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Punjab legislators’ conduct was disgraceful

The news report “Free-for-all in Punjab House” (Dec 9) by Prabhjot Singh brought to light the unruly scenes in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha which are certainly against the decorum of democracy. Rowdyism shown by our representatives is disgraceful and needs to be condemned. It is really appalling that discussion on law and order brings lawlessness in the Assembly.

Despite repeated assurances by the SAD and the BJP, the law and order situation has been deteriorating in the state. It is not conducive for business and economy. Sense of insecurity among sections of society is increasing. As a result entrepreneurs are having second thoughts about investing in the state. Corrective measures must be taken. Otherwise, the economy would be derailed.

Capt SK DAT TA, Abohar

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR, SAS Nagar

III

A statement on the law and order situation in the state creates unprecedented lawlessness and free-for-all on the floor of the Punjab Assembly. It is followed by the usual ritual of condemning the unfortunate incident and blaming the rival camp for causing disrespect to the Assembly.

Ironically, Punjab is not the only state where such shameful incidents occur. The law has been too lenient and casual towards their acts of omission and commission. These people have managed to remain above the law of the land.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

 

Save Sukhna With a view to reducing the input of silt in Sukhna Lake, the UT administration has constructed 190 check dams on its upstream side. Their objective is to impound the silted water, allow the silt to settle on their beds and release the de-silted water for the lake. However, in actual practice, for some unspecified reason, the de-silted water is being retained in these check dams for an indefinite period. This amounts to encroaching upon the lake’s legal share of water. It is surprising that the government is neither aware of the total water holding capacity of these check dams nor the water being actually held by these. The concept of having a water budget for Sukhna Lake and protecting its share of water is missing. Prudence requires that unless it can be proved by a reliable water study that the 50-year-old lake has some surplus water, no portion of it should be diverted for other purposes. This can be ensured at zero cost by making it a rule to empty the check dams latest by the 15th of October every year. Without this the lake may become extinct for want of water in the near future. The well wishers of the lake should bring this point to the notice of the High Court during the hearing of PIL petition relating to the upkeep of the Sukhna lake fixed for 21, December, 2009. SP MALHOTRA, Former Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation, Haryana, Panchkula

Corrupt nation

India’s ranking as a “highly corrupt” nation is a serious blot on its fair name. If India has to tackle the menace of corruption its political leadership must be above board. Politicians should be men of integrity and dedicated to the cause of nation and democratic values. The administrative machinery will follow suit.

DAYA NAND, Charkhi Dadri

Arson in Ludhiana

Violence in Ludhiana has once again put a question mark on the law and order situation in Punjab. The incident of arson must be condemned by all sections of society. The Punjab government should deal firmly with those responsible and ensure that such incidents do not recur. It is the responsibility of the administration to maintain law and order.

RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU, Jalandhar City