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

No scope for a peace dialogue

The front-page editorial, “Call off the peace dialogue — to begin with” (Dec 23) by H K Dua was both enlightening and analytical. Pakistan is a rogue nation created to torment India. The umpteen peace initiatives taken up by India have miserably failed before.

Politically unstable climate prevailing in Pakistan has fuelled fundamentalism, dangerous to the world peace. The terrorist outfits like Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Toiba and numerous others have their permanent head quarters and training centres in Pakistan. Indeed, Pakistan is a safe haven for the terrorist organisations.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

II

The outburst of the people in the wake of the ghastly massacre by the perpetrators from Pakistan in Mumbai is quite justified. To the relief of the nation, this time our government too is echoing public sentiments by shedding inhibitions and has blamed Pakistan squarely. Terming it as an attack on our nation, the government is also clamouring for a befitting reply.

As for Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, well, he can’t even give a statement on his own. Thus in a sense it can aptly be said that there is no government in Pakistan and there is no leader of stature who is calling the shots.

Actually, non-state actors and anarchy are ruling the roost in Pakistan. The land has become the epicentre of violence and is holding the world to ransom. Now is the time to save the humanity. The nations across the globe should come together to eradicate the menace of terror.

RK MALHOTRA, Chandigarh

III

As a first step, all the bilateral relations, including peace process, running of buses and trains, border trade etc. should be stopped. It must be clear in our mind that the US and the UK would put only that much pressure on Pakistan, which they consider useful to their own interests. Therefore, they have to be convinced that Pakistan is not only a threat to India, but a threat to them also, so that it becomes a common cause.

However, it must be clear to our rulers that, ultimately, India has to depend on its own strength. Indeed, it is shameful that we are not capable of dealing with Pakistan on our own and need the help of other countries.

The moot question is — why has India with its vast resources and size become such a soft state? Actually, the fault lies with our rulers who indulge in vote-bank politics.

ANAND PRAKASH, Panchkula

Laboured childhood Usha Rai’s article “ Without a future — Movement to end child labour” (December 19) makes us hang our heads in shame. While avid supporters of “India Shining” boast of nuclear power, the moon-mission, high economic growth and the sterling advances made in information technology, there exists another and larger India where children are devoid of minimum basic necessities, security and dignity. It is simply horrifying to note that despite laws, millions of children are forced to work as labour. Worse still, they are made to toil in inhuman conditions. So can India call itself a “civilised” nation? India’s race for technological progress has made it immune to the needs of the underprivileged innocent children who are denied both education and childhood. KAJAL CHATTERJEE, Kolkata

Media’s restraint

The recent statement by Mr A K Antulay about late Hemant Karkare’s death was disheartening. Such provocative remarks cannot be expected from a Cabinet Minister. But then media should also refrain from giving publicity to such persons. Media should boycott such leaders whose utterances and acts are against the spirit of unity and integrity of India.

RUPINDERJEET PANDWALA, Dera Bassi

Look within

We, the people of India, should take an initiative and assist the government in locating those people who give shelter to the terrorists, help in supplying arms and ammunition and provide local information to such anti- national elements. Only then shall we be able to stop terrorists from carrying out their nefarious designs in our beloved country.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala

Regional gems

Regional potpourri (Dec 8) was encouraging and it was interesting to read how Dr. V. P. Goyal, a man from a small town of Haryana, has made a pioneering invention. I suggest you start a monthly supplement on regional talents, so that, like players, scientists can also get due respect from society at large.

PROF K LAL, Sirsa