M A I L B A G

Nukes for the welfare of humanity

This refers to Simranjit Singh Mann’s article “India, Pak nukes a serious threat” (Dec 30). The system of governance in India, though democratic, is wholly based on the majority syndrome which has been causing threat to the minorities. The governance in Pakistan has been mostly dictatorial.

Thus, influential powers should ensure that the nuclear know-how of these countries is directed to the welfare of humanity. There is need to plug loopholes in developing weapons for military use.

Lt-Col CHANAN SINGH DHILLON (retd), Ludhiana

An example of honesty It is heartening to share with you that in times when we are invaded with corruption and distrust all around us, I experienced a rather touching warm honesty. While travelling from New Delhi to Chandigarh by the Shatabdi Express, I forgot my purse in C2 coach at the time of alighting in Chandigarh. I discovered the loss half an hour later. The Chandigarh Railway Station authorities promptly informed the Kalka station authorities about the loss of my purse. All through this exercise, I was absolutely convinced that there was no chance of the recovery of the purse. Frankly, I was only doing my duty of putting it on record about the loss. In fact, I was silently calculating my monetary loss besides the unending hassles of getting a dozen cards made. I could not believe my ears when Mr Anil Kumar, the Sub-Inspector of Railway Police Force, said that the purse was in his possession and that he and his team on duty found it. I salute this honesty in these times when we are already suffering from a sense of defeatism on this front. REETA SHARMA, Chandigarh

Expulsion of MPs

We were disgusted to know that 11 MPs belonging to the various parties were caught red-handed while taking bribes for raising questions in Parliament. We endorse the view in the editorial (Dec 13) that such people should be totally banned from becoming MPs. In fact, through a constitutional amendment, those with criminal antecedents should be barred from contesting elections to Parliament and state legislatures.

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA, Griffith NSW (Australia)

II

It was a shame to see some of our MPs taking money for raising questions in Parliament. It is surprising to see how deep the people’s representatives have buried themselves in the slush. Do such people deserve to be our representatives in prestigious and hallowed institutions like Parliament? Their expulsion from Parliament should be viewed against this background.

Major SARDAR SINGH (retd), Jalandhar City

Growth imperatives

The people of the Hassanpur constituency (reserve) appreciate the Haryana Chief Minister’s announcement about various development plans in the area during his recent visit. The construction of the Hodal Mini Secretariat should be expedited. It will create jobs for skilled workers in various trades.

The funds for the Bamnikhera-Hassanpur road repair should be utilised fully. PWD officials should ensure that the road material used is of good quality. Improvement in power and water supply and the sewerage system in Hodal sub-division should be given priority.

YUGAL KISHORE SHARMA, Khambi (Faridabad)

Neglected road

The condition of the road on the bridge near Gidder Pindi railway station is crying for improvement. Those passing through the road in light or heavy vehicles are facing hardship. Vehicles take a long time to cross the bridge. And when a train passes over the bridge, there is a big traffic jam on the road. The Punjab government officials should visit the bridge and help improve the road in public interest.

K.S. SARANG, Chandigarh