Need to find middle ground

Apropos of the editorial ‘Death of a farmer’; the death of Shubhkaran Singh in a clash between security personnel and protesting farmers is tragic. Hundreds of lives were lost in 2020-21 during the farmers’ agitation against the three now-repealed contentious farm laws. With no sign of a deadlock breaking anytime soon, the standoff can claim more lives. Let the stir not take another unsavoury turn. That four rounds of talks have failed to break the stalemate and instead led to the hardening of battlelines is concerning. The cultivators’ key demand, a legal guarantee for the procurement of their produce at the MSP, must be given due consideration.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Farm leaders must act responsibly

With reference to ‘Death of a farmer’; the use of brutal force by the Haryana Police against the protesting farmers has further aggravated the situation. The only way out of the deadlock is through negotiations between the Centre and the growers. In the meantime, the security personnel deployed at the site of the agitation must exercise utmost restraint while handling the protesters as an uneasy calm prevails on the Punjab and Haryana borders. The farmer leaders must also behave more responsibly so as to ensure that no more innocent protesters are killed amid the standoff. The cultivators’ demands may be fulfilled eventually. But will it bring Shubhkaran back to life?

NK Gosain, Bathinda

Strengthening ties

With reference to the editorial ‘US help along LAC’; in the ever-shifting landscape of global politics, national interests reign supreme. The current administration adeptly navigates this reality, ensuring a delicate balance. India’s march towards economic progress and military self-sufficiency showcases a promising trajectory. In collaborating with the USA, there is an opportunity to sway Pakistan away from deepening its ties with China. By exemplifying a responsible conduct, India aims to assure its neighbour of cooperation and support if the latter adopts an anti-terrorist stance. This strategic diplomacy aligns with India’s broader objective of fostering amicable relations with friendly nations and reinforcing a commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

Vijay Kumar Katial, by mail

Weaponisation of agencies

The raids by the CBI on former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik’s premises are proof that the BJP is not keen on dispelling the allegation that it is misusing probe agencies to target its political opponents and critics. It is so glaringly obvious that the former Governor is being targeted for his criticism of the saffron party and the PM. The way investigation agencies have been going after Opposition leaders is just unprecedented. The mainstream Indian media must do more to highlight the arbitrary and selective action of such Central agencies.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

A win for gender equality

The Supreme Court is right to note that terminating the employment of a woman on the ground that she has got married is a ‘coarse case of gender discrimination and inequality’. For decades, countless women employed across different sectors have faced the harsh reality of being forced out solely because of their marital status or family obligations. Such discriminatory practices only perpetuate gender inequality and hinder a woman’s professional growth. The apex court’s direction to the Centre to pay a compensation of Rs 60 lakh to a former military nurse who was removed from service under a now-defunct Army order that cited marriage as a ground for the action is welcome.

Yash Pal Ralhan, Jalandhar

Doctors’ pet peeve

Refer to the middle ‘The epidemic of cyberchondria’; the writer has rightly highlighted the growing practice of tech-savvy patients diagnosing themselves of a condition after looking up some symptoms they have on the Internet. The case of the IT professional suffering from knee pain that the writer has cited is surely not an isolated incident. Most patients who have phones turn hypochondriacs. It is ironic that so often, it is the patient who tells the doctor what condition he or she is supposed to be diagnosed with and how it is to be examined and treated. No wonder this leaves a doctor harried.

Beant Singh, by mail

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