Your cover story was elaborate (‘Valley of hope’, August 3).
The Central government has been gradually achieving its objectives in Jammu and Kashmir, with a noticeable decline in terror attacks. A peaceful Kashmir is not acceptable to Pakistan, which continues to stoke unrest by supporting terror infrastructure across the border.
The stories were mostly of victims from a single religious group. The omission is notable, given that the Pandits were targeted primarily on the basis of their religious identity, while some of the other victims were attacked apparently for being police informers.
Sreepada H.R.,
On email.
For decades, the silence of Jammu and Kashmir’s terror victims has echoed louder than gunfire. Now, that silence is finally breaking. These families are not merely seeking compensation; they are demanding the dignity that has long been denied to them. Reopening old wounds will be painful, but forgetting them would be unforgivable. If justice delayed is justice denied, then Kashmir has waited far too long. The reckoning must begin.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
Even in the toughest crackdown on terrorists and their supporters, no innocent life should be lost. I appreciate Manoj Sinha’s efforts in easing rules and facilitating applications for relief and rehabilitation. These steps will go a long way in fostering lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vrinda Gopi,
On email.
Jealousy ages faster
I completely agree with R. Prasannan that youth is a matter of perception (‘Powerdrive’, August 3). Some people naturally look younger than their age, while others seem to be born ready for retirement. Strangely, it is often the prematurely aged ones who become self-appointed prophets of doom, warning the youthful-looking folks, “You will drop dead any moment.” Instead of asking for skincare tips or diet secrets, they treat looking young like a crime against nature.
At 50, if someone looks like they just walked out of a college classroom, let’s applaud them!
Raju Kalavasal,
On email.
Total waste
Freebies are a drain on the exchequer and undermine responsible governance (‘Sop opera’, August 3). It is unfortunate that this trend continues. Voters must rise above the culture of handouts and choose governments based on merit and performance—not short-term inducements.
Mayank Khosla,
On email.
Let love live
Some things are meant to stay private—like your phone password, your weird dance steps in the shower, etc. So, the whole idea of a ‘kiss cam’ is strange. It has no place in a sensible society (‘Detour’, August 3).
Sure, humans love gossips, but let’s not turn date night into a public service announcement. If this keeps happening, couples might start attending events wearing helmets and blackout visors. Let love live, but perhaps not on a stadium screen!
Devyani Chandrasekhar,
On email.
It took me back
Your article ‘Making waves’ (August 3) stirred something deep in me. It transported me to my teenage years in Delhi and Karnal—a time when the world came alive through a small transistor radio.
Yuva Vani was our lifeline to youthful expression, creativity and connection. But those times were also marked by tragedy. In 1978, the nation was shaken when two children—Geetha and Sanjay Chopra—on their way to present a programme for Yuva Vani were kidnapped and murdered. It was a heartbreaking moment that stunned us all and left a scar on our collective memory.
Still, there was light. From Friday through Monday, AIR Delhi used to broadcast western music shows and Forces Request [a segment where messages to and from the members of the Indian Armed Forces were broadcast], which were a real treat. As children, we would scramble to jot down the lyrics, rewinding the songs in our heads, trying to catch every word. These moments gave us joy, curiosity, and a sense of being part of something bigger than us.
Thank you for the article.
Rangaraja Raghavan,
On email.
Proactive intervention crucial
Children go missing for a range of reasons—including kidnapping, or when their family abandons them, or, for that matter, when they run away from home (‘Wrong side of the tracks’, August 3).
Education, along with swift, coordinated action, is essential to protect vulnerable children. The line between safety and danger is often razor-thin, making constant vigilance and proactive intervention all the more crucial.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
I met Guru Dutt
I am 86, and I have been a fan of Guru Dutt since his first film (‘Master class’, July 20). I had the rare pleasure of meeting him once in Chennai—an encounter I cherish to this day.
Other unique creators like V. Shantaram and Bhagwan Dada also deserve the spotlight.
V.A.K. Ranga Rao,
Chennai.