M A I L B A G

Meaning of J&K ceasefire 

DAILY the media carry news about bomb explosions and suicide attacks on defence personnel, just as the government has declared a ceasefire. Our leadership has refused to learn from its mistakes, let alone learn from the experience of others.

It hurts me to see innocent, young and brave soldiers pay for the inconsiderate, even foolish, political decisions. Our forces suffered a heavy loss of life in the Kargil conflict because of the ‘diplomatically correct’ decision, though questioned by some highly qualified defence officials, not to cross the LoC. The present situation is the result of the previous soft policies.

The ceasefire amounts to tying the hands of the security forces behind their backs, blindfold them and then leave them on the streets to become victims of terrorists.

The need is to act with the tenacious resolve of the Israelis in such situations. The Americans have learnt the importance of making a point without the loss of a single soldier. Israel and the USA are known to act swiftly and decisively in such circumstances. Act with a piece of steel in the spine, act swiftly, clearly and decisively, in dealing with the terrorists. For that is the only language they understand.

VIVEK KHANNA
Panchkula

DALIP SINGH WASAN
Patiala

Cancer tests

The tests mentioned in the report, “New test to detect cancer” (Tribune, Nov 13), are known as tumor markers and are being done at Dayananad Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, for the past 10 years. These tumor markers are used in the early detection of cancer.

There are specific tumor markers for different organs. All markers show correlation with the clinical course of the disease. If cancer is detected at an early stage it is easy to treat. Thus the evaluation of tumor markers is useful in the detection and treatment of cancer. These tests are available in most of the reputed hospitals.

DR A.P.S. NARANG
Prof and Head, Biochemistry Dept, DMC and Hospital
Ludhiana

Soldiers and Rent Act

For the past two years the Punjab Government has been making statements to amend the Rent Act to extend relief to soldiers, and the Chief Minister has accepted the proposal to suitably amend the Property Act for quick disposal of property disputes concerning ex-servicemen and serving defence personnel.

The Defence Minister has also urged all the states to take immediate action on such measures.

The defence personnel are bewildered for having to wait endlessly for the implementation of the approved proposals whereas the NRIs’ grievance has been redressed.

Our political leaders and bureaucrats must recognise the hardship of the soldiers and ex-soldiers since these disputes mostly arise from the nature of their duty which leaves their property unattended for long periods while they are doing duty in distant areas in the country’s defence.

They need this relief more than the NRIs not only because they are serving the nation but also because they are much poorer and innocent. It is extremely difficult for them to fight cases in civil courts for years and bear the cost of litigation.

The anxiety of the Defence Minister is gratifying but it must be translated into action.

AVTAR SINGH
Chandigarh

Callous set-up

The report from Mandi “Dies awaiting pension” (Tribune, Dec 2), is shocking. It speaks volumes of the bane of red-tapism that plagues the state’s administrative set-up.

The departed soul must be cursing the callous ‘gods’ that preside over the destiny of the administration.

The curse of a harassed and troubled soul is much more deadly than the wrath of a mighty ruler. Is there a way for these offending administrative ‘gods’ to atone for their despicable sins?

TARA CHAND
Ambota (Una)