M A I L B A G

Kashmir: Pak’s larger game plan

This has reference to the editorial “Needless setback” (Sept 17). Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has categorically said time and again that any re-drawing of borders between India and Pakistan is out of question. It is also for General Musharraf or anyone to understand that there is no way India can agree to give up any part of her land to anyone for asking. Despite this, the General keeps raising the Kashmir issue and not doing anything to stop supporting the terrorist activities in Kashmir.

At New York, Dr Manmohan Singh gave him a list of 26 terrorist camps, still operating in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. The General’s denial of these camps does not bear any credence. The fact is, disintegrating Kashmir from India is Pakistan’s larger conspiracy to break India into pieces. This will never happen in a million years.

SUBHASH C. CHAUDHRY, Indianapolis (USA)

II

Three points stood out clearly while the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addressed the UN General Assembly with our Prime Minister present. First, she by name supported the case of Japan for the membership of the Security Council, with no mention of India. Second, she wanted the UN to be effective and deliver, as if ordering it, without mention of the US having to follow its directions as it did in case of Iraq. Third, the undertone of her stiff speech reflected the US’ unilateralism.

So, President Bush may be shaking hands with Dr Manmohan Singh for the international press, but when it comes to supporting India openly, the stance changes. We still remain a developing country for them. And a poor ally compared to Pakistan when it comes to their strategic interests. So, do we still want to be smitten by the Bush handshake?

MADHU R.D. SINGH, Ambala Cantonment

III

All issues between India and Pakistan including Kashmir will be solved through bilateral talks only without any third-party intervention. Still, General Musharraf keeps on harping “Kashmir-Kashmir” at every international forum. He did the same at the UN.

Even more surprising is the silence of our government. Why did our Prime Minister say that it would not affect the Indo-Pak talks? Pakistan must be told in no uncertain terms that unless it stops raising any bilateral issue on international platforms, there will be no talks with them.

VIJAY KUMAR SINGHAL, Panchkula

Have a heart for elderly Today is International Day for the Elderly. India has about 10 crore people who are above 60 years. The Economic Survey (2003-04) puts those who are 65 plus at 45 million in 2000 and 76 million in 2020. With the break-up of the joint family system, the problems of the elderly have aggravated. Unlike in the West, there is no social security for them in India. The National Policy for the Aged, 1999 needs to be fine-tuned and a Central legislation for health, social and financial care for the elderly should be enacted. The Centre should set up a National Commission for the Elderly. Departments of Senior Citizens’ Welfare should be set up at the Centre and in the states. Though an elderly person is one who is 60 plus abroad, in India, there is no uniformity of age for senior citizens. For rail travel concession, census, treatment in government hospitals, those who are 60 plus are considered elderly, but for income-tax and air travel concession, the age limit is 65 years. For old age pension schemes, the age limit should go. A comprehensive policy for helping the lot of the elderly brooks no delay. Dr PREM SINGH DAHIYA, Convener, Senior Citizens’ Council, Rohtak

An eye-opener

Reports that over 80 per cent people exercised their franchise in the recent elections in Afghanistan despite threats by the Taliban rebels should be an eye-opener to every democratic country. Though India is the world’s largest democracy, the voter turn out here is hardly 55-60 per cent.

BHARAT BHUSHAN MEHTA, Ludhiana

Monkey menace

Of late, monkey menace has increased in Khad village of Una district. A group of 20 monkeys are making the residents of the green belt miserable. They steal eatables from the kitchens and frighten school students.

The residents of Mohalla Kothiwala, Vasdev and the adjoining villages are the worst sufferers. Grateful if the authorities concerned help check this menace.

AJAY KUMAR DATTA, Khad (Una)