Failing system

‘When the entire system fails’ (The Sunday Tribune) provides a graphic account of the soul-stirring misery and eventual death of a young woman victim of the system. The Hathras incident is a comment on the falling and failing social, law and order, health and political system which stands inherently weakened and subverted by vested interests. Frequent demand and transfer of cases to the CBI bespeaks poorly of the state police, besides denting the image of the Central agency which politicians are out to manoeuvre to shift the focus from them. Such a situation develops when various institutions are without spirit and exist only in form, as is evidenced by the treatment meted out to the poor victim at the hands of various authorities from the time of deadly attack to the day of her death.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Police reforms

It is high time the police and the bureaucracy are freed from political influence. Police reforms must be implemented at the earliest. The investigating agencies must follow SOPs for serious crimes so that valuable evidence to prosecute the accused is not lost. Senior civil servants and police officers must implement the rule of law for every citizen as per the guidelines.

Sanjay Kapoor, Samrala

Physician, heal thyself

Following the Hathras case and its subsequent mishandling by the UP Police, the Centre’s advisory to all states and UTs regarding mandatory police action is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. The Central leadership kept silent for long to let the dust settle down. But the Yogi government touched the nadir of ignominy by not allowing the victim’s family to see her body, and then cremating it at midnight. Realising the damage to the party image and possible loss in the forthcoming Bihar elections, now comes the MHA advisory which is just a repetition of the one issued on December 5, 2019, prescribing proactive action in crime against women. Is the government serious about impartially enforcing the law? Instead of giving the incident a communal colour, the government should acknowledge its blunders from the beginning of the case, and then apply balm to the injury.

Arun Bala, Bathinda

Beyond Hathras

Apropos of ‘Hathras and Hindutva’ (Nous Indica), criminals do not belong to any caste, creed or religion nor do they believe in any ideology or nationality. Thus, so long as society lives, crime will take place, but it can be contained to the minimum through active vigilance and by creating the fear of law among criminals. Rape is the meanest of mean crimes. It leaves a black spot on the face of society. When such a heinous crime occurs, all merits of the government are negated. In view of the gravity of the Hathras incident, the government should deal with the case honestly and abide by the law of the land. Justice should be delivered to the victim and her family. Gandhi’s teachings should become a way of life for the people.

NIRMAL KUMAR, PANCHKULA

Tales of love and hate

Refer to ‘Tales of love steeped in legends’; had the writer made serious efforts in Indian universities, he could have met eminent scholars and poets of the Urdu language in India. In Ambala, every year an Indo-Pak mushaira used to be organised to promote cultural ties among the people of the two countries. India has invited Pakistani singers, actors, and poets on various occasions for better relations. The writer should tell tales of love to the rulers and the army of Pakistan, who send terrorists to India. Unfortunately, the creation of Pakistan was the result of communal hatred which still lingers on in the minds of the political leaders and religious clerics and fanatics.

KRISHAN MALHOTRA, Ambala Cantt

Maximum caution

Refer to ‘Active cases fall…’; it is heartening for Punjab, but it is not so for all states, like Kerala, that once had a recovery rate of 95% and seemed to have contained the virus spread. They are again undergoing a harsh resurgence. Globally, too, the second wave is round the corner. There should be no laxity by the administration and the people till a sure-shot vaccine arrives. Some incorrigible elements can lead to a catastrophic spurt in cases.

Mehul Monga, Amritsar

Some good steps

The government has taken a praiseworthy step in making the charging of interest on interest illegal for the loans below Rs 2 crore. It will give a good boost to the industry during these days of pandemic. The government has also increased the moratorium period for tourism and other important sectors. This is also a welcome step. It should also increase the moratorium period for builders and real estate.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

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