Wedge with Nepal

Reference to the editorial ‘Ties with Nepal’ (June 11); it’s definitely a litmus test for Indian diplomacy how they handle Nepal now. With constitutional amendment all set to be passed since opposition too had supported this Bill, a permanent wedge between the two nations shall be created. To that extent, China has succeeded in dividing the attention of India from development and growth. India must rue the folly of 1950, when the then PM of Nepal Koirala proposed Nepal to be merged with India, but our then PM did not approve, believing that it may attract the tag of ‘expansionist’ to India. Nepal, which shares borders with China, may prove to be a thorn in India’s skin. India seems to have lost a strategic ally and a friendly nation to its policy of aloofness.

Bholey Bhardwaj, by mail

Focus on improving ties

Apropos the editorial ‘Ties with Nepal’ (June 11), we should focus on ties with Nepal, and not the complexities. Nepal being a landlocked country is dependent on India for its economic progress, as it accesses our ports and highways for all its needs, and hence, the importance of India for Nepal. However, the internal strife in the Nepal government would die down over a period of time, which is the root cause of its protests against India. But any adventurism by India at this stage, could lead to trouble with China, especially with its increased footprints in Nepal and its isolation in the G7 (G11) league of nations.

Rajiv Boolchand Jain, Zirakpur

Deliberate distraction

There is no denying the fact that the tussle between India and Nepal on the boundary issue is a matter of serious concern. The approval of a constitution amendment Bill by Nepal’s House of Representatives to change its country’s political map should be addressed seriously by India. At a time when our country is having confrontation with China on the LAC, it seems that Nepal has deliberately raised the dispute.

Satish Sharma Majra, Kaithal

Poor show at hospital

The state of Covid patients at LNJP Hospital in Delhi is shocking, demanding immediate action by the government. Minute-by-minute coverage of inaccessible patients should be made visible through CCTV cameras to waiting relatives to keep them apprised of their condition so that they can act to save the life of their near and dear ones by other means available to them, if they are unsatisfied. The medical staff found guilty should be brought to book. If the hospital is not able to rectify its basic flaws, it would be better to hand over the patients back to their family rather than let them die. If this is not stopped immediately, the trust of the public will be lost and they may be forced to take some violent action.

Rajinder Narula, by mail

Won’t benefit farmers

Apropos the article ‘Stimulus for the rich, begging bowl for the farmers’, it is an unfortunate decision by the government to amend the Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act and Essential Commodities Act to make procurement more privatised. More than half the population directly depends upon agriculture for survival. Further, more than 90% of farmers belong to the small and marginal category, having less than two hectares of land. Privatisation leads to profiteering. Our nation cannot afford such ill-conceived moves. Appropriate safeguards must be in place to protect farmers. It is an established fact that corporate giants always influence government policies to increase their clout over the market. They violate policies even in developed nations having an aware citizenry. Litigation against IT giant Google for violation of privacy norms in the US is a latest example. Can an Indian farmer survive in a market controlled by big corporates? Geographical, demographic and social realities of India are different from other nations. Distress sales are prevalent in states like Bihar. Government took a retrograde step towards free economy, ostensibly to help farmers in distressing times. Ground realities need to be considered before implementation, otherwise it may backfire.

AMRINDER SINGH MANN, SANGRUR

CM window online

During the lockdown, one could not visit any government office, not even the CM complaint window located inside the office complex of the DC, Panchkula. Nor could one access the CM through the Internet. I logged on to the site ‘haryanacm.gov.in’ and clicked the icon ‘suggestions/feedback’. A window opened where I was asked to fill the details and type the suggestion in the ‘comment box’. When I pressed the ‘send’ button, the message flashed that the server could not be found. What does this mean? Simply that the system is non-functional. I tried it even after the lockdown, but with the same result. What kind of governance model is this?

AK Sharma, Panchkula

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