M A I L B A G

UP: the real loser is the nation

APROPOS of Mr S. Nihal Singh’s article “UP’s shadow on national politics” (Sept 2), there is no doubt that the political parties have been taken by surprise by the fast developments in India’s most populous state. True, they may not have been ready for this high drama and the leaders will devise their future strategies in due course. But it is now clear to everyone that for them, politics is not more than a chess board and they always concentrate on the winning combinations and checking the opponents. The real loser in their game is the nation and its people.

If we analyse the situation more deeply, it is not the political parties but the nation and its people who are facing the real dilemma. We don’t know whom to choose because all of them are two sides of the same coin. Almost everyone is wearing a mask and the nation does not know the real identity of anyone. One is posing as the saviour of Hindus, the other of Dalits, some of backward classes, some of minorities, some of a particular region and the other of language and so on. There is no bar on personalities or principles as a new mantra has emerged in the name of common minimum programme. These opportunistic parties have placed all the principles and ideologies on the backburner for the sake of governance.

Though the people know that they have been duped by the conman in the roadside, their curiosity and simplicity attract them to the next show forgetting what have they got from the first. The same is happening in politics where our leaders are successfully playing the role of the conman. Whosoever has better tricks to mesmerise the public with catchy slogans and issues is successful in selling his filthy stuff.

Dr TIRATH GARG, Ferozepur City

 
PSHRC’s concern

More recently, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has shown concern and directed the SSP, Tarn Taran, to provide protection to the complainant and the family members of the deceased, from the man in khaki uniform involved in custodial death and then in giving threats (Aug 16). The intervention of the PSHRC in the case is worth appreciating. However, apart from the protection to the complainant and family members, some action against the threatener, during the investigation process, is also considered important to check his frightening activity.

Keeping this in view, the police personnel, preferably with diploma or degree in human psychology, need to be deployed, to curb the menace. Also, It is suggested that a Quick Reaction Force (from the presently available staff) suitably trained and preferably in plain clothes could also be created to deal with the offenders/ criminals who conspire, extend threat or coercion to the law abiding persons/ victims and their kin, and witnesses who are involved in such psychological violence. The force should consist of a body acknowledged to be beyond the reach of political pressures, and providing full protection to the affected persons and at the same time preventing the intimidatory activities of the alleged culprits and their henchmen. The action for intimidation, threats, etc. may consist of severe punishment, heavy fine or appropriate sentence, including imprisonment.

Dr GURKIRPAL SINGH, Ludhiana

Hero or windbag?

Apropos of the report “Vinod Khanna enthrals crowd” (Sept 3), if the actor–turned politician has been quoted correctly, then he sounds more like a windbag than a hero. Perhaps he has forgotten the fact that he started as a villain in the late sixties. Also, how could, Mera Gaon Mera Desh be a turning point for him? This box office hit was released in 1971-72 while Vinod Khanna became a politician of the BJP variety in 1996 only. Prior to this, he was a resident of Osho Ashram in Pune and Osho Commune in the US. He rejoined the film industry somewhere in 1986-87.

It seems that like a true politician Vinod Khanna is trying to befool the gullible masses.

M.K. BAJAJ, Yamuna Nagar