Punjab needs better air connectivity to push industry

Apropos of ‘Punjab must up the ante against drugs’; apart from the war on drugs, the state needs to work seriously on increasing employment opportunities. The state should be connected to the UK, the US and Canada as the Punjabi diaspora can contribute in a big way. The Chandigarh MP has raised the issue of making the Mohali airport a Point of Call (POC) airport so that international airways can operate. Besides generating income, it will be a win-win situation for both the state and the NRIs. More industries should be set up and the existing ones at Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, Batala and Goraya must be revamped. Concessions should be granted to industries as basic infrastructure is already available.

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NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Powerful strategy against drugs

Refer to ‘Punjab must up the ante against drugs’; the issue goes far beyond law enforcement — it is a complex interplay of social, economic and psychological factors that have never been addressed. The writer’s call for an interdisciplinary and long-term approach is both timely and necessary. Merely arresting peddlers or conducting raids has not stemmed the tide. Piecemeal measures will not suffice; what is needed is a multi-pronged strategy involving sociologists, mental health experts, educators and international intelligence cooperation. This is not just a war on drugs — it is a battle for the future of Punjab’s youth. Only a cohesive, well-researched and humane strategy can break this deadly cycle.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

China driven by economic interest

Apropos of ‘The dragon’s shadow on India-Pak conflict’; Pakistan’s actions are to be viewed in terms of its intentions and the involvement of its allies, rather than its own capacities. China’s presence and control in the region is guided by economic interests. India’s relations with most countries in the Middle East are cordial now, but they may change any time. Indian diplomats and security experts have to remain vigilant as our relationship with regional powers will have a bearing on Pakistan’s attitude towards India.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Bureaucracy at fault

Refer to ‘BBMB’s foundation lacks federal and legal legitimacy’; it is ironical that the Punjab Reorganisation Act eroded the spirit of federalism by giving equal power of representation to the non-riparian states, going against the spirit of settled international riparian principles. The suggestions presented by the writer are remarkable and if they are taken into consideration by the legislature, the spirit of federalism may reach new heights. The bureaucracy is responsible more than the political leadership for the wrong decisions.

Harjeet Singh, Patiala

Take action against illegal miners

With reference to ‘Bridges to plunder’; the construction of unauthorised temporary bridges on the Yamuna around Palwal and other places in Haryana has forfeited the state government’s claims of zero tolerance towards illegal sand mining. This lucrative, nefarious activity is being carried out with impunity in brazen violation of mandatory environment rules. It is not only causing a huge loss to the public exchequer and ecology, but also creating a law-and-order problem. It is the responsibility of the government to take strict action against the wrong-doers, whether they are mining contractors, politicians or complicit/negligent mining officials.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

New breed of dynamic players

Refer to ‘Prince Carlos’; the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era is giving way to the Alcaraz-Sinner age, with others like Holger Rune, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Lorenzo Musetti in the wings. These players have the speed, courage and innovation — mixing baseline aggression with net play, stamina with enhanced recovery. The ATP Tour will revolve around younger, more physically dynamic champions, like the WTA’s new generation led by Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai