II

I endorse the views expressed in the editorial. Indeed, exemplary punishment should be given to all those who disturbed communal harmony in a bid to gain power. Violence ought to have no place in a civilised society.

I want to add that the law should not be biased in such matters. No political party should be singled out or targeted. All political parties have been practicing such tactics for gaining power since Independence.

It is time all cases regarding caste, communal, regional and linguistic riots since Independence were thoroughly probed and the guilty brought to justice. If only selective cases are probed and only one party is targeted, the credibility of the judiciary, the media and intelligentsia shall be in doubt. 

Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.

ARVIND DHUMAL, Jalandhar

Check price rise

There is need to boost farm production and reduce wastage (article, “Surging food prices” by Angrej Singh Gill, Nov 25). Prices of essential commodities have hit the roof and the life of common man has become miserable. We must find ways to increase the yield and crop area. There is an urgent need to check hoarding and black marketeering as well.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

Cycle of corruption

The editorial “Highly corrupt” (Nov 19) was timely. The nation is caught in a vicious cycle of corruption. We are proud of our culture, traditions and moral values. However, we are ashamed when the nation is seen as “highly corrupt”. Right thinking people should come forward to tackle corruption. Otherwise, dishonesty will become the best policy.

T C CHOPRA, Chandigarh

Child deaths

The fact that 5,000 children below five years die daily in India is shocking. In the 21st century when India is emerging as a superpower, high infant mortality rate and malnutrition present the other side of the picture that is highly dismal. The high incidence of infant deaths due to respiratory and prenatal complications is deplorable. Deaths due to medical negligence make matters worse.

 Dr SABINA JAIN, Fatehabad

US-China dialogue

We are reading too much in the US-China joint statement (editorial, “A matter of concern: Obama has given away a lot on S. Asia”, Nov 19). The US President’s statement was a tactical gesture to please China. Both the US and China are committed allies of India and Pakistan albeit motivated by their own interests. However, it is good that the two powerful nations met and discussed hot issues.

R M RAMAUL, Paonta Sahib

Unborn daughters

To the editorial, “Unwanted daughters” (Nov 24) I would like to add that the menace of female foeticide could be tackled only if we do away with the dowry system. Besides, general awareness drives must focus on changing attitude towards the fair sex.

The government should allocate more funds to save the girl child. Above all, every woman must take an oath not to abort female foetus.

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore

Try Kasab fast

We as a civilised nation have reason to be happy that Ajmal Kasab is being given a fair trial in keeping with our ideas of justice. But if some terrorist group kidnaps an important Indian and demands Kasab’s release as a quid pro quo for setting him free, India will be caught in a tricky situation. The trial should proceed most expeditiously and come to an end without delay or surrender to filibustering.

 N KHOSLA, Panchkula