M A I L B A G

Delhi talks a big boost to Indo-Pak ties

H.K. Dua’s front-page report “India, Pak give a push to peace process” (April 19) proves the fact that the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and General Pervez Musharraf has added another positive step in the long road of Indo-Pak rapprochement.

The Delhi Declaration has laid out various steps for more people-to-people contacts, economic relations, opening of more bus and rail routes, gas pipeline from Iran and other issues with specific timeframes.

This time, General Musharraf looked a totally changed man with a positive attitude to every issue. As there is no quick fix solution to Kashmir, Dr Manmohan Singh and General Musharraf have rightly agreed to tackle it slowly.

Brig H.S. SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

Dr TARA SAXENA, Rewari

III

When leaders of two rival nations begin to speak more or less the same language, it is reasonable to assume that they have begun to think on converging lines. What accounts for this 180-degree turn in the General’s attitude?

Clearly, the General reckoned that there was no way for Pakistan to emerge as a moderate, forward-looking state unless extremism is rooted out. Dr Manmohan Singh’s argument was well crafted: “In a globalised world, boundaries have become irrelevant. Security, dignity of life, development, unhampered flow of people, ideas and goods across the LoC are the need of the hour.”

SAMITA SHARMA, Ludhiana

Schools fleecing students The Chandigarh Administration has given land to some schools at throw away prices. However, these schools have been collecting money from the students towards Building Fund for decades as also Re-admission fee every year. Isn’t this illegal and unconstitutional? On April 10, 2005, I had written to the Administrator, Chandigarh UT, General S.F. Rodrigues. He should stop this fleecing and look into the matter urgently so that the managements of various schools stop harassing parents. Dr K.N. RAMPAL, Chandigarh

NDA correct, but…

The National Democratic Alliance’s call for dismissal of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav is constitutionally correct and exemplary. But in office, the NDA had its own difficulties which are now faced by Dr Manmohan Singh who is not known to keep the company of the Lalu type. Survival of the government is at stake.

Let the NDA leaders prove their sincerity by assuring not to topple the UPA government if Dr Manmohan Singh sacked the corrupt minister.

DHIRENDRA SHARMA,  Centre for Science  Policy Research, Dehra Dun

Gutsy battle

The report “Lone rickshaw-puller wages gutsy battle” (April 21) was timely. During my regular visits to Pathankot, I see big potholes, stinking smell and an incomplete bus stand.

I am afraid, the public infrastructure in our country is in a deplorable state. Hats off to this rickshaw-puller for his courage. The people of Pathankot should come forward and raise their voice against the insensitivity of the authorities concerned. Accountability should be fixed on erring officials.

ANISH KORLA, Chandigarh

Tribute to Ambedkar

The report on the purification of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s statue with milk looks ridiculous. Dr Ambedkar was a great leader and a visionary.

The most befitting tribute for this visionary is for all Indians to unite under one common flag, rising above petty, narrow affiliations. We should rededicate ourselves for the social uplift of all. This will be the best tribute.

NACHHATTAR SINGH, Ludhiana

Justified demand

The petroleum traders’ demand for increase in the dealers’ commission from 1.59 per cent and 1.27 per cent on petrol and diesel respectively to a uniform 5 per cent is justified. The existing low returns on huge investment in infrastructure and management force dealers to sell adulterated fuel which causes enormous damage to the vehicles.

The government should give traders their due only if they pledge to ensure high quality fuel supply.

Col KULDIP SINGH GREWAL (retd), Patiala

Hassle-free travel

I was pleasantly surprised to board recently a neat and clean CTU bus (Chandigarh-Shimla-Chandigarh) that leaves Chandigarh for Shimla daily at 5.15 am. The staff was courteous and polite. Mr Santokh Singh, driver, was good. We reached Shimla at 8.50 am. En route, the bus had regulated stoppages (a 10-minute halt at Solan) as compared to the usual patronised roadside dhabas near Dharampur.

With the coming tourist season and rush of passengers to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh authorities should regulate stoppages for hassle-free travel.

BALJEET SINH, Shimla

Elders’ grouse

Seniors citizens have a grouse. Earlier, they were being paid 1 per cent higher rate of interest over the normal rate on their fixed bank deposits for a minimum period of one year. However, the erstwhile NDA government reduced it to half per cent. It affected the senior citizens adversely.

The UPA government is, therefore, urged to restore the benefit of 1 per cent. In all fairness, this benefit should be extended to them on their post office deposits also.

YASH PAUL GHAI, Ludhiana