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Emergence of sub-regionalism is unhealthy

It is heartening to note that in the recent weeks the issues of regional development, disparity, identity and polity have been discussed extensively in the context of a small state like Haryana through the columns of The Tribune. D R Chaudhry’s article, “Missing Haryana identity” (June 17) admirably summarises the emerging trends of sub-regionalism as a consequence of politics of development in a state, which has never been a homogenous cultural entity.

The people of Haryana are used to favouritism exhibited by various Chief Ministers towards their constituencies and home districts with regard to development activities. But the selection of Sirsa as the most backward district of the state and to extend developmental grants under the BDI scheme of the Planning Commission of India in 2003 displayed gross political bias. The districts of south-western Haryana i.e. Mahendergarh, Bhiwani, Rewari and the present Mewat alone deserve special development grants if an objective criteria has to be employed to determine the level of backwardness.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor, neatly hand-written or typed in double space, should not exceed the 150-word limit. These can be sent by post to the Letters Editor, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030. Letters can also be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribuneindia.com

— Editor-in-Chief

In recent years a strong public perception has emerged that the present Chief Minister has given priority to old Rohtak district over other parts of the state in terms of developmental works. The spatial patterns of the last Assembly election results reveal that the region has already been converted more or less into a “citadel” for Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

The concept of political hegemony of Rohtak proliferated by a section of the ruling party supporters has also gone too deep down in the psyche of masses. In the recent past, Rohtak has gained recognition as a centre of political power. That is why it has witnessed a number of demonstrations and dharnas organised by various employee organisations and other sections of society. This phenomenon was conspicuously absent in the cities — Bhiwani, Hisar and Sirsa — which were the hometowns of earlier Chief Ministers.

Surely, the emergence of sub-regionalism in a small state like Haryana is not a healthy sign for society. The people of the state have to resist moves encouraging sub-regional identities for short-lived political gains. The leadership of main political parties must have a political horizon wide enough to accommodate the larger image of the Haryana state.

Dr MAHABIR JAGLAN,
Associate Professor of Geography, Kurukshetra University

The article has dealt with the subject analytically and has given an account of the development of the districts in the state and the emergence of miniature sub-regionalism. This narrow-minded approach is due to lack of education in the state. No social and cultural progress can be made if politicians have no will to promote the well being of the people who have voted for them.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR,
Village Palbhu, P.O. Kakkar, Distt. Hamirpur

Justice delayed

It is really shocking to know that the Canadian Government did not try wholeheartedly and sincerely to prevent the Kanishka tragedy in which 329 precious lives, mostly Indians, were lost (editorial, “Canadian atrocity”, June 19). Now the Canadian Government has promised to pay compensation to the victims of this tragedy. Those who have lost their near and dear ones and have waited for 25 long years for justice and relief the compensation has no meaning.

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA,
Griffith NSW, Australia

Kashmir imbroglio

After going through many ancient and contemporary history books, I have come to form an opinion on the genesis and possible solution to the present day Kashmir imbroglio. With the increasing role of the Taliban in Pakistan, more violence on both sides of the Radcliffe line is expected. Both governments must realise that mounting military budgets and frequent terror attacks are stunting our growth.

The common man is being pushed to the wall financially besides being in a perpetual fear psychosis. In the present situation the best solution would be to convert the present Line of Control into actual international border and put a brake on genocide on both sides.

Today we do not need popular leaders but statesmen with a farsighted vision who are ready to sacrifice their personal ambitions for the sake of the civilization of this great Indian subcontinent.

SHARAT RALHAN, Palampur

Re-employment benefit

I strongly favour the demand being raised by Prof Hans Raj Gupta, a freedom fighter (news report, “Re-employment benefits sought”, June 11). He is demanding re-employment benefits for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters.

Mr Parkash Singh Badal should understand that the re-employment benefit being given only to the freedom fighters means little for there are unlikely to be freedom fighters below the age of 60 years. All the freedom fighters who participated in the freedom movements before 1947 have crossed 60 years of age and their availing the facility of re-employment is absolutely out of question.

Prof SAHIL RAJ, Patiala

Window on life
The middle, “Writer’s window”, (June 19) by Rajnish Wattas, is an enthralling account of how a window presents a literary opportunity to writers. A window is our third eye to the panoramic world outside. It presents a sight of birds, trees, green fields, mist filled hills or a full moon rising up the horizon, depending on the setting of one’s house.
For many years I myself experienced the thrill of looking outside the window in my living room that opened to present a breathtaking view of the Shimla hills, with the temple of Taradevi in the backdrop.
Now, people don’t give much thought to the design or position of the windows. Most of the times, windows are made of iron frames instead of delicate woodcarvings. Worse still, they are fitted with iron grills to block the view outside. This is in contrast to the windows of the Gothic style, which one may find in many buildings of the British era in and around Shimla and other places.
Today we seem to be more engrossed in the windows on our computer screens rather than the one that present an opportunity to keep tabs on nature’s changing moods. It is high time we took a break from the virtual windows of our computers. We should look outside the real window to relish the sight of birds feeding its little ones.
BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL, Jalandhar