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

Anti-India feeling ingrained in Pak rulers

Our relations with Pakistan have remained strained ever since Independence on one pretext or the other (article 'Beyond dramatics of NY Summit', by G Parthasarthy, October 11). The prime reason for continued distrust can squarely be attributed to the “anti-India sentiment” ingrained in the mindset of Pakistani rulers — both civilian and military. It is rather ironic that despite decisive victories on the battlefield, our political leaders threw away the gains on the negotiating table, every time. Even then, we have not been able to neutralise the main proponents of animosity against us — namely the trio of the Pakistan army (who call all the shots), the ISI and their home-grown terrorists.

Over the past more than two decades, we have been victims of cross-border terrorism. Nawaz Sharif and his party are maintaining close relations with al-Qaida and the Taliban, which do not augur well for peace and stability in South Asia. Pakistan has today become the epicentre of terrorism. The overall security scenario is likely to deteriorate once the international forces are withdrawn from Afghanistan. We must, therefore, continue remaining strong on the borders to defeat incursions, which will invariably be supported by the Pakistani army.

GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA, Shimla

Illegal colonies

The editorial 'Legalising colonies' (October 9) has rightly said that those who paid the regularisation fee within the stipulated time feel cheated. The Punjab government repeatedly announced that the last date, October 7, would not be extended, but backtracked. Not only was the last date extended to October 25 (to which I have no objection) but certain concessions were also announced. This has set a bad precedent that non-compliance of the government orders yields more benefits. In future honest persons will trek the same path. The government should undo the injustice done to sincere payers by at least giving them the same concessions as given to the non-compliers.

ASHOK KUMAR DUBEY, Bathinda

Bye, bye Sachin

Hats off to Sachin Tendulkar, who has gracefully and selflessly decided to hang his boots after a great innings as he knew that time had come when younger players should take over. The employees also retire at a certain age, making way for younger people with fresh ideas.

Then why do old politicians with one foot in the grave hang on to their posts?

DR ARUN KHERA, Pathankot

Tackling simians

Maneka Gandhi may have her philosophy of compassion but the extent of dereliction of duty by the Himachal government in protecting people and their property from animals is appalling. It is time to rein in monkeys, stray dogs, deserted domestic animals, boars and blue bulls.

SURENDER KUMAR, Palampur

Stop it, cashiers

Writing anything on the watermark of a currency note is a punishable offence under Section 35 B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The stapling of notes has also been stopped. But after each deposit, an average bank cashier writes the total in figure on the watermark of the bank notes thereby disfiguring it.

JAGVINDER SINGH BRAR, Patiala

Overhauling PU

In the write-up “Top rank to PU an eye-opener for branded institutes” (October 15), SK Jindal has rightly stressed that Panjab University has the potential of greater excellence. The world-class faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories and library facilities, excellent infrastructure coupled with a dedicated supporting staff are the factors unique to this institution. However, there is need for academic and administrative reforms as well as an overhaul of the Syndicate and the Senate.

DR V K ANAND, Chandigarh

Unwanted advisers

Apropos the editorial “Unwanted flab” (October 15), the Punjab exchequer has been unnecessarily burdened with the appointment of eight advisers with ministerial ranks. The government has appointed 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, who are no less than ministers. Was the jumbo-sized ministry insufficient to run the government that the necessity for advisers arose? Obviously it has been done to please favourites. The advisers explore ways to squeeze out taxes from people irrespective of their paying capacity. Property tax is the latest example. One will have to pay a tax to live in one’s own house

DP JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh