Indutva idea meaningful
The article ‘The era of right’s might’ (Nous Indica, December 29) is balanced. The idea of Indutva, instead of Hindutva, as suggested by the writer, is laudable. Hindutva may be the BJP’s core agenda, but bringing Hindus on one platform is not wrong. For ages, the Hindus suffered at the hands of the Mughals because they were divided. It shouldn’t be a crime if Hindus unite as long as they are not against the other communities. Measures like triple talaq brought in by the BJP are for the benefit of the Muslims, not Hindus. NRC fears are misplaced, and the Opposition is fanning it for electoral gains. In Assam, out of 19 lakh left out of NRC, 14.5 lakh are Hindus, and only 4.5 lakh are Muslims.
WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR
Another warning to BJP
The Jharkhand state Assembly results are a signal for the BJP to change its strategy. Local issues are important to people. The BJP should stop campaigning on national issues like CAA and Article 370. Its rule in states has melted like ice in just two years. The focus should be on its working in the states too, not just the Centre. Right now, it is unable to defend its states. It will have to shift focus on local issues if it wants to retain the states and win the upcoming elections in Delhi.
Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh
End pharma nexus
Reference to the article ‘Unfair trade practices plague pharma sector’ (December 30); the continuation of such practices is due to the absence of effective national drug policy vis-a-vis pricing and quality standardisation of generic drugs. The vicious nexus of manufacturers, doctors, distributors and retailers has been fleecing every strata of society with the myth of the efficacy of generic formulations, with eye only on the economic pie. To combat the nexus, the government should open more and more pan-India generic medicine centres and ensure non-erratic supply through its own manufacturing houses. Affordable medicine must be within the reach of all.
Anil Vinayak, Amritsar
For sake of pure water
The editorial ‘Purity of water’ (December 30) is timely. It is frustrating that the state government has failed to provide safe drinking water to the people even after so much time has passed since the report of uranium being present in the water, more than permissible limit, was made public. Though expensive, the latest technologies are there to render the water fit for consumption. Other remedial measures should also be put in place, including new agro-chemical practices and a change in the cropping pattern.
SANTOSH JAMWAL, HAMIRPUR
Facilities for women cops
Reference to the editorial ‘Call of duty for cops’ (December 28); the work environment for women is challenging, especially so for women police personnel, who face the lack of necessary amenities. When we are expecting ‘smart policing’, it is the duty of the government to provide facilities to women police personnel, like separate washrooms, in the absence of which the Prime Minister’s call for ‘smart policing’ would be rendered a sham. The recommendations of the Bureau of Police Research and Development regarding the providing of separate toilets for female staff and visitors besides restrooms for women police officials need attention.
Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar
Bogus concern
The Pakistan Prime Minister’s concern for the Muslim community in Kashmir reveals his frustration at not being given a hearing by the Indian government. He unsuccessfully tried to set up a platform for this purpose with Malaysia and Turkey which was thwarted by Saudi Arabia. At the same time, he remains silent on the persecution of Uighur Muslims in China because he cannot annoy that country. Such a pick-and-choose policy is akin to the proverbial rolling stone which gathers no moss.
LR Sharma, Sundernagar
Shelter for the homeless
The homeless are the worst affected in winter. They can be seen sleeping on footpaths adjoining bridges, outside temples and parks, but nobody is concerned. Certain provisions for temporary night shelters have been put up by the authorities, but these are serving little purpose. Besides the authorities concerned, NGOs also need to take up this issue and widely publicise such shelters for the homeless. The Supreme Court, too, had directed the states to provide night shelters to the homeless in winter.
Harpreet Sandhu, Ludhiana
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: Letters@tribunemail.com
