Treat us well, Pak
It is a cause for concern that major terrorist outfits are regrouping with the help of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence. But, Pakistan, I believe, will not repeat its mistakes after Balakot (‘Call to arms’, March 15). The sooner it stops destabilising India using terror networks the better. After all what does Pakistan gain out of it? Treat us well, and we will treat you even better.
I agree with Rajnath Singh that unrest is increasing among the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In another ten years, who knows, PoK could well become part of India. Also, activists in Balochistan have said that India should back the demand for an independent Balochistan. If Pakistan does not mend its ways, we should strongly support Balochs in international forums.
Devender Tokas,
On email.
Your cover story has rightly outlined the threat of Jihadi outfits, that are posing challenges for India. Striking a deal with the Taliban, without the consent of the legitimate government of Afghanistan, for short-term gains, could have far-reaching implications.
India must be wary of the proliferation of anti-India terrorist outfits.
Vijay Singh Adhikari,
Nainital, Uttarakhand.
There is a need for regular and repeated air strikes on terror camps operating in Pakistan. Cross-border infiltrations and other violations at the border by Pakistan shows that the army there is hand-in-glove with terrorists who are a threat to India.
K.V. Raghuram,
On email.
Your cover story gives the ominous feeling that pacifism and Pakistan are not compatible terms and traits. The present lull in the cross-border terrorist activities, I am afraid, is the calm before the storm. Eternal vigil is the price to pay to pulverise any misadventure in good time.
As it is said, if we shed more sweat in peace time, less would be the bloodshed during the war. The ultimate reality, however, is that one may win the battle but not the war.
Raveendranath A.,
On email.
Mature Kejriwal
Contrary to his earlier stance, Kejriwal is a much mellowed leader today (‘Power point’, March 15) and he is working towards better governance with measured steps. Whether it was the Delhi riots or handling the coronavirus outbreak, Kejriwal has shown immense maturity. That he is ignoring his political opponent’s accusations and not giving scope for creation of commotion by other political parties is commendable.
There is need for the Central and state governments to work in close coordination for peace and progress of our country.
M. Gopal Rao,
On email.
Raise above suspicions
Judges are, no doubt, human beings and hence they may sometimes be guided by some sort of extraneous considerations and prevailing circumstances. But, the position of the judiciary as the sacrosanct wing of the democratic set up of the country demands that the judges, like Caesar’s wife, need necessarily be above suspicion (‘Drop the party gowns, m’lords’, March 15).
K.K. Cherian,
On email.
Positive by-products
In her column, Swara Bhasker (‘In defence of protest as picnic’, March 15) has mentioned that the protests in Shaheen Bagh have brought about a few subtle effects in our society, like breaking into the insular nature of ghetto existence and making burqa-clad women chat up with radical feminists.
Whatever may be the outcome of the protests or aftermath of the din—”Shoot the traitors”—the above mentioned positive by-products are going to go a long way in making our Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb healthy.
Gurjas Chahal,
On email.
Unwarranted criticism
It is axiomatic to glorify the winners and attack the losers, and make comments on how the match should have been played. As expected, a typical post-mortem of Indian cricket’s rout in New Zealand was carried out by Yajurvindra Singh (‘Adapt or Perish’, March 15).
Criticising Indian players vis-a-vis New Zealand players was unwarranted. Only one team will lift the trophy. India, under Virat Kohli, has been doing very well in all three formats of the game in India as well as abroad. You have to always blood youngsters for the future and not apportion blame on them for the team’s loss. When Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer, we hail both of them and the game they played together.
Parthasarathy Mandadi,
On email.
Error
In Shobhaa De’s DeTour (March 22), Shinie Antony was mentioned as Shinie Abraham. The error is regretted.
Editor
Take precautions, be humble
There is too much hype about coronavirus, which has put unwarranted fear in people (‘Mild symptoms, fast mover’, March 15). Precautions are fine, but we should not become mentally captive to the disease. Fear will increase our stress and reduce immunity.
So, while the medical authorities take care of the affected people, let us take necessary precautions, as suggested, and carry on with our lives. Let us not spread rumours or scare people. Let us also utilise this time to make ourselves spiritually strong. The reality of death and increasing diseases should make us humble and less materialistic.
R.D. Singh,
Ambala, Haryana.