M A I L B A G

A martyr in the cause of democracy

H K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “The cauldron called Pakistan: Irrelevance of Musharraf” (Dec 29), was timely. I fully endorse his perceptive and convincing argument: “The state of Pakistan is getting pushed into an anarchy that often prevails within a cauldron where events are not easy to control, the situation is always on the boil and the spillover dangerous to handle”.

I feel President Musharraf has fathered this “cauldron” satanically by cocking a shook at the world opinion and the basic tenants of democracy. The terrorists have taken full advantage of the prevalent fluid situation in Pakistan and diabolically eliminated the most popular leader of the South Asia, Ms Benazir Bhutto. It is a big blow to the democratic movement in Pakistan.

The common people in India also felt deeply moved by the cruel and cold assassination of Benazir. The politicians, the media and even the ordinary people in our country greatly appreciated her courage of conviction and relentless crusade against Pakistan’s military rulers. Ms Benazir Bhutto will go down as a great martyr in human history for the cause of democracy.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

II

It is shocking that Benazir Bhutto, the most charismatic political leader in Pakistan, is no more. Mr Dua truly exposed Musharraf’s own credibility and commitment to usher in democracy. The tragedy is that the people of Pakistan are at the mercy of military rulers who have totally destroyed the fabric of democracy.

Musharraf lives in a fear-psychosis — the fear of being thrown out in the coming elections. He wants to perpetuate his rule and hence he plays with fire. Terrorism, extremism are all his doings to serve his purpose — to scuttle elections and continue in power and to show to the world that steps taken by him are right (declaration of emergency, postponement of elections and so on). Will President Bush see the writing on the wall and relieve the helpless people of Pakistan from the clutches of military?

P.C. SHARMA, Lehragagga (Punjab)

III

Forces inimical to freedom, liberty and franchise have succeeded in their nefarious designs by eliminating Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan’s political scene. There is a lurking suspicion that pro-democracy leaders may become the targets of trigger-happy terrorists whose sole aim is to create instability in Pakistan. This may have serious repercussions all over South Asia which is cause for concern.

Without Benazir, democracy in Pakistan will be a sham. She was a charismatic political figure who rankled in the eyes of the enemies of democracy. She has been silenced forever and with that democracy has been mutilated. As a respect to the world’s first Muslim woman Prime Minister, her killers must be brought to book. Will the Musharraf regime do that?

TARSEM S. BUMRAH, Batala

IV

Whether Benazir Bhutto was good to India or not, we strongly condemn her killing. India firmly believes that murders and all other acts of violence do not solve any problem. Mutual give and take among living human beings is the right way. Political instability, chaos or anarchy in Pakistan is against the interests of the sub-continent.

Dr P.S. CHANANA, Chandigarh

Worthy of emulation

The campaign against drugs, started by Bathinda’s DIG of Police, Mr Jatinder Kumar Jain, has gained momentum. The college and school girls are so enthusiastic that they are taking an oath with this slogan, ‘No to marriage with drug addicts’. If emulated by others, the campaign would go a long way in eradicating the menace. This will also make the life of all Punjabis healthy and beautiful.

CHAMAN SINGLA, Bhucho