M A I L B A G

Matching defence doctrines
with security needs

THE first-ever conclave of former Service Chiefs organised by Chief of Army Staff General N.C. Vij is timely. Rapid technological advancement, steady growth of non-conventional challenges, the nuclear environment and the changing socio-economic scenario have all made modern warfare extremely hi-tech and sophisticated. Domestic aspirations and international implications add to the complex strategic environment. Vintage defence doctrines, therefore, need to be reviewed to match our security requirements.

In addition to a comprehensive inter-services doctrine, the need for regular discourse between the Services, political masters and bureaucrats has become imperative. The role of Defence Services Chiefs in policy-making is not crystal clear because they are seldom consulted in the decision-making of foreign or home affairs.

Moreover, the supremacy of the political bosses even during a war-like situation like Kargil, for instance, puts a military doctrine under great strain. That is why, perhaps, Field Marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw said light-heartedly during the conclave, in reply to a question, that the Army did not require anyone’s advice and that he himself, during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, did not take advice from anyone.

Lt-Col BACHITTAR SINGH (retd), Mohali

Ravana’s heinous act

Apropos of M.L. Batura’s letter “Why single out Ravana?” (Oct 21), though I do share his anguish over the happenings in society, it doesn’t seem fair to undermine Ravana’s heinous act. To understand what he did, one has to roll the clock back to the days when there was less population with no problems like joblessness, corruption, pollution, nepotism and so on.

Presumably, the worst and the only crime those days was to steal someone’s wife. As a true and loving husband, Rama did what everyone is supposed to do. Further, I can say with pride that Ramayana is still a complete manual for all the kings, leaders, fathers, mothers and for all those who believe in humanity and equal justice for all.

SUBHASH C. CHAUDHRY, Indianapolis (USA)

Speedy justice not a dream THIS refers to Maneesh Chibber’s article “Speedy justice…dream for senior citizens” and Dr D.S. Grewal’s letter “Reforming justice system” (Oct 23). If the shortage of judges is the main reason for slow justice, why not appoint new judges or requisition the services of retired ones? Why cannot the cases with same law points be grouped together and placed before one bench for prompt disposal? Why should a case be adjourned at all? If it is a must, shouldn’t it be at the cost of the party seeking it? Needless to say, adjournment is not only a loss to the litigants waiting for years but also a waste of time of the court. Ban on adjournments will promote equal distribution of work among the lawyers. Moreover, the listing of cases of senior citizens should not merely be on the basis of their sequence of registration in the courts. The chronology should be on the basis of the date of the order when the court allowed early hearing to seniors at their request. Dr Grewal has rightly suggested fixing of norms for early decision of cases. The time period for disposing of a case should be brought under the Limitation Act? V. K. KAURA, Panchkula

How BSNL works

The Prime Minister has said that 7-8 per cent growth required more FDI, and better physical infrastructure. The Sixth Pay Commission is likely to improve salaries of the public sector staff, without any hope of improving the quality of service. The real problem is that colonial service rules combined with political patronage have made the employees irresponsible and encouraged bribery and corruption.

I applied for STD connection on my BSNL telephone (No. 2545130) on Sept 14, 2004. However, it is yet to be installed. Reminders and personal visits to the Exchange have been useless; so also telephone calls to supervisors who do not bother to even receive the calls. Is it enough for the BSNL to advertise in expensive magazines and praise itself without any care for customer service?

Prof. SATYA DEVA, Chandigarh

Right vocabulary

In a democracy, elected members like MPs or MLAs are servants of the people and not kings or rulers. But unfortunately, our representatives and the media use words like Singhasan, Tajposhi, Gaddi, Jab Mamara Raj Tha, Ghamasan Yudh, Darbar Raj etc., giving an impression that they are kings and not people’s representatives. These words or expressions are used in an oligarchy or monarchy and not in a democracy. Let linguistic experts explore more suitable and appropriate words to make people feel otherwise.

MEENAKSHI, Jalandhar City