Visionary leader
Gujral was a distinguished, non-controversial, visionary leader and astute diplomat who became PM during the most crucial period of India’s political history (‘Dirty politics not for him’, December 4). He was endowed with the qualities of head and heart, which made him stand apart. We should not celebrate his birth anniversary as a mere ritual. Rather, we should endeavour to emulate his cherished ideology of secularism, socialism, adhere to democratic values and promote friendly relations with neighbouring countries. This will be the best tribute to him.
Harmohit Singh, Hoshiarpur
Amritsar’s gratitude
Refer to ‘Dirty politics not for him’ (December 4); though Gujral remained PM for only a year, he will be remembered as a gentle and noble soul; a poet-PM who was never unkind even when dealing with his adversaries. Amritsar will remain indebted to him for the international airport sanctioned by him. It is the bedrock of the only industry that is successfully running in Punjab, viz. the hotel and tourism industry. All other industries have moved to neighbouring states. It is a pity that our polity does not value talent or competence.
MOHAN SINGH, AMRITSAR
Bring in changes
Apropos ‘No end to rape’ (December 3), the following amendments, if incorporated, may bring a concrete decline in rape cases — (1) difference between a juvenile and an adult offender should be done away; (2) framing of charges and conclusion of trial must take place in three months; (3) High Courts and Supreme Court (if appeal is filed) must give their verdict in two months; (4) the only punishment for rape/gang-rape followed by murder should be death sentence and castration. Only such deterrent amendments can save the dignity of a woman from predators.
Sunaina, Chandigarh
Rapist will hang if…
Apropos the ghastly Telangana rape and murder of a veterinarian, if a big shot’s daughter were raped and/or killed, immediately all rules and laws will be changed and the rapist will certainly be hanged.
DS THAKUR, Shimla
No mercy for Rajoana
Refer to ‘No pardon granted to Rajoana: HM’ (December 4); why should Sukhbir Badal feel aggrieved and the SGPC president shocked by Amit Shah’s statement, when a proven killer is convicted by the SC to be hanged? Terrorists deserve no pardon, whether they are Sikh or of any other religion. It is distressing that to save a terrorist, there is so sharp a reaction from Sukhbir. His show of sympathy does not bode well for peace in the state, given the Kartarpur passage which may be misused by Pakistani terrorists and Khalistanis.
MS KHOKHAR, by mail
Animal sacrifice
It is shocking to learn that 30,000 animals would be sacrificed at a two-day religious event in Nepal (‘30,000 animals to be sacrificed at Nepal temple festival’; December 4). Sacrificing any living creature in the name of religion is absurd. Not only is it ethically wrong, but also contributes majorly towards global warming. In this era, when the world is grappling with environmental challenges like never before, such events involving mass slaughter of animals should be strongly condemned. The government and the judiciary of the nation concerned should be pressured by way of a global movement to ban such events.
Siddharth Oswal, Ludhiana
Mobiles, but no salaries
Refer to Punjab CM’s promise of giving mobile phones to youth; it is ironical as government employees who work from 8 am to 5 pm haven’t received salaries yet. Those who have retired are complaining of delay in pension. How can we envision diligent work from them and expect their contribution in the country’s growth?
Mehul Monga, Amritsar
Naval budget
To protect our territorial interests, defence forces should be equipped to meet any challenge, especially at a time when there are hostile neighbours (‘Need assured budget: Admiral’; December 4). The Navy’s share of the budget has declined from 18% in 2012-13 to around 13%, which depicts a dismal picture. Addressing the serious concerns of the Navy, the government should immediately release more funds.
SK Khosla, Chandigarh
POK, not PAJK
The article ‘A pattern marks London terror attacks’ (December 4) uses the abbreviation PAJK to describe Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the beginning, which may be justified as giving an introduction to the positions held by Pakistan and India. However, subsequent use implies that the writer endorses the Pakistani position. This is unacceptable to every Indian.
Deepak Kapoor, by mail
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