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

“Honour” killings must stop

It is really a matter of a great concern (editorial, “ ‘Honour’ killing: Amritsar boy the latest victim”, Aug 24) that the so-called honour killings are continuing unabated despite various laws in force to prevent them.One fails to understand why some parents think that their honour lies only in killing their daughters and sons marrying of their own volition. Surely this is perverted thinking.

They should understand that fight against female foeticide and infanticide, inequalities, corruption and injustice, which are holding society to ransom, will be the real proof of their valour and self-respect. “Honour” killing is just homicide in cold blood. The youth have an unquestionable right to take decisions concerning their life as per the rule of law.

 SATWANT KAUR, Mahilpur.

Gagging freedom

Along with the Congress leadership (Sushant Sareen’s article “Back to Jinnah”, Aug 27) and the British, Mohammad Ali Jinnah also played a major role in partitioning India. His dream of Pakistan was fulfilled, but at the cost of countless precious lives. Those who survived the mayhem found themselves orphaned, widowed and homeless overnight. Thus no sane person can absolve him of the crime he perpetrated against humanity.

Hence, Jaswant Singh’s defence of Jinnah is certainly condemnable. However, being a citizen of a democratic country, Mr Singh has every right to voice his opinion and by expelling him from the party and banning his book in Gujarat, the BJP and Narendra Modi have violated the spirit of freedom of expression.

KAJAL CHATTERJEE, Kolkata

II

The action against Jaswant Singh was not only harsh but also hasty. The BJP is in a quandary and has run out of steam. It has no fresh ideas that could bail it out and needs leaders with exemplary political statesmanship. There is a discernible change in the mindset of voters and they want development not Hindutava.

B M SINGH, Amritsar

Retire politicians

Why is that politician never retire? As they grow old, their focus shifts from service of others to the welfare and security of their sons, daughters, grandchildren and other relatives. Keeping in mind the uncertainty of politics, they make hay while the sun shines. The result is corruption, favouritism, illegal gratification, nepotism and lawlessness.

Let there be a serious national debate over the retirement age of politicians so that a consensus is reached. It may seem like a distant dream but a beginning, howsoever small, must be made in this direction.

Dr VINOD PANDYA, Shahabad Markanda

Reduce burden

The recent debate on education policy encourages me to believe that things will change for the better. It is depressing to see small children burdened with heavy school bags. Not only are they are made to study for long hours in classrooms, they are sent for tuitions in the evening. Thus they are left with little time to play and enjoy. Indeed, the burden and stress on school- going children must be reduced.

KAMALJIT MANGAT, Nizampur

Respect treaties

The editorial, “A fruitful visit” (Aug 25) aptly detailed the mutual benefits of the agreements between India and Nepal. India can play a major role in the developmental activities of Nepal like building of rail and road network, a police academy and a medical institute, etc.

But the problem with the Government of India is that it is found lacking in implementation and is unable to curb red tapism.

Dr TIRATH GARG, Ferozepur City

Save daughters

The editorial “Killing unborn daughters" (Aug 18) has rightly called India a son-obsessed nation. Killing unborn daughters is a heinous crime. Initiatives like “Nanhi Chaon” are welcome. But many more steps need to be taken to ensure that unborn daughters are saved.

KOMPAL GUPTA, Shimla

Crisis in BJP

The ongoing crisis in BJP is getting deeper. After Sudheendra Kulkarni, Arun Shourie and Vasundhara Raje Scindia now B C Khanduri has also revolted against the party. The BJP doesn’t look like a political party but a conglomeration of individuals with different views.

SHAILESH KUMAR, New Delhi

Media must fight for values H K Dua, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune, has spoken from his heart while delivering his lecture on “Future of print journalism in India” at the University of Hyderabad (news report, “No threat to Indian print media in near future: Dua” by Suresh Dharur, Aug 25). I fully endorse his views that the country’s print media faces threat from within rather than from new technologies. Journalistic values are compromised when newspapers start working primarily for profit. This allows vested interests to grow and socio-economic and other public interest issues are ignored. The media must play its due role in strengthening democracy and other constitutional values. It must keep people well-informed about “causes and effects” behind persistent socio-economic evils. The media is the “voice of the people” and must act as an accessible “instrument” and solve individual and social problems. SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA. Kapurthala