Peddling drugs

Politicians are encouraging drug peddlers for their own ulterior motives and the police are at the receiving end. They have to remain silent. The youth of Punjab have been ruined. Daily we hear the lives of youngsters being lost for nothing. The youth of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have also become a victim of drugs. Is it difficult to check the menace? It may be difficult but not impossible. When the Naxals and other terrorists can be controlled, this trade can also be controlled.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Smash mafia

Refer to ‘Drug deaths in Punjab’; the ruling party, before the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections, had assured people that the drug menace would be controlled within six weeks after it assumes power. Since then, the state government is struggling to eradicate the menace but none of its strategy has been successful. The criminal-politician-police nexus has proved to be too strong to be smashed. Drugs continue to be smuggled from Pakistan through rivers, rail, road and air routes. Even drones are being used. All connected agencies should coordinate and implement multi-pronged effective measures to defeat the strong drug mafia.

SUBHASH VAID, NEW DELHI

Re-engage with farmers

It’s been nine months since farmers have been protesting against the farm laws. About 600 farmers and their families have died in this span of time. The real issues of development and uplift of the suppressed are being overshadowed because of this continued protest. This is a big limitation on account of the Modi government that despite being in majority, it can’t find a solution to this issue. It should remake the laws according to the demands of those for whom these were initially made. Fixing MSP and giving government storage facilities on all crops is the best way to make farmers feel secure and make them try alternative crop growth. If not, the decision should be independently left to the state governments whether they need the implementation of such laws or not. The government is by the people, for the people and of the people. There should not be a ‘versus’ war against citizens.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

Lookout notice

Refer to the report ‘ED issues lookout notice against Maharashtra ex-minister Deshmukh’; it is highly intriguing as to why our investigation agencies are so helpless in such cases, and why politicians continue to flout the laws so blatantly. Our judicial system allows any suspect to seek legal remedies to prove his/her innocence. Laws need to be suitably amended for allowing the courts to proceed ex-parte in such cases after publishing a public notice. But our politicians will never pass such a legislation.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Parading girls

It is shocking that six minor girls were paraded at a village in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh to appease the god of rain. What a tragedy it is that in this digital era, people still believe in such superstitions. The parents of the hapless girls and the villagers remained mute spectators and no one could muster the courage to lodge a complaint for this objectionable act. The local administration also showed indifference. The slogan given by the BJP, Beti bachao, beti padhao, has proved a hollow one.

Shadi Lal, by mail

Herd immunity

‘Why herd immunity is elusive…’ is a well-analysed write-up. The unrelenting efforts worldwide and equally unrelenting non-adherence to vaccination norms and Covid-appropriate behaviour is the real tug of war. The data of Israel, the US and Europe is frightening. We appear to have done better thus far but our irresistible temptations to celebrate festivals and political and religious leanings bring to naught these efforts. Covid-appropriate behaviour is a misnomer, instead we should adopt ‘social-appropriate behaviour’.

Harbans Lal Kapoor, Mandi

Paralympics glory

Refer to ‘Incredible success’; Indian para athletes have displayed an inspirational show of grit and passion at the Tokyo Paralympics. They have also steered the media’s attention towards the lack of differently abled-friendly sporting facilities in the country. Shortage of funds for the development of sports infrastructure catering to the differently abled affects participation. Inaccessibility of facilities presents a serious obstacle to Indian para athletes. The Paralympics have brought Indian athletes into the forefront of the nation’s sporting journey and increased investment would result in greater glories.

Ananya Dixit, Bhopal

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