Yasin Malik’s affidavit reveals one side

Apropos of ‘The inverted question of Kashmir’(The Great Game); Yasin Malik’s affidavit in the Delhi High Court, stating that several prime ministers in the past had interacted directly or indirectly with him, is merely one side of the story. He cannot absolve himself of being part and parcel of the machinery, which played havoc with the Kashmir of yore. The unabashed targeted killings of innocents spread fear among the non-Muslim population. All of that was not possible without tacit support from across the border. However, in the present times, we should look to resolve the long-festering issues by looking ahead. Wounds of the past need not be reopened time and again.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Realism must prevail

Refer to ‘The inverted question of Kashmir’; separatist tendencies, Pakistan’s meddling and the Indian State’s inconsistent responses has shaped up this strife-torn part of India. The root causes remain cross-border terrorism, opportunistic politics and the exploitation of alienated youth. The way forward lies in empowering youth with education and jobs, boosting economic growth and securing borders with modern technology. Ultimately, illusions must end and ruthless realism must prevail.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Trump’s visa fee shock

The US step to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications is deeply concerning. Such a steep financial barrier would discourage highly skilled professionals from seeking employment in the US, hurting industries like technology, healthcare and research that rely on global talent. The H-1B programme has long been a bridge between innovation and economic growth. Instead of deterring skilled workers, the US should be working towards getting the best talent. This move could boomerang on the US, isolating it and making it lose its competitive edge globally.

Deepika Kataria, Chandigarh

Time to walk the talk

There is widespread criticism in India regarding the hike in H-1B visa fees. Political parties have termed the move a national loss, especially in terms of remittances. Since coming to power in 2014 at the Centre, the BJP has consistently promoted the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging highly skilled professionals to stay back in India. Now it becomes the responsibility of the Indian government to provide the right platforms for these meritorious youth to apply their skills for national development but also to attract global talent. It is time to walk the talk on the Atmanirbharta slogan.

Rajesh Goyal, Chandigarh

Saudi-Pak pact worrisome

Apropos of ‘Saudi-Pak pact’; it is hard to agree with the view that there is no cause of alarm for India if Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered into a military alliance. While there is no doubt that there is no hostility between India and Saudi Arabia, the latter will be duty-bound under this alliance to act against India in future conflicts with Pakistan. Further, this new military alliance is likely to grow bigger as these two countries are Islamic countries. Since Pakistan’s perpetual belligerence towards India is a given, it is imperative that we take this development seriously.

AP Singh, Ludhiana

Coordinate efforts to fight drugs

Refer to ‘Drones and drugs’; as pointed out in the editorial, Punjab’s anti-drugs campaign must be dovetailed with that of the Centre. The BSF and Punjab Police must work in tandem with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate. Equally crucial is vigilance against political complicity. Concrete steps include joint intelligence grids, drone surveillance, fast-track prosecution of drug smugglers and independent oversight on security lapses. Punjab’s youth deserve liberation from this slow poison and only transparent, coordinated action can achieve that.

Amarjit Singh, Mohali