M A I L B A G

We must choose peace, not war

The initiative taken by Prime Minister A.B.Vajpayee should be appreciated by one and all, cutting across party lines. Political parties in both countries should rise above petty politics and think of a durable solution to this outstanding problem which can turn into a flashpoint in South Asia. Each side must be prepared to forget, forgive, accommodate and understand the ground realities of Jammu and Kashmir and PoK. Both sides should come to the negotiating table to solve the problem. They should realise the difficulties being experienced by people living across the line of control.

All political parties should join together to form an agenda with an open mind without any fear or favour. The attitude of give and take should be kept in mind. For this exercise, good homework needs to be done well in advance. The media and NGOs have a responsibility to educate the masses in both countries regarding the advantages of a mutually acceptable settlement. The politicians should be pragmatic in their approach.

Both countries have undergone heavy losses in terms of manpower, material, economic, cultural and industrial growth. Both in the past have diverted huge funds to tackle the problem. Let us forget the past and join hands to solve the problem, which shall enable us to divert our economic resources for employment, better healthcare, clean drinking water, communication and development of tourism. People on both sides of the border are living in tension and insecurity.

Lt- Col I.P.S.SOLENKEY (retd), Nahan

Service before self

Most of the ardent readers of The Tribune have positive and negative opinions about the heartless neighbours in Chandigarh. Now I must write one recent incident showing the helping hands of the neighbours and common people.

It occurred, when a goods carrying truck, (HP-07-3935) was caught in horrid flames, while going to Dharamsala at Shiv Nagar, Jwalamukhi, in Himachal Pradesh. Perhaps the fire was the result of a grave mistake by a smoking person.

But, there was something noteworthy about the incident. Raj Kumar, who drove the truck, was an example of bravery. The ladies in the nearby village ran with buckets of water to douse the flames. . Every one contributed his might to control the fire. Finally, they made it possible. A loss of Rs 2-3 lakh was estimated.

This incident shows that humility, love, respect and, above all, the help of the helpless and the needy are still parts of a civilised society. Caste, colour and creed are not the barriers and man-made boundaries. It may be Chandigarh or anywhere else.

DEV ROOP, Jwalamukhi

Clear our probation

The last batch of PCMS doctors joined service in March 1999. Their two-year probation period expired in March 2001. However, their probation has not yet been cleared by the Punjab Government. This has resulted in the denial of 3-4 annual increments to hundreds of doctors. Will the Punjab Public Service Commission, the Punjab Government, PCMS association and authorities concerned look into the matter and provide justice to the doctors?

Dr S. NATH, Mukerian