M A I L B A G

J&K: expose Pakistan propaganda

The editorial “Generally speaking” (March 25) provides an interesting insight into the Pakistani raison d’etre for the occasional outbursts of its leaders on the Kashmir issue. It’s a timely warning to our mandarins in South Block, in particular to do their home work before General Musharraf commences his Delhi visit on April 17.

Our policymakers should build a strong world opinion to comprehensively demolish all baseless and false Pakistani propaganda on Kashmir. The present Pakistani stance is a typical case of the pot calling the kettle black!

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

Supply potable water

It is shocking to know that a woman died of jaundice in Pathankot due to supply of unclean water. Jaundice is spreading in the town. The Municipal Committee’s main duty is to supply potable water to the residents. The Tribune had also drawn the attention of the Punjab Government to this problem.

Funds should not be a constraint in supplying clean water to the residents. The municipal authorities should not play with the health of the people. Till new pipelines are laid, water should be supplied through tankers in the affected areas.

ACHHAR PAL SHARMA, Panchkula

Icing on the cake

M.K. Agarwal’s middle “More with less” (March 28) made a delightful reading. It was as much a good piece of food for thought as a thought for food too! The real ice on the cake was the sting in the tail question, “Define in one word that is also a sentence? Please give us more pieces laden with wit and wisdom in equal measure.

KARTAR SINGH MEET, Jalandhar Cantt

Save flora and fauna

This has reference to the news-items “Vultures declining” and “Sociable bird vanishes”. Undoubtedly, the declining ratio of the species is a serious threat to the ecosystem. Besides vultures and sociable birds like Lapwing, other birds like peacock, sparrow, kites, koel etc are also declining. In addition to birds, animals like star tortoises, tigers and sea horses are in peril.

The need of the hour is to save the flora and fauna. Strict action should be taken against those indulging in poaching. The use of pesticides and diclofenac like substances should be discouraged. The Wildlife Act needs to be enforced in letter and spirit.

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore

Updating skills

Doctors dealing with human body are supposed to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments in medical science and undergo periodical tests to update their knowledge. Before such tests, proper infrastructure and work culture should be provided to all categories of staff including doctors.

There are also officers belonging to IAS, IPS, PCS, judicial and allied services who deal with human beings in one way or the other. Do they also need such tests for re-registration? Technocrats and administrators should also have similar tests in their respective departments to keep themselves up-to-date and get re-registered.

Dr R.C. CHOWDHARY, Hoshiarpur