M A I L B A G

Natwar Singh as an extra

Apropos the editorial, “Natwar as an extra — Facts and propriety alone should govern” (Nov 8), Mr Natwar Singh should have shown statesmanship by resigning his post on his own immediately after the Volcker Committee report was published.

The action of retaining him as a minister without portfolio is distasteful, and against the spirit of true democracy. He should have been removed from the Union Cabinet.

Justice should not only be done but also seem to have been done.

D.P. JINDAL, Mandi Gohindgarh

Environmental cause

Apropos the editorial “New green norm” (Nov 4), the initiative by the Ministry of Environment to streamline the process of environmental impact assessment (EIA) is laudable, and must be encouraged by environmentalists at all levels.

Prof M.M. GOEL, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra

Vigilant citizenry With reference to the editorial “Let’s fight terrorism to the finish” (Oct 31), I have a few suggestions to make. As the main intention of terrorists is to spread terror, they strike at crowded places where they can cause maximum damage to life and property. While visiting such places one should always remain vigilant. People should immediately report to the police officer on duty when confronted with things that arouse suspicion. When festivals like Divali and the like are round the corner, it is more likely that terrorists might be planning a nefarious operation in your vicinity. A reward should be announced for information that leads to unearthing such plans. Let us not leave everything to intelligence agencies. Be a vigilant and responsible citizen. Let us not die like cowards but live like warriors with pride and without fear. VIJAY DHIMAN, Kangra

Maintenance-free roads

This is with reference to the news that the Chandigarh Administration will be converting the main Sector 31-32 road into a concrete road (Nov 04). This is an excellent decision as such roads are maintenance free for at least 30 years. They can take heavy traffic flow, and do no get easily damaged by rain water. Bitumen/tar roads are useful only in the hills, and their use in cities is only an avenue for corruption due to repeated repair work.

India is exporting steel and cement whereas bitumen/tar is a product of imported crude oil. This is additional reason to go in for an extensive network of concrete roads, which will prove more economical in the long run. Whenever existing roads come up for repair, the administration should systematically convert them all to concrete roads.

ASHOK KUMAR GOEL, Ropar

Tackling terrorism

It was a mistake to repeal POTA which was enacted specifically to deal with terrorism. Does the UPA government feel that terrorism has vanished on her coming to power? The wrong signal has been sent out to terrorists, who are bound to commit heinous crimes against humanity. The UPA government will have to repent if it abolishes the death penalty. Stringent laws and tough measures against terrorism are a must.

CHAMAN SINGLA, Bhucho (Bathinda)

Chamba’s heritage

This is with reference to the news that heritage places in Chamba town would be notified by the Government. This is a welcome move. But most heritage places there have already been spoiled, for which the local municipal council is responsible. The only heritage place in Chamba is the famous and historical ‘Chowgan’ which has lost its charm and grandeur. This green piece of land is now a place of dirt and dust. Chowgan was developed over several years by the Rajas of the erstwhile Chamba state. The government of Himachal Pradesh should have the political will to remove all encroachments and abolish all commercial activities there. Only then can the Chowgan regain its old glory.

RAJNEESH, Research Scholar, P.U., Chandigarh

Morbid curiosity

We often find in the paper pictures of terrorists, criminals of various hues, even rapists, with faces partly or fully covered. Why carry such pictures, when nobody can identify them? Surely, the purpose of publication is not to quiz the readers. They only arouse the morbid curiosity of the reader. My contention, whatever the professional excellence of the photograph, is that such pictures tend to suppress the truth.

I.M. SONI, Chandigarh