Taking on China

As China is involved in a bitter economic and power struggle with the US, it does not tolerate India’s burgeoning strategic relations with the latter, and wants to run down New Delhi’s national interest (editorial ‘Taking China head-on’, Aug 7). The recent intrusions in Ladakh are symbolic of China’s long-term strategy of capturing the DBO-Karakoram pass and help Pakistan capture the Siachen glacier for the successful operation of its flagship CPEC project. India has boldly refused to move back its forces. Knowing that a stubborn China will negotiate hard and long, India should be cautious. It should counter China diplomatically, economically and militarily. For that, we should revamp our intelligence and border infrastructure, enhance military potential and protect against any possible cyber attacks.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

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Defence manufacturing

Reference to ‘MoD trims import list, bans 101 items’ (Aug 10); this is a commendable step because the people of India will become fully self-reliant only when the government becomes self-sufficient. India will then move towards ‘atmanirbharta’. We used to depend on other countries for defence equipment and machines, but now we will manufacture it. It will help develop industrial skill, which will make India a source of defence equipment for other nations. It will also increase employment opportunities and save foreign exchange.

Neha, Kharar

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Basmati GI tag

Refer to ‘Rice exporters oppose MP basmati rice in GI tagging’ (Aug 8); the controversy on the legal status of the GI tag, granted to aromatic rice varieties grown in the sub-Himalayan region of India, Pakistan, Nepal etc is unwarranted. Basmati has been grown in the Indo-Gangetic plains since ages. India is the largest producer and exporter of rice in the world, with major exports to the Gulf countries accounting for over Rs 25,000 crore annually due to the international recognition of Indian basmati. India, as a member of the WTO, enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in 2003. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production. The proposed inclusion of aromatic rice varieties grown in non-GI region (MP, etc) will legally weaken the basmati GI status of India, which won the GI tag case in 2001 against the US patent of Texmati aromatic rice obtained by RiceTec company at the international level.

Virender Singh Lather, Karnal

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Murder charge apt

Apropos of ‘Slap murder charge on accused, says CM’ (Aug 6), many innocent lives were lost due to the consumption of illicit liquor in the state. This clearly points towards the mentality of the violators behind this serious crime. They have no fear of law and couldn’t care less about the repercussions on human lives for their own selfish motive. The CM has announced stringent steps, including booking the accused under Section 302 (murder charge) under the IPC. At least there is a ray of hope for the family of the victims who are waiting for justice.

Harpreet Sandhu, Ludhiana

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Illicit liquor trade

‘Desi tharra’ is a household word in Punjab. Illicit liquor is available in every nook and corner of the state. And the recent tragic death of a hundred people reveals that the administration has been caught on the wrong foot (‘Punjab govt in the dock’, Aug 3). Drug trade and booze are the biggest money spinners in Punjab. The police and bigwigs in the administration provide protection, and, in turn, get a share in the booty. Nothing can happen without the power cover. That is why both products are readily available. The government is a little worried about the widows and orphans who are left to fend for themselves after such hooch tragedies. If our government is sincere and dedicated, there is no reason why the illicit liquor trade can’t be rooted out in Punjab.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

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Heritage Street an eyesore

Refer to the deplorable condition of the inundated Heritage Street of Amritsar. This is a routine affair after a rainfall of just half an hour. This Rs 250-crore project, instead of providing a soothing effect, has become an eyesore for the people. Under the smart city scheme, a free Wi-Fi project is in the pipeline in this area. What is the use of having free Wi-Fi in an area where people can’t even walk easily? The same IAS officer is occupying the post of the MC Commissioner and CEO of the smart city project.

Naresh Johar, Amritsar

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