Don’t read much into Pak’s invite

Refer to the article ‘The India-Pakistan wind’s changing’ (The Great Game); there is no need to read too much into Pakistan’s invite to PM Narendra Modi to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be held in Islamabad in October. After all, India is a member of the organisation. Pakistan has never responded positively to the many conciliatory overtures made to it by New Delhi. Even if Pakistan’s political class intends to mend fences with India and resume bilateral trade ties, any efforts towards peace will likely be scuttled by the all-powerful Pakistani military establishment. There is little hope that Modi's visit to Pakistan would help improve India’s ties with its neighbour. Besides, one wonders whether his visit to Pakistan will reinforce his popularity at home or undermine it.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Modi must take a chance on peace

With reference to ‘The India-Pakistan wind’s changing’; Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to PM Modi to attend the SCO meeting in Islamabad is a significant development. Despite past betrayals, Modi should consider accepting the invite. A face-to-face conversation with the enemy can prove fruitful. The timing is also crucial, with key state elections around the corner. A bold move like this can boost Modi’s popularity and demonstrate his commitment to peace. Secure leaders are not afraid to engage with their enemies. The candle-lighting brigade at Attari-Wagah will surely applaud this gesture. Modi can either seize this opportunity or let it slip away. Hopefully, he will drop his inhibition and take a chance on peace.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Dialogue is the answer

Refer to ‘The India-Pakistan wind’s changing’; most people here in India wish to live in peace. We want India to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Dialogue is the only way to resolve all kinds of border disputes. It is the only way to prevent more clashes and casualties. The brave soldiers manning our borders must not have to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Cross-border infiltrations must be reined in once and for all. While past peace talks with Pakistan yielded no positive outcome, it is still worth a shot. But it is imperative that Pakistan stop harbouring terrorists.

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

India keeps sitting on the fence

Apropos of the news report ‘6 killed, 55 hurt as Russia strikes building, playground in Kharkiv’; it is unfortunate that India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war remains so ambiguous. Though India knows very well that it was Russia that launched an invasion into Ukraine, it has remained a neutral player since the beginning of the conflict. It is a pity that New Delhi is still reluctant to condemn Moscow despite the fact that the war has claimed thousands of lives.

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal

Young lives at stake

Refer to the editorial ‘A national crisis’; India is grappling with a harrowing surge in student suicides. Mental health problems, unchecked access to harmful content available on social networking sites, financial woes and the imposition of unsuitable career choices on youngsters are pushing them to take the extreme step. A lack of job opportunities and cut-throat competition are further driving impressionable young people to the edge. It is high time that the government took a serious view of the issue and created more jobs. Parents also must understand the importance of letting their children pursue a career in a profession that aligns with their interests.

SK Dhadwal, Kangra

Kangana hurting BJP’s prospects

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut must learn to mind her tongue. Her frequent outbursts and unsolicited comments on hot-button issues have become a major source of embarrassment for the BJP. Thanks to her celebrity status and outspoken nature, she has become the poster girl for the saffron party. But her irresponsible comments may cost the BJP dear in the long run. Her recent statement likening the growers’ protest to the uprising in Bangladesh has understandably riled members of the farming community. There is no way the BJP can win an election in Haryana or Punjab without the support of farmers. Hence, the party leadership must ask her to act responsibly.

Karnail Singh, Kharar

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