L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Wife-beaters must be punished

The editorial “Punish the diplomat: Wife-beaters can’t claim immunity” (Jan 18) makes a strong case for punishing Anil Verma, Minister (Economic Affairs) in the Indian High Commission in London for beating his wife. His alleged misconduct has indeed brought disgrace to India and put a question mark on our claim of treating a woman as goddess.

It is a pity that Indian women are not safe even in countries having strict laws, let alone in our own country where rules and regulations are often followed more in breach than in observance. Men do not hesitate to use even their diplomatic immunity to circumvent the law of the land when it comes to maltreating their own wives. It is very clear that even educated women have to suffer for no apparent fault of theirs, not to speak of an ordinary woman.

If for some reason, the government does not like to waive off the diplomatic immunity to Anil Verma, he must be proceeded against under the relevant rules after he returns to India.  When in India, his wife should be provided the necessary security so that she is not further harassed to silence her.  

It is noteworthy that in most cases the non-IFS cadre posts in important missions like the US and the UK are occupied by protégés and favourites of our leaders who bring them along from other ministries. The Ministry of External Affairs should be kept in confidence while selecting them against these posts as it is finally held responsible for their official and personal conduct abroad.

SATWANT KAUR, Mahilpur

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

III

The London incident involving an Indian diplomat is indeed a matter of shame and disgrace. It is a most inhuman act committed by Anil Verma. Such incidents bring a bad name to the country where women are treated with respect.

The diplomat should be booked under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The authorities concerned should give adequate security and protection to his wife. This is the least we can do to protect our women in society. The case must be put on fast track for expeditious justice.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

Against troops cut

India should not reduce 25 per cent paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir (Editorial, “Reducing forces in J&K”, Jan 18). The editorial indeed admits that the secessionists have welcomed the move to reduce the forces.

Obviously, it is a dangerous move and we should not reduce the strength of our paramilitary forces in the state unless there is a perceptible improvement in law and order in the valley.

Clearly, by reducing forces in the state, we would play into the hands of the anti-national forces.

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA, Griffith NSW (Australia)

II

The editorial, “Reducing forces in J&K” is timely. There is no big change in the overall security threat perception. The Jihadi training camps in Pakistan are still there. A large number of ISI-trained Jihadis are waiting to cross over to our territory. The anti-India agitation by the separatists is still very much there.

In such circumstances, it will be premature to even think of reducing security forces in Kashmir. It would be quite suicidal. Trying to win over the disgruntled Kashmiris is one thing, but lowering the guard would be an unwise move, which can boomerang.

A.K. SHARMA, Chandigarh

III

The news-item, “Geelani seeks total troop withdrawal” (Jan 17) quotes Syed Ali Geelani having sought a complete withdrawal of troops from Jammu and Kashmir. He should be reminded that he has forgotten his motherland and the responsibility of protecting it.

He and every Indian should ask for more Indian troops until the foreign invading troops and terrorists are pushed out of our motherland. The people who do not support their motherland are troublemakers and they should be dealt with accordingly. I salute our armed forces who sacrifice their lives to protect our motherland and its people.

SUKH S. CHAHAL, Khiva Kalan (Punjab)

Inflation hitting everyone Sucha Singh Gill’s article, “Food inflation hurts the poor” (Jan 18) provides insight into the deplorable condition of the farmers. A large number of them end life and the poor consumers are sliding into hunger and malnutrition. While spiralling inflation is hitting the common masses hard, the businessmen, traders and middlemen are flourishing with speculation, hoarding and blackmarketing. This is a sordid state of food management for which the public distribution system (PDS) is responsible. The PDS needs to be restructured on priority. The Right to Food Bill would be meaningless unless the role of the middlemen is not eliminated. Further, there is need to increase productivity in view of the population explosion. Transgenic varieties are the need of the hour and a second revolution must be brought in. Otherwise, the expected economic growth of 9 per cent would remain a mirage. The Centre should act fast on proper storage, preservation and upkeep of foodgrains and prevent colossal damages and losses to foodgrain stocks during post-harvest storage. Silos must be built as a viable alternative. GURMIT SINGH SAINI, SAS Nagar