Growing acrimony

Reference to ‘Stone-pelting in Delhi over new CAA protest’ (Feb 24); the government seems to be at a loss to find any solution to the ongoing protests. The only strategy being adopted by the government is to look the other way and tire out the protesters. But on the contrary, protests are escalating in different parts of the country. Not much has been gained by the interlocutors appointed by the apex court. With protests becoming violent, the divide will only widen. This acrimony will have far-reaching consequences. Statements by some leaders belonging to various parties have also added fuel to the fire. Leaders across parties should show restraint and sit together to remove misgivings.

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Yoginder Singhal, Ladwa

It’s a lonely life

Apropos of the middle ‘Empty nest syndrome and abuse’ (Feb 17), it is common these days to see aged couples living alone. They miss their children and grandchildren, who live in distant places. The only solace is a fortnightly phone call which keeps them recharged for a couple of days. But when a spouse bids adieu forever, life comes to an abrupt halt. The creeping shadow of loneliness leads to depression and various ailments. Mirza Ghalib’s verse comes to mind: Rahiye ab aisi jagah chal kar jahan koi na ho/ Ham-sukhan koi na ho aur ham-zaban koi na ho/Be-dar-o-deewar sa ik ghar banaya chahiye/koi hamsaya na ho aur pasban koi na ho/Padiye gar bimar to koi na ho timardar, aur agar mar jaiye to nauha-khvan koi na ho.

RK SHARMA, Kurukshetra

Malerkotla shows the way

At a time when the political atmosphere is charged with polarisation, the report ‘Malerkotla woman’s death brings communities together’ (Feb 23) comes as a cool breeze. The last rites of the deceased were performed by Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus, who came forward to do the needful. People of Malerkotla have shown the way, provided our politicians are ready to walk.

Naresh Johar, Amritsar

Why wait for Trump?

Apropos of ‘Make Trump’s visit count’ (Feb 24), large-scale preparations have been undertaken for Trump’s visit. Walls have been erected to hide slums, saplings have been planted and transportation has been facilitated. Why did the government have to wait for someone to come to get these things done? The government should not hold back such development work for the visit of someone special. Development must be done on a regular basis. Also, why should the Ahmedabad stadium be inaugurated by Trump? This visit will be seen on the world stage and may send a negative image of India.

Saurav Sharma, Jammu

Revisit Afghan policy

Apropos of the editorial ‘Dealing with the Taliban’ (Feb 24), though Ghani won the presidential polls, it was not accepted by his main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, an old friend of India. Delhi is among the few international entities to have endorsed the results, ignoring the controversy surrounding Ghani’s re-election. Legitimacy of his government has already begun to erode since Kabul was not a part of the negotiations with the Taliban. Downsizing US military presence paves the way for the Taliban’s return to power. India will have to revise its Afghan policy.

SS Paul, Nadia

Unfair practice

Refer to ‘Is there no law left? SC blasts DoT, telcos over Rs 1.47 lakh crore unpaid dues’ (Feb 15); telcos and TV channels/cable operators do not transfer benefits to customers as announced by TRAI. A mobile company has a fixed minimum charge of Rs 49 for a 28-day pack. If the customer does not use it within 28 days, the balance is deleted. The balance should be carried over to the next month. Similary, TRAI has fixed 40% charges per month for a TV set in the same house and in the name of one person. But this benefit is often not given to customers by operators. Lame excuses are offered and the full monthly fee for both TV sets is charged.

BALDEV SINGH, Patiala

Punjab far behind

There is no comparison between Punjab and Haryana in any field, be it infrastructure, education, healthcare, power and jobs. There was a time when Punjab was leading, but now, we stand nowhere. Power surplus, the state is supplying power on extraordinarily high rates. Less we say about law and order, better it is. Employment has been ignored. We have been recruiting low-grade employees on contract basis for Rs 8,000 a month. Is this sufficient? I was shocked to see an advertisement in all papers recently, where the Haryana Services Board had advertised a few hundred posts of peon, chowkidar, drivers, tubewell operators, lab technicians, operation theatre helpers and nurses, etc. It was not an election gimmick as Haryana is not due for elections anytime soon. All the posts are regular and with full pay scale. We talk of drug menace. Unemployment is the biggest reason.

Naresh Raj, Patiala

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