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Pak remains nerve-centre of terrorism

Given the history of India’s troubled relations (editorial, “Pak inaction on 26/11”, Sep 8) with Pakistan, it will be naïve to expect a change of heart in Pakistan leading to the arrest and trial of Hafiz Mohammed Saeed and other perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks. The government of Pakistan will not change its belligerent attitude towards us as long as their political leaders are unable to rein in their army and the ISI, who call the shots.

It is an open secret that a number of terrorist camps still exist in Pakistan from where cross-border attacks are launched against India. Riding high on generous largesse from the US and bolstered by an anti-India partnership with China, Pakistan is unlikely to cooperate with us in bringing to book the perpetrators of the 26/11 attack.

While we should assiduously explore all available avenues for creating a strong world opinion for bringing enduring peace and stability in South Asia, there should be no let-up in our guard against possible cross- border acts of terrorism. Pakistan continues to be the nerve-centre of international terrorism.

GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA, Shimla

Judges and assets

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the judges of the Supreme Court have agreed to disclose their assets. In the editorial “Saying ‘yes’ to disclosure” (Aug 28) it has been rightly observed that leaving a few, mostly judges are honest and known for their integrity and character. Their reluctance to disclose assets had created doubts in public mind. The people have the right to know whether ministers, civil servants and judges have acquired assets disproportionate to their income.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Quota for women

The decision of the Central Government to enhance the reservation for women in all tiers of the panchayati raj system from 33 to 50 per cent is a laudable step. It will reduce male dominance in the local administration. The historic decision will also pave the way for reducing corruption in our local bodies.

However, care should be taken to ensure that women representatives are not reduced to rubber stamps. They must be allowed to exercise power without influence and interference of their male relatives.

D V JOSHI, Bartana, Zirakpur

Committed leader

Y S Rajasekhara Reddy‘s untimely demise is a huge setback and an irreparable loss to the nation.

He will be remembered as a committed and sincere leader who worked for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden. His commitment for the development of the state, particularly for the successful implementation and expansion of the NREGS projects, was exemplary.

Dr S K AGGARWAL, Amritsar

Threat from China

The lesson India needed to learn from the 1962 debacle was that it had to match China militarily. Yet China has outclassed India in every field, political leadership included. It will be in the public interest if the allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana are used to create additional mountain divisions.

The Border Roads Organisation should be asked to complete the road network all along the border. Our politicians who waste money on building statues need to realise that democracy will become meaningless in the face of the threat from China.

Dr L R SHARMA, Jalandhar

Sitting ducks

The editorial “CRPF in the valley: Unarmed jawans can become sitting ducks” (Sep 2) exposed the unrealistic stand of those in the Kashmir valley who had been campaigning against the para-military forces for some time. If the PDP leaders are so sure that the situation does not warrant security personnel carrying arms, they should give up their security cover that has been provided by the government.

I salute The Tribune for highlighting the real picture of the valley in the same way as it did during the trial of Sardar Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari, Hamirpur

Doctors’ negligence

If the treatment given to a patient by a doctor (article, “Death by negligence” by V Eshwar Anand, Sep 2) is grossly negligent as to be described as reckless, and if a patient’s death is a result of such treatment, a doctor should be indicted. The doctor must be shown in every case to have exercised care, skill and judgement.

ADITYA N CHOPRA, Kurukshetra

Need for more women judges
It is an irony that no one has raised the issue of near-negligible presence of women in higher echelons of the judiciary i.e. the Supreme Court and high courts. Since there cannot be reservation for women in the judiciary, the initiative for greater representation of women should originate from within.
Though in recent years, there has been a marginal increase in the number of women judges in the high courts, this increase is nominal and more women judges are needed.
At present, we have only 45 women judges in the high courts. In the apex court, only three women have so far occupied the position of judge.
Sadly, the issue was not even discussed or debated at the recent Chief Justices’ annual conference. The time has come to give women their due representation in the higher judiciary.
HEMANT KUMAR, Advocate, Ambala city