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

Radical reforms alone can combat terror

B G Verghese’s article “Fighting terrorism” (Dec 15) has very rightly stressed upon the chaos prevalent among security agencies, the lack of political will in implementation of police and intelligence reforms and increasing prevalence of corruption in all spheres of governance as the root causes of terrorism.

I strongly feel that the increasing number of terrorists strikes during the last one-year and failure of the state to control such tragedies are mere symptoms of poor governance. The inadequacies of the system can’t be isolated from various social, religious, economic and political problems plaguing the Indian state.

Indian political leadership has to wake up and face the reality to initiate radical and massive administrative, political and electoral reforms. It must be ready to take a few risks. I feel that much more needs to be done to make the Indian state acquire the will to act in the areas where a question of national security is concerned.

Dr. VITULL K. GUPTA, Bhatinda

AJAY KUMAR, Chandigarh

Media’s responsibility

Today everyone is talking about terrorism. Newspapers are full of stories on terrorism. Every news channel has started an initiative against terrorism. Some news channels are asking people to send SMS with their names. They are telecasting names on the screen and claiming that these people have joined the initiative. I, however doubt their intentions since all this is only meant to boost TRPs. At this point of time, we expect electronic media to act more responsibly and make the people realize their responsibility.

SHAILESH KUMAR, Bangalore

Save marriages

The steep rise in the divorce cases in the recent past is a very shocking development. Happy marriages are becoming a rare phenomenon in this age of divorce. Marriage can be saved if both the partners are willing to give it a try. Honesty and commitment are the two pillars on which the institution of marriage stands.

Couples should set aside some time to understand each other. The most appreciable expressions of love and understanding are simple, everyday actions. The smallest act can make a big difference when it is based on an intelligent understanding of a partner’s of point of view.

What is important in marriage is the spirit of flexibility and give and take.

Communication is the lifeline of a healthy marriage.

GAURAV JULKA, Ferozepur

Treat pensioners as an asset Pension has been defined as a deferred wage payable to the retiree till the date of death. A full bench of the Supreme Court declared on December 17,1982 (the date on which pensioners day is celebrated throughout the country) that grant of pension is not a bounty, but a right of the pensioners and a social obligation of the government under the Constitution. The pensioners must not be seen as a liability or as “deadwood”. Since the pensioners have a rich and varied experience in different fields, especially in developmental activities, it should be incumbent upon the government to utilise the services of pensioners, particularly those who are physically fit and mentally sound.  Their services can be utilised in the field of community policing, social services departments where there is a need for guidance and counsel in formulating the policies and programmes. S. K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

A dishonourable act

I agree with the editorial “Man of dishonour” (Dec 9). Indeed it is a matter of concern that Mr Chander Mohan, former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, has committed a serious crime by marrying one Anuradha Bali, his ladylove. He already has a wife and has adopted Islam just to marry Anuradha. You have justly observed that Bhajan Lal has rightly stood by his daughter- in- law and grandchildren and all right thinking citizens are with his first legal wife.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA Rohtak

The healing touch

I endorse Amar Chandel’s views in “Healing in more than tests and surgery” (Dec 6). Doctors are under an oath to treat the sick with compassion yet they too want to make quick money and are not ethical anymore.

Patients feel much better when a doctor attends to them patiently and listens to their problems. The doctor too earns goodwill of his sick patients, treated with care and sympathy. Sadly, the demon of corruption and commercialization has spread its tentacles and has not spared the noble profession either.

ANITA KATARIA, Patiala