L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

No coalition dharma in Pakistan

I read H. K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “No one is shedding tears for Pervez Musharraf” (Aug 19). Ever since becoming as independent nation, Pakistan has seen many years of dictatorship under the military rulers. In a way, the people of Pakistan have become habitual in facing pangs of tyrannical rulers. Dictators are mostly tyrants. Sir Winston Churchill said: “Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount.”

Mr Dua has rightly stated: “Now, with Musharraf out of the picture, it is not known how the coalition government will function in the absence of a common foe.” It will be to the benefit of Pakistan and its people if the coalition partners follow the coalition dharma, as in India, and run the government under a common minimum programme.

However, the ruling coalition in Pakistan has suffered a setback after Nawaz Sharif’s party has pulled out of it. Both Zardari and Nawaz camps will have to shed all pride and prejudices. People in Pakistan need a healing touch. Their leaders should learn from the past mistakes.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari (Hamirpur)

II

Now that Musharraf has resigned, the Taliban are free to operate from within Pakistan using the terrorists’ training camps and armaments supplied by the ISI. They already have the Taliban government in NWFP of Pakistan and support of the people of that region.

The US should not expect the civilian rulers of Pakistan to defeat the Taliban on their behalf for money. The Taliban are now strong enough, with Pakistanis’ support and the mastery of the suicide bombers to unleash guerilla warfare.

It is imperative that the US and its allies sit down with Indian and Chinese governments to find a way out. Alternatively, they need to involve the UN for the use of the nuclear force on the Taliban entrenchments before they take over Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

AMAR THAKUR, London

III

I read with interest Mr Dua’s front-page editorial, commenting upon Musharraf’s resignation from office. However, Musharraf deserves appreciation rather than criticism for his graceful exit from office. Any confrontation with hostile political parties at this juncture would have proved ruinous for the country.

Indisputably, the tender plant of democracy has so far failed to take roots in the Pakistani soil. Whether it would be a different story this time would be eagerly watched. However, if history repeats itself, the people will, certainly, shed tears for the much-maligned President.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Feasible solution

I read H. K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “India cannot be at war with itself” (Aug 8). A feasible — and practical — solution to the Amarnath shrine land row would be to provide land to pilgrims from June to August. The Jammu and Kashmir government should not have first allotted land and then withdrawn from the Shrine Board, apparently under the separatists’ pressure.

Moreover, why was the Amaranth Yatra Sangharsh Samiti in Jammu left out of the all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister on August 6? As it is spearheading the agitation, the Centre should have taken it into confidence.

To solve this sensitive issue, all parties including the Congress and the BJP should work unitedly keeping themselves above partisan politics. There is a greater need to create trust among all sections and regions. The Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti too should suspend the agitation during the period of negotiations.

S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

Expedite results

Panjab University, Chandigarh, should declare the re-evaluation results of students within a month so that the students can prepare well for the compartment examinations (September/April).

Further, the authorities concerned should help those who could not clear the compartment of lower class by allowing them more than two chances (of clearing the compartments in respect of BA/B. Sc/ B.Com classes). Thus, the students are saved from the humiliation of taking the whole examination of lower and higher classes as is the practice now. This will act as a morale booster to those who could not complete their graduation.

R.K. SHARMA, Chandigarh

HIV kits

Reference Aditi Tandon’s report in The Tribune (August 28) about spurious HIV kits being distributed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). I wish to emphatically state that the Blood Centre, Sector 37, Chandigarh is not using HIV kits issued by NACO free of charge.

KANTA SWAROOP KRISHEN,
Secy, Rotary & Blood Bank Society Resource Centre, Chandigarh

Irresponsible remarks Shabana Azmi’s comment that the Indian polity is being unfair to Muslims reflects the Indian Muslims’ typical mindset. Despite so many favours showered on them, they have been apathetic towards adjusting and joining the mainstream of Indian milieu. They have been living within the bounds of their religious and cultural parameters. That is what prompts even most dynamic, intelligent and educated Muslims like Shabana (whom the Indian people respect most) to make irresponsible remarks against India and the Indian majority. I endorse in this context BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu’s view that “Muslims are safe and secure in India than in any other country”. Shabana knows that in India Muslims have occupied top notch positions like the President, the Vice-President and so on. Moreover, “Khans are ruling Bollywood” and Indians appreciate their work. Minorities get a lot of importance in India. Is this the case with Hindu minorities in Muslim-ruled countries like Pakistan? No. Prof P. N. KHARU, Karnal