Pegasus scandal

The recent Pegasus snoopgate scandal, collaboratively investigated and exposed by international media outlets, has raised serious concern in the country (‘Spyware for snooping’). Targeting Union ministers, Opposition leaders, journalists, judges, human rights activists, scholars, scientists and businessmen amounts to a brazen violation of an individual’s fundamental right to privacy and personal data protection, and is likely to compromise even national safety and security. Though the Centre has debunked the allegations of any involvement in unauthorised surveillance, a credible investigation by the Supreme Court is imperative to ascertain whether the victims were officially spied upon. The government should review its bureaucratic digital security measures to avert the misuse of surveillance technology and allay the fears of our democracy slipping into authoritarianism.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Surveillance tool

This refers to ‘Spyware for snooping’. There is little to doubt that snooping using Pegasus spyware has been done to target journalists, politicians and businessmen of several countries, including India. The company has claimed that it sells the software to ‘vetted’ governments only and that too for checking terrorism and crime. Perhaps the company failed to see that many governments see even dissent, criticism and political opposition as terrorism and crime. As expected, our government has denied any role in it. The Opposition must demand transparency, accountability and safeguards to ensure the safety and privacy of citizens. The government must prioritise clarification and debate over outright denial. Otherwise, citizens may view the government’s digital push as a tool to bring everyone under surveillance.

Hira sharma, by mail

Sidhu must apologise

Amid the ongoing infighting in the Punjab Congress, Navjot Singh Sidhu has been appointed president of the PPCC, settling the issue that has been the source of much squabbling and instability over the past two months. His appointment attests to the niche he has carved for himself since he left the BJP and joined the Congress in 2017, and the way he positioned himself as anti-Amarinder Singh voice as well as an anti-Badal campaigner. It also indicated a decisive say of Priyanka Gandhi in party affairs. Many believe the way he held the AAP threat over the party, with speculation he could defect if he was ignored, also played a role in his elevation. The appointment of PCC chief is the prerogative of the party high command, but washing dirty linen in public has dipped the party graph. Pulling the party into different directions will only harm its prospects in the 2022 polls. Sidhu, who had tweeted against the CM and the government, should tender a public apology so that the party and the government can function in tandem.

VANDANA, CHANDIGARH

Digital push

Reference to ‘SC’s digital push’; with digitalisation being promoted at various levels, the decision to bring about change in the working of the jail authorities is a commendable decision. This would not only benefit the jail staff, but also the entire system that relies on immense paperwork and documentation. This is a wonderful initiative by the Supreme Court that will help cut paperwork and reduce hassles.

Surbhi Attreya, Meerut

Stranded tourists

Apropos of ‘Manali road blocked, tourists stranded’, it is disturbing that tourists have been stranded due to landslides. In the wake of the coronavirus, it does not appear prudent on the part of people to venture out to tourist destinations. When tourists are stranded on highways in difficult weather conditions, it also creates problems for the traffic police. There are also concerns about the third Covid wave. Crowds should not be encouraged during these difficult times.

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal

Need statesmen

Statesmen like Nehru, Ambedkar, C Rajagopalachari and Dr Rajendra Prasad played a crucial role after 1947 to uplift Indian society and put the country on the road to development. Later, leaders like Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee, among others, filled the vacuum in the Indian political sphere and strengthened democracy. Nowadays, we have countless politicians, but none of them are statesmen. Most are opportunists and propagandists who have no vision to take the country forward and make its people happy and prosperous. Their only focus is on how to win elections.

Jaswant Rai, Chandigarh

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