Recognise Ladakhis’ aspirations

With reference to ‘Empower Ladakh to turn the tide’; the unrest in the UT cannot be brushed aside as impetuous; it is the direct outcome of the Centre’s indifference and the stubborn attitude of the Home Ministry. Instead of addressing genuine demands of Ladakhis for representation, safeguards and constitutional rights, the government has relied on heavy-handed tactics. Such an approach is bound to aggravate tensions and push the region into a volatile situation. True empowerment of Ladakh lies in recognising their aspirations for dignity, resources and self-governance. The Centre must abandon arrogance and engage in dialogue and accommodation.

Naresh Kumar Nijhawan, Karnal

Small yet significant step

Apropos of ‘India-China flights’; diplomatically, this step can create a more constructive atmosphere for future talks. Economically, it will provide a boost to trade. Socially, it can strengthen people-to-people exchanges for tourism, business and education. However, a cautious and phased approach is needed owing to the geopolitical and security concerns with unresolved border disagreements and China’s continued development of military and dual-use infrastructure along the border. The success of this move will ultimately depend on ensuring reciprocity.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Normalisation must not be rushed

Refer to ‘India-China flights’; the editorial captures the uneasy balance between necessity and distrust. A few restored flights cannot obscure the larger strategic and economic asymmetry. Normalisation must be measured, not rushed. Pragmatism is welcome, but it should not slide into complacency. Engagement must serve national interest, not appear as quiet acceptance of past aggression.

Vikrant, Pathankot

Equality should be a lived reality

Refer to ‘Bias behind bars’; the incarceration of scheduled castes and minorities in Haryana mirrors a justice system where caste, not crime, determines punishment. Legal aid remains largely ornamental — inaccessible to those who need it most. Police stations, dominated by upper-caste officers, often act as gatekeepers of privilege rather than protectors of rights. It is time Haryana confronts this moral and constitutional failure. Justice cannot remain hostage to hierarchy; equality before law must be made a lived reality, not just a phrase mentioned in the Preamble.

Ramphal Kataria, Kurukshetra

Cater to domestic market too

The recent child deaths in MP and Rajasthan due to a spurious cough syrup has not stirred the conscience of the nation to the extent it should have. The authorities hurriedly gave a clean chit to nine out the 19 syrups after testing but did not say anything about the remaining two main suspected brands. Earlier, in the Gambia case, the suspect company got its licence back in the same year. By June 2023, the Central government announced cough syrups for export would be tested in government-approved labs. Surprisingly there are no such directives for those supplying to the domestic market.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Humans must not just inhabit

Apropos of ‘Civic sense is not rocket science’; Civic virtues are not performed; they are practised quietly through small acts that silently bind society together. In Japan, schoolkids sweep classrooms daily; Singapore’s Corrective Work Order compels litter offenders to clean public spaces; in China, communities organise weekend neighbourhood clean-ups. These nations remind us that humanity must sustain the environment, not merely inhabit it.

Vijay Singh Adhikari, Nainital