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| Thursday, November 23, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Mass murder of trees IT
was quite depressing to go through the news item “Railways on de-greening spree” and the editorial
“Mass murder of trees" (Nov 14). Such a ruthless use of axe is going on everywhere in the country. The question is if such activities are to continue, then what is the fun of organising seminars and conferences for suggesting ways for checking environmental degradation? It is absurd to say more new trees would be planted, as it takes about fifteen years for a tree to grow fully. With each tree, in the neighbourhood, there are many sweet memories linked and there is emotional attachment between the trees and the people living around. There is need to revive the Chipko type movements. V.
K. SHARMA A forgotten hero Apropos of the article
“Lala Lajpat Rai: a forgotten hero” (Nov 17) by the eminent historian V.N. Datta, it is true that in the history of the freedom movement in India Lala Lajpat Rai occupies an exalted place. He was a prince among the patriots of the land. |
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One of the greatest tributes on his martyrdom came from a countryman in the words of Thomas Jefferson: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots — and tyrants. It is its natural manure.” When a baton-wielding British officer hit the leader of millions of struggling people, he quickened the spirit of a nation and accelerated a movement. Lala Lajpat Rai would be rationally understood if we refer to the tribute paid to him by the Father of the Nation soon after his death: “Lalaji means an institution. It is impossible to think of a single public movement in which he was not to be found.... He suffered (for being fearless in the expression of his views) when suffering had not become customary or fashionable.... K.
M. VASHISHT Supreme Court The landmark judgement of apex court, stopping the release of TADA detinues to free Rajkumar from Veerappan’s trap has proved to be the only right course. The court has appropriately accused the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for not applying their mind. It has also held the public
prosecutor responsible for violating Section 321 of criminal procedure code. This will act as a deterrent for the officials who go out of the way to oblige their superiors. YOGESH
DEWAN Firm stand The firm stand taken by the Supreme Court has resulted in the safe release of thespian Rajkumar by the forest brigand Veerappan without bowing to his diktats. The Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Chief Ministers were only dancing to the tunes of Veerappan. KARNAIL
SINGH |
DTH service The recent permission of the government of India to DTH after more than two years of deliberations is simply a step taken half heartedly and with undue caution. The KU band satellite transmission is a far superior technology to outdated S-band being used by cable operators. Video signals get distorted through network of cables and amplifiers. Costs further escalate due to power wasted and breakdowns of cables. And during inclement weather only DTH can work. We can not ignore the cutting edge of technology in a fast changing world. M.
S. BHALLA Highway loot About a month ago the Nahan Municipality has put up barriers on the Kala Amb — Paonta Sahib Road and started charging Rs 5 from each car as toll tax. This amounts to highway looting since the road completely bypasses Nahan town and motorists avail no facility which could justify such a tax. This practice must be stopped. D.
S. DHILLON |
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