M A I L B A G

VIP squatters not confined to Delhi

I endorse the views in the editorial “Throw them out: SC cracks whip on the high and mighty” (Oct 26). Our politicians, whom we treat as role models, consider themselves above the law. The lure of posh bungalows with huge lawns being occupied by VIPs illegally is indeed a great menace. Admittedly, successive governments have not been able to arrest this trend.

However, VIP squatters are not confined to Delhi alone. They are everywhere, especially in the state capitals and other big cities and towns. Laws, rules and regulations are perhaps meant for lesser mortals only. Political heavyweights care two hoots about these laws.

An Urdu poet has aptly said: Kaziyu ne mil kar bantli hai hurey/Abay khuda teri janat mei dhara kya hai. The law makers/dispensers have grabbed all the beautiful damsels among themselves. O God, what is left in your heaven now?

Dr L.K. MANUJA, Nahan

II

Our rulers are looting public money. They are not ashamed of their illegal activities. The day is not far off when Parliament and state legislatures will be overcrowded by VIPs of doubtful character.

Already these institutions have some representatives with criminal background. Sadly, they are bringing a bad name to our glorious parliamentary institutions.

JOTI PARSHAD SHARMA, Ferozepore cantonment

III

The Supreme Court has rightly observed that Bihar Governor Buta Singh should be thrown out of his New Delhi house. How can he or Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav occupy 
official bungalows in Delhi?

The conduct of our politicians irrespective of the party they belong to is always shady. They are and will continue to be the lawbreakers if there is no check by the apex court. They won’t be mending their ways till we voters take a vow to teach them a lesson. Let us rid the country of these leaders.

Dr NARESH RAJ, Patiala

IV

Because of overstaying VIPs, some MPs and others duly entitled to official accommodation are unable to occupy the allotted bungalows/flats. The Supreme Court has taken serious note of this. As the law of eviction has become an utter failure, the Supreme Court must force the Centre to enforce the law in letter and spirit.

Parliament is supreme. But some MPs claim that they are equally supreme and sovereign. At times, they violate rules and laws passed by themselves. The lawbreakers should vacate the government bungalows illegally occupied over a long period.

M.L. BATURA, Karnal

V

One is shocked to learn that so many MPs, ministers and men of influence occupy official bungalows even after they no longer hold the positions which entitled them to those bungalows.

The Supreme Court has pointed out that these residences cost crores of public money. The government should begin the process by evicting the most powerful first.

Prof P.K. GUPTA, Bathinda

Metro rail best for Shimla THE Himachal Pradesh government has reportedly decided to start tunnel work at Shimla to ease traffic and pedestrian problems. The Public Works Department is likely to notify tenders for the four tunnels shortly. These tunnels may ease vehicular traffic and pedestrian problems in Shimla. But metro trains, instead of tunnels, may ease congestion and facilitate smooth traffic in the capital. I request Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to explore the possibility of this scheme and start metro trains as they are most suitable for Shimla. PANKAJ PATHANIA, Andrela Kangra (HP)

A rare example

This refers to the editorial “An act of compassion” (Oct 25). The bereaved family of Sunil Jain of Nawanshahr, who died in a road accident, showed a very rare example of human compassion at a time of their utmost grief by donating eyes and kidneys of their most beloved kin at the initiative of their relative, Mr Arvind Jain. May the Almighty give peace to the departed soul and give courage to the family to bear this tragic loss!

Most people are unaware about the procedure of donation of eyes, kidneys and other organs. The government should let people come forward to donate organs by spreading general awareness about the rules through wide publicity.

D.P. JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

II

We salute Sunil Jain’s family for having donated his eyes and kidney. Sunil’s mother Swarnkanta and wife Shelly Jain agreed to their relative Avinash Jain’s suggestion for donating the organs for a humanitarian cause. These noble ladies agreed promptly and thus set an exemplary example for all others to follow.

The people of Nawanshahr thank The Tribune team who had accompanied Sunil’s body from PGI to the family’s home in Nawanshahr.

SATYA PARAKSH SHARMA, Nawanshahr

CBI on focus

The editorial “Ball in CBI’s court” says it all about how CBI works. The CBI seems to have become a handmaiden of the government. It inspires no public confidence. Its unsavoury reputation needs a lot of repairs. It must probe the role of Congress heavyweights in the 1984 Sikh riots case. Otherwise, the probe will be reduced to a farce.

Major BALDEV SINGH, Ambala cantonment