II

Once again khap panchayat has passed a verdict against a hapless couple. The editorial has rightly pointed out that for a small vote bank of a few thousands, the politicians are prepared to look the other way at this intolerable usurpation of the rights of two persons to act freely in light of the feelings of their heart and private  conscience.

It has been made abundantly clear repeatedly by these khap panchayats that civility and compassion are foreign to their sensibility. Instead social hostility is a way of life for them.

R C KHANNA, Amritsar

Unwanted daughters

The editorial “Unwanted, uncared for”(Jan 26) has rightly opined that society has to wake up to the menace of female foeticide and redress the gender imbalance. It must cherish and value daughters  on a par with sons.

It is shocking to observe that the girl child is not being given enough importance and even her health is being ignored. In Punjab, a prosperous state, the abominable practice of female foeticide continues unabated. There is an urgent need to give due importance to daughters.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Fewer holidays

There is a five-day week in Punjab Government offices whereas banks, LICs, post offices and other central government offices work for six days a week. But naturally we can find a major difference in the work culture.

States like Himachal Pradesh and Haryana are following a strict policy on holidays and that seems to be the reason why these states are developing better than Punjab. I hope the Punjab Government will cut its public holidays and will not declare unnecessary holidays in future.

DEVINDER SINGH, Patiala

IPL auction

The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Pakistan (editorial, “Hardly cricket”, Jan 28). There has been heated debate regarding the involvement of Pakistan in Mumbai 26/11 attacks. Pakistani players were present for the IPL auction. The threat perception could be motivated or real. If Shah Rukh Khan was sure that there is no threat to Pakistani players, then why didn’t he opt for them?

Raising the issue now amounts to creating more trouble for India. One-sided self-righteousness concern may create more problems. The Indian Government and The Tribune took an altruistic stand on the issue and need to be commended.

NIRBHAI SINGH, Ludhiana

Security lapses

It is really a matter of grave concern that there have been three incidents where terrorists hoodwinked the security forces and succeeded in escaping their dragnet with ease and that also within a short period of 10 days (editorial, “Escape of militants: Cause for concern and for concerted action”, Feb 2).

This is a serious matter and cannot be passed on as just routine. The guilty men must be identified and punished for serious lapses. Merely reiterating that there will be increased terror strikes on the Indian soil in the coming days, will not serve any purpose. Concerted action by the Army, the BSF and the state security forces of Jammu and Kashmir is the need of the hour. The evil designs of the ISI and its agents have to be pre-empted by our forces.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh