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

Discourage caste-based politics

This refers to the news report, “Caste dominance in poll perturbs intellectuals” (October 10). Truly, the intellectuals of Haryana are perturbed over caste-based biases and aspirations, particularly in the Hisar byelection and generally in the politics of the state. The phenomenon is not a new one or confined to Hisar bypoll. The voters of the entire state very well know that caste assumes significance every time an election is declared in the state. The local bodies’ elections witness this harmful phenomenon even with greater impact. Such a scenario is indeed regretful and hampers the all-round progress of any state or society, besides adversely affecting social harmony.

 At a time when considerations based on caste, creed or religion are losing ground throughout the nation, the electorate of the state should exhibit greater levels of maturity and wisdom. The voters should only consider issues like ability of the candidate to fight against corruption; his commitment to work for the development of their area and for other welfare activities.

The real fruit of democracy can only be enjoyed by those who participate in it effectively with a positive attitude. The major political parties and their leaders have a lot to do to change the prevailing caste-based political scenario of Haryana.

HARDESH GOSWAMI, Bhiwani

The Lokpal debate

After going through the thought-provoking article, “Towards a powerful Lokpal: But it shouldn’t affect the CBI” (October 20), I want to say that from the article, I have gathered two propositions—1) administrative functions and 2) policing functions. Prior to Independence, the main features of the Indian Administration were two—1) To collect revenue and 2) To maintain law and order. For these two functions there were two officers i) The Collector (i.e. Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate) and the other ii) the Superintendent of police.

After Independence, the features of the Indian administration are not mainly two or four, but many. The Collector (i.e. Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate) works as captain of his team. The team members are: i) the Superintendent of Police, ii) the Chief Medical Officer, iii) the District Education Officer, iv) the District Agriculture Officer, v) the District Industry Officer, vi) the Executive Engineer or nowadays may be the Superintending Engineer etc. Under the overall supervision of the captain the members of his team work, but none is a subordinate to the captain. Similarly, the Lokpal should be captain of the team not the head/boss of his CBI comprehensive wing. The CBI must work independently and should not work as a subordinate to the Lokpal.

OM PARKASH WADHWA, Associate Professor, Rohtak

II

Sankar Sen in his article, “Towards a powerful Lokpal” (October 20), has tried to bring out a pragmatic approach to the Lokpal vs. CBI issue. In its presentation before the Standing Committee, the CBI affirmed that it would be a toothless tiger without its own investigative agency. At the same time it has also been admitted that there have been instances of interference from the government in political cases. Importantly, political interference leads to corruption. It is also very well known that the credibility of this agency has eroded and it is usually considered a tool in the hands of the government.

One may think of placing the CBI under the Lokpal with full internal autonomy. In that case, it should be made accountable to the Lokpal. This will avoid vivisection of both the Lokpal and the CBI.

Dr S.KUMAR, Panchkula

Pakistan’s intentions

The editorial, “Skating on thin ice: Kayani may take U-turn on Haqqanis” (October 21) aptly presents the current volatile situation in the Af-Pak area and offers practical solutions. Pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaque Parvez Kayani’s “think 10 times” remarks are meant for domestic consumption. Now when the Pakistan Army and the ISI are completely exposed for supporting attacks on US interests in Afghanistan and murder of a former Afghanistan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, it reflects the country’s intentions to keep the pot boiling.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has delivered a blunt message to Pakistani authorities that they have to act and cooperate in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan must also realise that fuelling terrorism has only harmed its civil society and such a policy must be rolled back. It will be much better if Pakistan and the US work together for establishing peace in the region. Gen Kayani’s threat of nuclear weapons should be taken seriously. The international community must ensure that the nuclear weapons are in safe hands. Pakistan should resolve not to generate undesirable threats in the region. Pakistan needs to work responsibly for ensuring peace in Afghanistan and eliminate all terror networks to prevent further destruction.

S C VAID, Greater Noida