Protect the republic from draconian laws

Apropos of ‘A professor and a draconian law’; the arrest of Professor Mahmudabad under Section 152 of the BNS reflects a disturbing trend to criminalise dissent. His Facebook post was a thoughtful critique, urging secularism and lawful governance. However, the court’s decision to hand over the interpretation of plain English to a SIT raises concerns about judicial institutional responsibility. Moreover, the sweeping scope of Section 152 leaves citizens and minorities at the mercy of arbitrary action. Instead of punishing those who uphold democratic ideals through peaceful expression, the law must protect the republic.

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Amarjeet Mann, Una

Musk opts to focus on business

Apropos of ‘Musk goes’; the partnership between Donald Trump and Elon Musk made waves initially. However, Musk reportedly disagreed with Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that led to a tariff bloodbath globally, particularly those levied on China. He also disapproved of Trump’s package of sweeping tax and spending cuts. Musk attempted to improve government efficiency but faced challenges. His efforts included layoffs, buyout offers and cuts in grants, but saw limited success. Musk has decided to exit the US administration and focus on his companies, Tesla and Starlink. However, the two leaders remain close personally.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Women cadets’ grit & determination

Apropos of ‘NDA’s first women cadets ready for tomorrow’; the credit for achieving this milestone goes to the 2021 landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, which, despite opposition, opened the gates of the prestigious military academy to women aspirants. The 17 women cadets who made it through the gruelling selection process out of more than one lakh candidates definitely had to prove their mettle with academic brilliance and strong willpower. Though the physical standards had been adjusted to accommodate biological differences, the core values of integrity, discipline, courage, commitment and ‘service before self’ remained unchanged. Their journey has not only been about survival but also rebuilding themselves to emerge as leaders.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Trump arm-twisting varsities

Refer to ‘Cutting financial aid to Harvard an act of self-sabotage’; for many decades, the US Government has been granting funds to Harvard and other American universities. This investment has yielded great results in the form of knowledge and innovation, that helped the US economy as well as technological advancement. The Trump government’s new conditions for granting funds, including restrictions on hiring faculty and policing political views of the students and teachers, are bound to severely shrink the knowledge space. Threats of cancelling visas of students and scholars is a way of arm-twisting the universities that fail to toe the Trump line.

SK Panesar, by mail

Theatre commands not needed

Refer to ‘Not a single defence project completed on time: IAF Chief flags systemic delays’; apart from delays, there is another issue that deserves attention. A brainchild of the first Chief of Defence Staff late Gen Bipin Rawat, theatre commands, which were meant to integrate the three branches of the armed forces, have been revived. Though the IAF Chief has not spoken about it, there are apprehensions that theatre commands will further divide the already depleted fleet of the IAF. Powers assigned to the theatre commanders will undermine the relevance of the service chiefs, which would be inappropriate. We already have many operational commands of all three services spread across the country. There is no need for theatre commands.

Wg Cdr Cl Sehgal (Retd), Jalandhar

Veteran of Punjab politics

The passing away of veteran Akali leader SS Dhindsa, 89, has left a void in the state’s political arena. In his political innings of half a century, Dhindsa held such senior positions as state cabinet minister, union minister, Rajya Sabha Member, chairman of various public sector undertakings, state planning board. They testify his credentials as a veteran politician. Dhindsa represented the generation of Punjab politicians who were an important part of the polity during its momentous stages of development.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala