Hasina won’t be missed

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday amid widespread protests. An interim government is being formed in the neighbouring country that has been roiled by massive demonstrations for several weeks. Hasina’s ouster comes as a ray of hope for a brighter future for Bangladesh. The death of around 200 protesters in indiscriminate firing by the security forces last month was the final straw for Bangladeshis. The gunning down of the agitators showed that the Awami League-led government had turned a blind eye to the concerns about quotas for government jobs raised by various student groups and had scant regard for their lives.

Jakir Hussain, Kanpur

Hold polls in J&K on priority

With the deadline to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir set by the Supreme Court, September 30, fast approaching, it is imperative that the Election Commission of India and the local authorities take steps to ensure a smooth and timely conduct of the polls. The political landscape in the region has changed drastically since the abrogation of Article 370. While the Centre makes tall claims of an improved security situation in the region, a spate of terror attacks and a delay in the restoration of statehood continue to keep the residents on edge. Holding free and fair elections will be a step towards rebuilding the residents’ trust and restoring stability in J&K.

Varshita Bhura, Zirakpur

No let-up in terrorism

Apropos of the editorial ‘J&K at a crossroads’; the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, was expected to help rein in terrorism in the region. But five years on, it is clear that the move has failed to achieve its objectives. Pakistan continues to export terrorism into the state-turned-UT. The sense of normalcy, if any, was shattered by a spate of terror attacks carried out in recent months. Why is the Centre now dithering to restore the statehood of J&K? The longer it takes, the more alienated the local residents will feel.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

An avoidable political row

While Indian athletes are slugging it out in the Paris Olympics to finish at the podium, a political row has broken out here at home between the AAP-led state government and the Centre over the denial of political clearance to CM Bhagwant Mann to attend the Games. While it is true that Mann should have been allowed to cheer for the Indian hockey team, which has 10 Punjabi players, he should not have used the occasion to play petty politics. If the Punjab Government indeed wants to promote the sport and boost the morale of the players, it should ensure that the athletes get more funds and sponsorships. The AAP-led government has an opportunity to groom world-class players. It must not go to waste.

Varinder Pal Singh, Patiala

Mann gets snubbed

With reference to the editorial ‘Politicising sports’; the denial of clearance to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to attend the Paris Olympics is unfair. The decision smacks of a political vendetta. Mann was keen on cheering for the Indian hockey team. He was even willing to cover his expenses. Petty politics has once again prevailed over national unity. So many players in the team hail from Punjab. Mann’s presence in the audience would have boosted their morale. The snub to Mann is yet another case of stepmotherly treatment being meted out by the Centre to an Opposition leader.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Focus on preventing calamities

Apropos of the article ‘Learn lessons from Wayanad tragedy to combat climate change’; landslides and flash floods have been wreaking havoc in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Many lives have been lost. The visuals of the trail of devastation left behind and the plight of the affected families being flashed across the nation are heartbreaking. The authorities concerned must expedite the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Besides, the powers that be must come up with long-term measures to prevent a recurrence of such avoidable tragedies.

Nitika Bansal, Zirakpur

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]