M A I L B A G

Time to resume trade with Pakistan

IT warmed the cockles of my heart to read Mr H.K. Dua’s piece “Compulsions of peace” (Dec 2). We in the region direly need peace. We would appreciate if the Wagah and Hussainiwala trading posts in Punjab are opened for trade, commerce, pilgrimage and tourism. Both countries should destroy their respective weapons of mass destruction and sign the Ottawa protocol, banning the use of landmines.

I do, however, agree with Mr Dua that after Mr Vajpayee there is no Indian stalwart, not even Mr Advani, also a hawk in the category of right-wing politicians like Mr Thackeray, Mr Singhal and Mr Togadia, who could reach out to Pakistan.

SIMRANJIT SINGH MANN, MP, New Delhi

II

The peace initiatives between India and Pakistan should be welcomed on both sides of the border. If the rulers in these two countries remain serious to the latest moves of maintaining peace on the border, it will immensely benefit the common people.

Long spells of peace ensure rapid socio-economic and cultural growth of nations. Creative minds are able to perform wonderfully. They write great and inspiring novels, plays and poems. Welfare activities also pick up. Governments spend more on health, education and agriculture. India and Pakistan both are among the poorest countries so the continuance of a peaceful atmosphere on the borders is a must for growth.

Dr R.B.Y. DEHATI, Fatehabad

III

Apropos of “Compulsions of peace”, India and Pakistan have been fighting a war of hatred and bitterness during the last more than 50 years. It is now time in mutual interest that we gave peace and harmony a chance. Irrespective of the fact who walks the extra mile to seek peace and who takes the first initiative to call a ceasefire, the continent needs to be rid of terrorist organisations.

It should not be a hollow attempt to build one’s public image prior to an international meet, such as the coming SAARC summit in Islamabad. No doubt Pakistan has suffered in the recent times from its image of supporting terrorism and its very dependable friends like the US and China have also raised an accusing finger. Secondly, with the growing needs of a stable economy it would be difficult for the Pakistani rulers to ignore the necessity of utilising its meagre resources for development. Whether Pakistan has good and healthy economic relations with India or not, religious extremism, provincial harmony and political stability free from the ISI will have to be given a priority.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

Majha in neglect

This refers to the write-up “Why Majha has lagged behind” (Nov 22). Majha is not only lagging behind in development programmes, but also past achievements are fading away. After Kairon, the successive Chief Ministers confined developmental activities in their own areas and neglected Majha, economically shattered due to many reasons, including the wars with Pakistan.

Partap Singh Kairon was a man of strong will and full of pride. That’s why he often said at public meetings: “Jat tan sohage te khara mann nahi hunda, main tan Punjab da Chief Minister han.”

Keeping in view the present situation of development in Majha, I am compelled to say: “Shah Mohammda Kairon Sardar bajhon, Majha jit ke ant nu haarya je”.

Dr JOGINDER SINGH DHILLON, Jeobala, Amritsar