M A I L B A G

The editorial "End of Veerappan" (Oct 20) rightly points out that after the elimination of the brigand, his links with the politicians, bureaucrats and even NGO’s need to be probed. I wish to make two points here. First, since Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been at loggerheads with each other over the issue of tackling Veerappan, the CBI must probe it.

The only purpose behind such misplaced and calculated philanthropy is to seek popularity through unfair means.`A0There ought to be a certain degree of control over the way these modern day rajas and maharajas spend and squander public money and cheat the state exchequer.

VIVEK KHANNA, Panchkula

Gunning down Veerappan has come as a great relief for everyone. If he had been nabbed alive, the government would have had to spend a lot of money on his security. The STF has indeed done a marvellous job. Over the years, Veerappan had made a mockery of the rule of law.

MAHAVIR SINGH BHATIA, Phagwara

In his article "The growing cancer: What should be done to stop corruption" (Oct 16), H. K. Dua has rightly described corruption as a great danger to democracy. Democracy is the mother of wisdom and it can’t survive if people are not honest and sincere.

Change is the law of nature, but someone should take the initiative to bring about the change in any sphere of activity. The British exploited India tooth and nail, but it touched the sensitivity of some people. For instance, A.O. Hume, an ICS officer, was so moved with the country’s plight that while addressing the graduates of Calcutta University, he said that conditions in the country could be changed if 50 selfless sacrificing people came forward. The call, subsequently, led to a great movement which threw out the British Raj.

DURGA DATTA SHARMA, Abohar

Corruption is a blot on the nation, eating into the vitals of democracy. The following steps need to be taken to eradicate corruption from the country. Politicians and bureaucrats who misuse their official positions should be tried summarily by fast track courts and meted out punishment within six months. Their movable and immovable properties should be attached. Politicians and bureaucrats found guilty of corruption should be given condign punishment including death penalty and their photographs and names displayed in the "Hall of Shame". This is bound to act as a strong deterrent.

Wg-Cdr GURMAIL SINGH (retd), Chandigarh

The common man, especially the law-abiding citizens and the poor, come fact to face with this cancer in their dealings with the lower rungs of administration. The malady has deepened due to the increasing nexus between the politician, bureaucrat, businessman and criminal at various levels of administration. With no solution in sight, it has led to disillusionment among the masses.

One major step to check the rot is to make administration more transparent through e-governance and information technology and to hold those in authority accountable for lapses. The corrupt must be dealt with sternly and speedily for their crimes and their ill-gotten wealth confiscated. All sections of society, especially the leaders — political, social and religious — will have to spearhead the fight against corruption.

Brig H.S. SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

The report "Accept husband or brother" (Oct 12) is amazing. Does the code of conduct of the Khap Panchayat provide for any social or legal solution to the situation of the "real" father? There seems to be no provision either in the old Hindu law or in the present codified Hindu laws. Only God can save the innocent blind followers from being prevailed upon by the Indian orthodox society.

Sonia deserves congratulations and encouragement for responding contemptuously to such illegal, anti-social and unethical dictate boldly. The National Human Rights Commission has rightly taken suo motu cognisance of the matter.

N.R. GOEL, IAS (retd), Karnal

Mockery of education

This has reference to the report “PAU students boycott exams”. It seems students are playing with the hard-earned money of their parents and making a mockery of our education system. Girl students say, “We want izzat, not money”. But where is the danger to their izzat? Just because they were not allowed to have unauthorised entry to a musical night?

Students ask, why was the programme permitted in the university grounds without a special arrangement for them to watch the programme. But the question is why should students waste time in attending functions of this kind. Remember those golden days when students used to concentrate on studies well instead of killing time in unproductive work? I hope wiser counsel will prevail upon our children who are the builders of our destiny.

KOMAL SANDHU, Ludhiana