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

Living with a hostile neighbour

Surendra Kumar has explicitly detailed the pros and cons of a dialogue with our hostile neighbour in his article ‘Dialogue with Pakistan: The opponents must revise their opinion’ (December 3). But the feelings across the fence are full of venom so much so that no tangible results are obtained even on points agreed upon during previous talks. The ISI is the boss of the extremists and radical elements who have a strong say in internal and external policies of Pakistan. This situation needs reversal to establish mutually favourable relations.

US-Pak ties are at an all-time low and therefore Pakistan is getting inclined towards China for closer cooperation in all fields, including strategic military affairs. With not so happy Indo-China relations, both would try to irk India in many possible ways. The suggestion of utilising social networks for improving relations is appreciable. A wise and calm reaction from India would help in changing the mindset of Pakistani youth. Peace talks should continue and simultaneously our defence should be made impregnable to curb any attempt to disturb peace in our country.

SC VAID, Greater Noida

DP JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

Honour killings

With reference to the editorial ‘Dealing with honour killings’ (December 2), I want to ask Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda that if existing laws are sufficient, then why have the culprits not been booked yet? Secondly, this shows Mr Hooda’s shortsightedness. He wants to reap only short-term benefits by appeasing the khap panchayats’ vote bank. On the contrary, the reality is that the vote bank comprising the youth is much more powerful than that of the khap panchayat. Thirdly, it is high time for social reform. Reform movements do not acknowledge the difference in wealth, caste and creed. Reform in social fabric too is necessary because the evil of honour killings cannot last long.

USHA TANEJA, Fatehabad

Curb adulteration

The middle ‘Adulteration lessons’ has prompted me to add that despite the Indian Food Adulteration Act, adulteration of food products is going on unabated, be it ‘khoya’, ‘paneer’, milk, LPG, medicines, sweets, etc. China has death sentence as punishment for adulteration in consumer products. The health of the young generation of people is at stake.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala

Mobile phone addiction

Recently two precious lives were lost because of the laxity in crossing a railway track with mobiles glued to their ears. They were crushed by the passing train as they were completely absorbed in conversation. There is no denying the fact that mobiles are a boon, but addiction to this gadget is a bane if used recklessly. Due to attention deficit, a perfect recipe of a disaster is cooking all the time.

In advanced countries, use of mobiles while driving is strictly prohibited. It is an offence with very heavy penalty. This explains why there are very few violations there on this count.

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal