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

Media must exercise restraint

I fully agree with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s observation that the media is blowing things out of proportion on the China front (editorial, “Sino-Indian relations: Media must heed PM’s call for restraint”, Sep 21). Not much importance should be given to such skirmishes.
There are Army Commanders on both sides of the borders to take care of such matters.

The media, especially the electronic media, makes a mountain out of a molehill just to increase its TRP ratings. The media must show restraint while reporting international affairs.

The editorial rightly expresses that painting an alarmist picture on the basis of half-baked information can jeopardise relations with China. The advice given by the National Security Adviser, Mr M K Narayanan, that if the media hype goes on, someone, somewhere might lose his cool and something might go wrong is most pertinent and must be taken very seriously by the media in reporting matters of national security.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

While we need to address the increasing trust deficit vis-a-vis China, it must be remembered that historically, Chinese government tends to take high ground as other nations extend it a hand of peace and progress. We need to step up our level of military parity.

We must strengthen our military. Our diplomatic initiatives, too, must be more pragmatic. A bolder posture in relation to China would also send out a strong message to Pakistan. Of course, the media must not whip up hysteria. But the government must act with bold determination.

R NARAYANAN, Ghaziabad

PM’s warning

The Prime Minister’s warning (news report, “PM: Maoist menace gravest threat”, Sep 16) that the situation in north-eastern parts of the country is far from comfortable is disheartening.

The crisis has been brewing for decades while the government has been watching it “carefully”. As Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh is expected to lead the country and take action rather than merely warn.

KESHAV SACHDEV, Panchkula

Nuclear threat

It is really alarming that Al-Qaida (editorial, “Al-Qaida wants nukes”, Sep 18) is trying to obtain nuclear know-how. This poses a grave challenge to the international community, which must fight this menace collectively.

Indeed, A Q Khan, Pakistan’s nuclear scientist must remain under house arrest to prevent further proliferation of nuclear weapons.

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA, Scotland, UK

II

At least the media is realising the danger of a possible nuclear holocaust. Since Pakistan is a failed state, the international community will have to find a way to ensure that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons do not fall into the hands of terrorist organisations.

AMAR THAKUR, London, UK

“Teaching shops”

Private institutions are mushrooming. The main aim of these institutions is to earn money. Most of these institutions fail to impart quality education and are producing professionals who are not up to the mark. The government must keep a close check on the functioning of such institutions and ensure that quality is not sacrificed.

MAJOR SINGH MANGHERA, Moga

Casteless society

The government should promote a casteless society. The most important step towards achieving a casteless society would be to stop caste-based reservations. The government should provide reservations to all BPL (below poverty line) families, regardless of their caste and creed.

Dr S S PAL,Gurdaspur

II

Reservation policy is purely vote-bank politics. Genuine reforms, which would bar reservations, alone, can make India progress and outperform the world.

HARSUKH SINGH, Amritsar

True memorials

Is any leader (column, Delhi Durbar “Another Bench, another view on memorials”, Sep 15) interested in erecting memorials in the memory of poets, scientists, artists and other great men and women who have brought glory to this nation? It is time leaders like Ms Mayawati shed their megalomania and pay tribute to the deserving.

Dr SURYA KANTA, Kurukshetra

Remove gender inequality With the implementation of Sakhsar Bharat Mission (editorial, “Mission education: India cannot progress while ignorant”, Sep 10), the major problem of gender inequality can be addressed. In a democratic nation like India, gender inequalities prevail in various spheres of life. With the introduction of such commendable schemes women can realise their rights. Educated women are far better equipped to fight gender discrimination than their uneducated sisters. PREETI SANGHA, Jalandhar