Raids on media groups

Refer to ‘IT raids on two media groups’; it is intriguing to know that the basic fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression is being suppressed. The fact that Covid reporting is the reason for these raids is shameful on the part of the government which is trying to shape the media for its own goodwill and escaping the responsibility for the thousands of deaths during the second wave. Already the government is trying to distance itself from the contentious Pegasus issue which has blown away the right to privacy of some top senior Opposition leaders, journalists, etc. The government is trying to enforce gag laws in the country. How can the government’s official statements claim that no official death was reported due to shortage of oxygen in India? Every news media outlet reported deaths due to shortage of oxygen. Why is the government denying it?

Vishiwjeet Singh, Chandigarh

Muzzling voices

Any person, party or public platform that dare speaks unpalatable truth concerning the present-day ruling dispensation finds one in the throes of harassment. Now even a man in the street has become aware of this tool — raids and arrests. The party and persons who had raised a hue and cry during the dark period of Emergency against the stifling of the voice of the people and the Press, are now resorting to the same anti-democratic means to serve their narrow political ends. To check this harmful trend, the media and the public will have to raise a concerted voice against it.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Shadow over Olympics

Apropos of ‘Fool’s gold in Tokyo’, the Olympics has always been about striving for the impossible. It braved past the gaps caused by the World Wars, as the 1916, 1940 and 1944 events were shelved and also coped with the Cold War years when the Western and Eastern blocs took turns to boycott the 1980 and 1984 Games. But the pandemic is a bigger threat even as vaccination drives continue at varied speeds. The Olympics is the highest benchmark in sports. European football, international cricket and Grand Slam tennis have all resurfaced while following Covid-19 protocols. But there are no foolproof measures as the latest IPL edition clearly revealed. Despite best practices and bio-bubbles, sportspeople are vulnerable to the virus and the Olympics, with an expected attendance of 11,000-odd athletes, can be a logistical nightmare. The IOC is walking on the razor’s edge.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

Raj Kundra in the dock

Refer to ‘Courting controversy’; the development is not new. Our industry has come a long way with finest talent, but there are still quite a few black sheep who misuse their connections and financial clout. Pimping, casting couch, pornography, drugs, money laundering and even bullying are common. So, Raj Kundra’s ‘business’ is nothing new. He and his likes have got off the hook many times before and this time, too, it will be no exception.

PS Bhati, Chandigarh

Why the denial?

Reference to ‘Covid deaths’; the statement from Parliament during the monsoon session that nobody lost his/her life due to the shortage of oxygen is shocking. People were gasping for oxygen in front of hospitals and gurdwaras in Delhi itself. How can such a statement be made in Parliament? The whole world sent relief support, specially oxygen plants and generators, to reduce the oxygen shortage. The non-availability of data cannot be made the basis to say no one died due to oxygen shortage. The poor performance of the Health Ministry has already led to the change of the minister concerned. Accepting mistakes may lead to improvement, but denials may lead to disasters.

Wg Cdr Jasbir S Minhas (retd), Mohali

Thaw bodes well

It is heartening that Navjot Singh Sidhu invited the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, to attend the ceremony of his coronation as the PPCC chief and the Chief Minister accepted it. It was a good gesture since it was very important for the top leaders in Punjab to be united. This meeting has mitigated the problem being faced by the Congress high command. The Congress will have to restart its journey from the grassroots. To retain its vote bank, the Congress party will have to work very hard. The party will have to leave its air-conditioned drawing-room politics and connect with the general public.

Narender K Sharma, Joginder Nagar

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