Court has rightly upheld the dismissal of Army officer Samuel Kamalesan for refusing to take part in the weekly religious parade because of his Christian faith. Unity in the defence forces comes from the spirit of wearing the same uniform and working together. It does not behove a senior officer to behave in a communal manner. Individual perceptions cannot be allowed to prevail in the armed forces.

Upendra Sharma, by mail