M A I L B A G

In defence of Australian wool

The Tribune report “Indian designers to shun wool from Australia” (April 20) claims that some Indian designers have decided not to use Australian wool because of the practice of mulesing of sheep. If the reports are correct, the Australian High Commission urges them to reconsider their decision.

The Australian government is committed to seeing a continuation of the significant improvements in animal welfare outcomes in the live animal trade. The sheep and wool industries are among the most important agricultural industries in Australia. It produces almost 50 per cent of the wool used in the global apparel market. With this in mind, the Australian Government and industry are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare for Australia’s sheep industries.

JOHN FISHER, Head of Public Affairs, Australian High Commission, New Delhi

Graceful gesture

It was a graceful gesture on the part of General Musharraf to meet Mr A.B. Vajpayee at his residence in New Delhi. After all, it was Mr Vajpayee who started the peace process between India and Pakistan. In doing so, he went against the wishes of his party, the Sangh Parivar and the popular mood in the country at that time. It was his third attempt to restore peace with Pakistan having failed on earlier occasions.

If Indo-Pak goodwill is at an all-time high today, we have to thank the former Prime Minister for it was he who set the ball rolling.

PRIXIT SHAKYA, Shimla

No justice

The Tribune report “Kidney patient dies awaiting justice” (April 15) is an example of true journalism. Such reports prove that The Tribune is really the “Voice of people”. The media should focus on the drawbacks of the judiciary. What is the significance of courts when people are facing hardship due to delay or no justice? Our courts are courts of law, not courts of justice.

PARDEEP KUMAR, Ambala

We must blame ourselves A minor girl was raped by a constable at Mumbai’s Marine drive on April 21. It is shocking that our protectors have become our predators. What was more shocking was that nobody from the public tried to save the girl. Everybody gave statements on TV channels about what they saw but nobody said or told about what they did. The constable has been dismissed from service and the Inspector in-charge has been transferred. Is this enough? We keep blaming the police, politicians and almost everyone around us. Why don’t we blame ourselves? HARVEEN K. SEKHON, Malout (Punjab)

Booking counters

The Karnal railway station was built in 1892. With the passage of time, it has acquired some modern look. There is a big rush, particularly in the evenings, for tickets for Dadar, Delhi etc. Only one clerk deals with the current tickets. Because of undue delay in getting the tickets, some people find it difficult to travel. They also lose precious time and money. To cope with the rush, the authorities should appoint more staff or sanction one more booking counter.

SUNIL MINOCHA, Chandigarh

Yoga dress code

Yoga has become popular today. People do yoga at home and in green belts. In the camps organised in green belts, the instructors are much concerned about the yoga, unmindful of the participants’ dress code. Ideally, women should wear non-transparent salwar kameez dress with salwar tied from the bottom.

VINOD JAIDKA, Panchkula

Costlier meters

I agree with D.P. Jindal’s views (Letters, April 8) on electronic meters. The Punjab State Electricity Board should get the defects rectified and install electronic meters (fast running) in consumers’ houses. Besides, dishonest and unscrupulous consumers should be penalised heavily.

JASPAL SINGH, Sohana