Repeal UAPA

The UAPA is being used unabashedly to harass, intimidate and stifle the voice of journalists, political adversaries, peaceful protesters and human rights activists. It would not be erroneous to presume that the Act is slapped in an arbitrary and vindictive way to terrorise dissenters. But for the prompt, judicious and impartial handling of these fabricated cases by the judiciary, a huge number of journalists and political adversaries would have been languishing in prisons. The judiciary is playing its role as a guardian of our rights and liberties in a laudable manner. Given the gross misuse of the Act, the sooner it is repealed the better it would be.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

---

Spreading terror

There is a dire need to put a break on the misuse of UAPA. Every citizen has a fundamental right to expression and protest responsibly. Its reasonable use can’t be labelled as a terrorist activity and attract the penal provisions of the Act, under which bail is an exception. There are instances galore where, on account of mere dissent, the people were booked under this draconian law.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

---

To what end?

Refer to ‘Stormy winter session’; the oxymoronic description of the winter session as heated was apt and it emitted more heat but very little light. The government may make claims about the productivity of the Lok Sabha (82 per cent) and the Rajya Sabha (48 per cent), but the quality has been substandard. The raising of the Electoral Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the Bill enhancing the threshold of the marriageable age of women was given short shrift. In this tale of sound and fury, the only saving grace, it appears, was the merciful decision to conclude the session ahead of schedule. The Modi government’s approach towards the Opposition and parliamentary proceedings has not been in the best spirit of democracy.

SS Paul, Nadia

---

Allow debates

It is not the first time that the winter session has been abruptly adjourned sine die (‘Stormy winter session’). The events leading to the suspension of 12 Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha and the boycott of both Houses by the Opposition were unfortunate. It is wrong that the government did not allow Opposition MPs to debate on pressing issues, like the dismal picture of economy, price rise and linking electoral rolls with Aadhaar. Though it is the joint responsibility of the government as well as the Opposition, but in this piquant situation, the government must be more accommodative in Parliament. A country that is facing many challenges can ill-afford such disruptions and suspensions.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

---

Benign influence

Refer to ‘Fallacy of forced conversions’; the presence of Christians in India is felt by a common man by the presence of quality educational institutions and hospitals across the country. No instance of any forced influence of Christianity on students or patients has been noticed. Attacks on minorities are not because of any threat from them, but are aimed at fanaticising the majority population to vote in favour of the party that projects itself as the saviour of their religion. Karnataka’s present anti-conversions law is also meant for further polarisation of people.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

---

Ayodhya ‘land grab’

Refer to ‘UP Govt orders probe into Ayodhya land “grab”’; we grew up hearing ‘Ram naam ki loot hai, loot sake toh loot’ (for the pious, the name of Rama is up for grabs, make the best use of this opportunity). The Supreme Court verdict on the construction of the temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site has lent it an altogether different meaning. Transliterated, it reads, ‘Under the holy name of Lord Rama, for you greedy ones, everything is up for grabs, make the best use of the situation.’ A news report claimed that MLAs, mayors, relatives of a Commissioner, SDM and DIG bought land in Ayodhya after the verdict, obviously with the objective of making huge profits. Lands were purchased by these sharks from Dalits at throwaway prices and sold to the Mandir Trust at astronomical prices, thus abusing the trust money.

Beant Singh Bedi, Mohali

---

Congress ticket

Apropos of ‘Cong poll panel for one family, one ticket’, the decision of the AICC-appointed screening committee to stick to one family, one ticket and disallow swapping of seats among sitting legislators is a move in the right direction. It will discourage certain leaders from monopoly and lessen the chances of heartburn. Deserving candidates will get ample opportunities now.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

---

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]