Need to be firm with China

Refer to ‘Modi-Xi bonhomie’; amid the turbulence created by Donald Trump’s tariff wars, India has resisted pressure, maintained its energy ties with Russia and refused to be drawn into transactional politics. This same principle should now guide our China engagement. China, too, is recalibrating. A careful but firm reset is in India’s interest. While New Delhi continues to strengthen defences along the LAC, it must also pragmatically seek opportunities in trade and investment. Resumption of supplies of critical inputs like rare earth minerals, coupled with carefully regulated Chinese FDI, could provide both countries with economic elbow room in a disrupted global economic order.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Deep-seated contradictions

It is a welcome sign that India and China are trying to join hands in adversity, though the deep-seated contradictions and festering issues raise doubts about the sustainability of this bonhomie. China has been illegally occupying over 38,000 sq km of Indian territory after the 1962 war. It still lays claim to many areas in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh and disputes the McMahon Line itself. The most vexatious issue for India is that China has never openly condemned Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism against India. In the economic sphere, India rues China’s hegemonistic stance and ruthless trade policies. Likewise, India’s pro-independence stand on Taiwan is also unacceptable to Beijing, as is the refuge given to Dalai Lama. However, every opportunity to patch up must be grabbed.

Vikram Chadha, Amritsar

SC judges didn’t support Naxalism

Refer to ‘Misreading the Salwa Judum verdict’; in the said judgment, which was delivered in 2011, the Supreme Court Bench had said that the state-sponsored militia Salwa Judum was no match for the Naxals, who were well trained in guerrilla warfare. No motive can be attributed to the SC judges to support Naxalism. Amit Shah has crossed the line by criticising Justice Reddy for what the SC Bench did while discharging its judicial duties. Such unpalatable remarks are bound to erode public faith in the justice delivery system.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Punjab govt’s laxity

With reference to the Punjab floods, the government failed to draw lessons from a similar situation in 2023. The first failure is that the government and the administration failed to ensure reinforcement of riverbanks. Second, small quantities of water were not released from dams earlier, which are otherwise released into drains in order to maintain the flow. Third, the capacity of the drains carrying stormwater should have been increased by digging them deeper. The authorities, who were not well prepared, must be held accountable. They should have framed a strong preventive policy prior to the monsoon.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

Border state is suffering

Punjab has made a substantial contribution to nation-building. The Sikh community stands like a rock with sufferers whenever there is a calamity in any part of the country. Now, Punjab is itself passing through the agony of unprecedented suffering attributable to unpreparedness and gross mismanagement of the authorities. Interestingly, the political leaders noted for their high-decibel and vacuous rhetoric are conspicuous by their absence. Kudos to NGOs, the armed forces and the public which are rendering help to people in distress.

Gurprit Singh Bakshi, Jalandhar

Inept heads of institutions

The appointment of incompetent principals in higher education institutions in Punjab is a matter of concern. It undermines academic standards, demoralises qualified educators and compromises the future of students. Such practices reflect systemic loopholes, nepotism and disregard for merit. Transparent selection processes, strict adherence to UGC norms and accountability are essential to restore credibility and ensure that competent people head key institutions.

Parvinder Singh, Mohali