Judiciary needs to introspect

With reference to ‘Long road to justice in ’84 riots cases’; the judiciary has failed pathetically in providing justice to victims even after 41 years. Only 39 convictions in 650 registered FIRs indicate denial of justice. Judiciary has in some way failed to sustain itself as one of the three pillars of democracy. A little bit of solace was achieved by conviction of Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler’s case still in trial stage because of the efforts of a senior advocate like HS Phoolka. Indian judicial system has to look within to keep sensitivity and accountability alive.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Women cricketers come of age

But for the brilliant knock by two women cricketers, it was a close shave for the Indian women cricket team at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Having remained unbeaten at 127 off 134 balls, Jemimah Rodrigues steered India into the final in the ICC Women’s World Cup. Captain Harmanpreet, too, contributed with a stupendous score of 89 runs off 88 balls. The Indian women cricket team defeated seven-time world champions Australia, chasing a record target of 339. Jemimah’s innings will always remain etched in the memory of cricket fans. With this win against the toughest rival, Indian women’s cricket has come of age.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Vigil can counter digital scams

Refer to ‘Digital arrests’; with the advancement of technology, its adverse effects are scaring people. Cases of digital arrest have added another dimension to cybercrime where mostly senior citizens are targeted by fraudsters. The alarming rate at which these incidents are taking place is causing concern. The digital space needs to be made secure for the public. Public awareness and alertness is surely the key to obviate becoming its victims. Equally significant is that the agencies concerned must be proactive and remain ahead of scammers in technical knowhow, software updation and its execution. Keeping public trust intact in PM Modi’s digital mission is going to be challenging for the government.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Fraudsters exploit loopholes

Apropos of ‘Digital arrests’; fraudsters within India exploit loopholes using SIM box devices which convert international calls to local calls illegally. Since VOIP software, which helps make phone calls through Internet, is banned, they resort to SIM box systems instead. These criminals often use identity documents of migrant labourers to procure SIM cards and operate from regions yet to see 5G penetration, where 4G traceability cannot pinpoint their exact location. This blend of international and domestic cybercrime needs an all-out response — tighter telecom regulation, stricter KYC enforcement and coordinated cross-border action. Public awareness and swift intervention are essential.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Treat drug addicts as patients

Refer to ‘Addiction a systemic crisis, not a moral failure’; it is high time we recognised that the growing drug menace is not merely a matter of individual weakness, but a reflection of deep-rooted systemic and socio-economic distortions. That addiction stems from unemployment, family pressure and the politico-smuggler-police nexus is a valid point and must not be ignored. Blaming addicts for their condition only deepens their despair. Many young people, already burdened by stress and lack of opportunities, fall prey to drugs to seek temporary relief. Rather than adopting a punitive or stigmatic approach, the state must treat addicts as patients, not criminals. A compassionate, health-based model focusing on rehabilitation and prevention is the need of the hour.

Yogesh Kaushik, Jind

Weed out illegal voters

Electoral rolls across the nation are full of names of dead voters and illegal ones, mostly immigrant labour. After getting voter cards of illegal immigrants made, political parties create a permanent vote bank. The illegal voters, in turn, are able to avail of provisions available to Indian citizens. These bogus voters are what the SIR should aim at weeding out. We are already facing problem of a plenty, but our political leaders do not acknowledge it, their eyes are only transfixed on getting votes en masse.

Karnail Singh, Kharar