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

Khaps must be reined in by government

The Haryana government (editorial, “Murderous mindset”, Oct 29) should act firmly against the extra-constitutional and murderous khaps. What is the relevance of khaps in the 21st century? They spread terror against those who dare challenge their obscurantist notions of “gotra”.

Khaps have no conscience and have no qualms in ordering “honour killings”. But the point is how they have sustained so far despite the spread of education.

Indeed, the vote-bank politics is solely responsible for it. No government in the state has ever cared to bring about the desired social change and social development. Attempts have not been made to modernise the rural society.

In the absence of strict action against khaps, these work without any fear of the law.

It is time the state government, political parties, the media, the intelligentsia and the NGOs came forward to eliminate this evil.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Matchless Sayani

The middle “Binaca Geet Mala” (Oct 22) by Major-Gen Raj Mehta (retd) was interesting. I was addicted to the popular radio programme Binaca Geet Mala and its matchless presenter Ameen Sayani has always been my ideal. His contribution to broadcasting is matchless and he has inspired generations. Those were also the days when melody reigned supreme and lyrics were soulful.

PARAMJIT SINGH ‘PARWANA’, Patiala

Laudable step

The launch of nation’s first public health helpline in Punjab to check female foeticide (editorial, “Welcome initiative”, Oct 12) is a laudable step. What is also needed is unrelenting awareness campaign. Parents must be impressed upon to take pride and pleasure in the birth of daughters. Stringent implementation of the PNDT law, too, can yield desired results and help curb the menace of female foeticide.

O P COUSHIK, Kurukshetra

Neglected roads

Roads in Patiala are crying for attention. The municipal corporation and the district administration seem to have gone into hibernation. Even patch repairs are not being done.

There is not a single road in Patiala that does not have potholes. It appears that the Akalis are now taking revenge against the people of Patiala. I would request the Chief Minister to find time to drive on the roads of his “adopted” city.

Wg-Cdr S S AUJLA (retd), Patiala

Rudderless BJP

The BJP leadership does not seem to be aware of the ground reality. Conflicting statements of BJP leaders demoralise party workers. The time has come to enlighten the masses about the BJP’s goals.

S K MITTAL, Panchkula

Speaker must resign from party
It is heartening that the Speaker of the newly constituted Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Mr Harmohinder Singh Chatha, has been elected unanimously. This has indeed raised the dignity and sanctity of the august office of the Speaker. More significantly, the fact that the incumbent has held the same post twice in the past further raises hopes that the House would be able to function more effectively and efficiently under his stewardship coupled with an adequate degree of neutrality as well as the absence of prejudice.

However, it would be more appreciable if Mr Chatha voluntarily resigns from the primary membership of his parent party — the Congress. This is neither prescribed under the Constitution nor mandatory under rules. It is an issue purely of ethical morality.
Even the anti-defection law permits the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly to voluntarily give up the primary membership of the parent party. If Mr Chatha does so, it would indeed be a healthy development. One may recall the unsavoury episode when the then Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr Somnath Chatterjee, was expelled by the CPM for defying its whip.
HEMANT KUMAR, Advocate, Ambala City