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

World must unite to fight terrorism

In the editorial “Eight years after 9/11” (Sep 14) it has been rightly pointed out that eight years after the suicide terror attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, killing nearly 3,000 people, the global war on terror that the US announced in retaliation has made the world no safer to live in. However, it is creditable that the US has succeeded in warding off terrorist attacks in their country by tightening security considerably and through proper coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. It is a lesson that other countries, especially, India who is facing the brunt of the terrorism need to learn.

Otherwise, the conflicts that the erstwhile Bush administration initiated continue to take a heavy toll on Iraqis, Afghans and Americans alike. But the mastermind of the WTC attacks, Osama bin Laden, remains at large, his terror outfit Al-Qaeda is still going strong and the much-dreaded Taliban desperadoes continue to have a foothold in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan.

Indeed, the gains on the US home front have been more than offset by the blunders of Mr George Bush’s foreign policy fanning greater hostility for the Americans. It is now for Mr Barack Obama to act wisely to tackle the menace of terrorism that has become a global threat. The world must unite to fight it.

SUMAN KUKAL, Chandigarh

Accept power hike

The recent hike in power tariff must be accepted keeping in view the helplessness of the government. The PSEB is incurring huge losses. Free electricity is given to farmers, the rationale being that prosperity of farmers will lead to prosperity of the nation. Besides, electricity thefts have been taking place. We should cooperate with the government and sacrifice individual benefit and be ready to pay more for power.

GURLEEN KAUR, Ludhiana

Delhi stampede

It is shocking that six girls students (editorial, “Stampede in Delhi” Sep 12) were killed and as many 30 others received injuries in a stampede at a government school in Delhi. Stampede can be prevented by simple measures. In the absence of crowd control management such incidents are likely to occur frequently.

Authorities concerned should ensure that the crowd density is manageable; especially where there is lack of space, narrow lanes, stairs or steep approaches or exits. Safety of children in schools has not received adequate attention from the regulatory authorities and it is a matter of serious concern.

Dr S K AGGARWAL, Amritsar

II

The recent stampede in Delhi was shocking. We are aware of the pitiable condition of school buildings, especially government schools, yet we do little to improve it.

Why is the Union HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal paying more attention towards the examination system of the CBSE schools and paying little heed to the security of students studying in accident-prone buildings?

NEHA PAUL, Patiala

Couch potatoes The article, “Outdoor activities boost classroom performance” (Sep 8) should serve as an eye-opener to Indians. Indeed, indoor kids are distracted, less fit, more aggressive and hard to manage in the classroom. Children stay inside mainly because of addiction to the idiot box or are glued to the Internet. Not only have our children become couch potatoes but also their love for gadgets like play stations has made them anti-social and introverts. A K GILL, Jalandhar Cantt

Lavish lifestyle

The ministers’ claim (news report, “Ministers told to give up 5-star luxury”, Sep 9) that they were paying for their stay at the five-star hotels from their pocket doesn’t sound credible. How can ministers afford to pay for such luxury?

If their claim is true, their sources of income need to be probed. Other politicians who indulge in extravagant spending should also be made accountable.

Wg-Cdr C L SEHGAL (retd), Jalandhar

Invest in education

For sustainable progress, it is essential that big corporate houses invest in the education sector. Their purpose should not be to make profits but to serve the poor children and ensure that they get proper schooling.

Of course, the government, both at the Centre and the states, should give top priority to education. Private enterprise, too, must realise its social responsibility.

SANJEEV, Amritsar

Save resources

India’s population is increasing rapidly and our natural resources are depleting day by day. The precious natural resource i.e. water is also depleting fast.

We must do all we can to save water as well as electricity. Alternatives like solar energy should be used.

VERTIKA GUPTA, Kapurthala