How long the shutdown?

Refer to ‘That sinking feeling’ (Nous Indica), April 11, it is relevant and appropriate to ask how long can we afford the curfew and lockdown with agriculture, industrial and other business activities completely paralysed while fighting the deadly coronovirus when no effective treatment is available except for social distancing and effective lockdown to control this pandemic. It is also pertinent to mention how long will the invisible people depend upon their daily earning? The time has now come to mark the hotspots, clusters and other vulnerable spots and concentrate on them.

Deepak via mail

Existential dilemma

Amid a national lockdown, India is faced with a terrible existential dilemma (‘That sinking feeling’, Nous Indica, April 11). The rising number of Covid patients is making people panicky and a fragile economy that is further dipping low will lead to food scarcity, inflation and price rise. The government should give equal priority to saving human lives and livelihoods, as in China, South Korea and Singapore, ramping up measures to contain the virus, and chalking out a roadmap for economic revival.

Tajpreet S Kang, Muggowal

Solitude can be testing

Elderly persons, that include octogenarians like me too, have been the worst hit due to the compulsive stay within the four walls of homes, facing the two-pronged attack of Covid-19 lockdown and the resultant knock-down. In normal times, sans the deadly invisible virus, we had enough time out for various activities. In such confined spaces, it is not surprising that domestic peace can get tested. It should be borne with the equanimity of a philosopher for the situation will change. Years back, I used to listen to the morning talk in Punjabi from Lahore Radio station, invariably starting with, Usde hukam de bagair, patta vi nahee hilda. As nature reasserts itself in the absence of all human activity, one can’t help marveling at this in spite of all the hardships.

BM Singh, Amritsar

In letter and spirit

With the entire nation showing unprecedented solidarity by observing the lockdown in both letter and spirit, one wonders as to how come the VIPs are flouting the social distancing norms? The defaulters in the Yes Bank case, DHFL promoters Kapil Wadhwan and Dheeraj Wadhwan, accompanied by over 20 family members, secretly travelled to Mahabaleshwar, allegedly using their connections. Karnataka BJP MLA Masala Jayaram, also rode roughshod over the lockdown and threw a grand birthday bash, inviting more than a hundred people, when assembling of more than five people is strictly prohibited. The government must stir into action, and impose heavy penalties on such brazen violators without differentiating between a common man and a VIP.

Upant Sharma, Panchkula

Banker hounded

Refer to the news report ‘Banker detained for failing to enforce distancing norms’ (April 11); the incident is deplorable. Most bank branches are understaffed and lack of preventive equipment such as masks, gloves and PPE is a cause for concern. Instead of issuing diktats without paying heed to the genuine concerns of bank employees, the administration must ensure the presence of police personnel in the branches during public dealing to maintain social distancing. The roster system for opening of branches needs to be followed. Bank employees are neither at less risk nor are their service less important. Their concerns must be taken into consideration.

Amrinder Singh Mann, Sangrur

Bearing the brunt

The editorial, ‘Salaried class affected’ (April 11), highlights the pitiable financial condition of Punjab and the apprehension of the axe falling on the salaried class if prudent measure are not taken. There is no rationale to penalise the salaried class as in their prime, they rendered impeccable service. The salaried class should not be made a scapegoat for the faults of the administrators who make decisions that impact the lives of so many without at times taking into consideration all pros and cons.

Gurmit Singh Saini, Mohali

Easter is meant to forgive

Easter is not just a time of giving, but also forgiveness, tolerance, maintaining honour in relationships and setting a good example towards our children. This is a gentle reminder to our brothers and sisters. It epitomises the teachings and the ideals of Jesus Christ that speak of being benign towards all mankind. May the risen Lord bless abundantly and bring lots of happiness to all. Happy Easter!

Jubel D’Cruz, via mail

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