M A I L B A G

Open borders will give a boost to trade

I refer to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s inauguration of the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus and H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “An offer well meant” (March 26). The bus is a gesture to build trust and a step forward to initiate the peace process in the region.

As I reside in the border district, I feel open borders will bring prosperity to the backward districts on either side of the border. The trade between both countries will get a boost. Simultaneously, basic infrastructure and the quality of life will improve.

Since 1947, industrialists were not coming forward to boost trade and commerce because of the fear of war. The situation has perceptibly changed now and it augurs well for both India and Pakistan.

KARANBIR SHAH, Qadian (Gurdaspur)

II

Dr Manmohan Singh’s offer of a peace treaty with Pakistan is well-intentioned. However, Kashmir is the bone of contention between both countries. Since 1947, Kashmir has been the stumbling block to the restoration of peace and normal relations in the subcontinent.

It is common knowledge that Pakistan’s military junta is governing that country only by raising the Kashmir question time and again. We had three wars and the Kargil conflict on this issue. This problem must be resolved for durable peace in the region.

SUNDER SINGH GIANI, Dialpura (Patiala)

III

Believe it or not, over the years, people in India have gained much more economically than in Pakistan. If the borders are made irrelevant, Pakistan is likely to gain more than India. Removal of the boundary wall will broaden the courtyard of the two neighbours.

Soft borders between both countries will be mutually beneficial. I agree that the problems of Siachin, Sir Creek and Baglihar will be automatically resolved if the borders become irrelevant.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

IV

Mr Dua’s editorial reminds me of Socrates’ famous words: “Be slow to fall in friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.” While launching the bus service to Nankana Sahib and offering to sign a treaty of peace with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sincerely committed to resolve all outstanding issues including the vexed Kashmir question.

JAGTAR SINGH, Mohali

V

Our Prime Minister’s offer of an olive branch to Pakistan is timely. It is also a big step forward for the good of the people on both sides of the divide. Common sense should dictate General Musharraf to reciprocate our offer positively.

Past is past. One can only learn from the past. To march ahead for a healthy and vibrant relationship, we must bury the ghosts of past.

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

No jobs in Himachal Unemployment is a major problem in Himachal Pradesh. Many people are jobless. No doubt, there has been rapid expansion of education in the state, but it has only exacerbated the unemployment problem. There is mass production of matriculates, graduates and post-graduates. There are engineers but no factories in the state to absorb them. The population explosion is equally responsible for the increasing unemployment in the state. The state government is aware of this problem. It has introduced schemes to solve it, but these are not enough. It should think of more positive and innovative steps to improve job opportunities. ROHAN SEHGAL, Kandaghat (HP)

Clarification

In the news-item “Vidhan Sabha panel inspects work done under NREGA” (March 27), I have been referred to as “Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha”. This is not true. I had accompanied the Estimates Committee panel to some villages in Hoshiarpur district as the Superintendent of the Vidhan Sabha.

TARA SINGH, Chandigarh