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The verdict in the Ruchika molestation case is shocking, shameful and disgusting, to say the least. One shudders to imagine the agonising plight of Ruchika Girotra’s family. Undeniably, the case reveals the nexus between Rathore and his “saviours”.

This is not an isolated example of police highhandedness. Other police officers are using their might for personal gains. They are least concerned about violation of human rights. The police’s highhandedness makes a mockery of the law. It is the government’s duty to protect citizens from the so-called guardians of law and order. What is the government doing to discipline the police and who will police the police? Strangely, the government is silent on these vital issues.

ROSHNI JOHAR, Shimla

Arrest price rise

Unless and until governments take a critical look by examining the root cause of the rising food prices, there can be no solution (editorial, “Blame game again”, Dec 22). The real culprits behind high food and commodity prices are the middlemen who control and manipulate prices by creating artificial shortages.

These middlemen who pay the farmers as little as possible create shortages through hoarding. The retailers too extract as much as they can from the customer. The governments have no control or supervision on the middlemen and retailers. The government should come out with a concrete plan to procure the products directly from the farmers and market it through authorised departmental outlets at reasonable rates for the benefit of both the farmers and the public.

SHIVANI ARORA, Ferozepur City

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Indeed, the ruling state politicians are often hand in glove with profiteers. In-fact, the state governments are doing nothing to check the price rise of essential commodities.

The hoarders create scarcity of food items like pulses and cereals. Until raids are conducted on traders holding stock beyond permissible limit the situation will remain the same. The government should identify the reasons for abnormal price rise. It is high time the government took corrective measures.

RAJESH SHARMA, Jalandhar Cantt

Pandora’s box

The declaration about setting up of Telangana state has created many controversies. The decision seems to be hasty as even the ruling party MPs and MLAs of Andhra Pradesh are not in favour of the bifurcation of the state. Besides, it can create problems in others states also.

The Centre should keep in mind that creation of new states will open the Pandora’s box. For every now and then there will be similar demands. The government of India should think twice before implementing the decision.

MANJIT SINGH, Ludhiana

Simplicity personified

The simple lifestyle of the Health Minister of Punjab is worth emulating. Other ministers should take a lesson from her, provided they are serious about the austerity drive (news report, “Simplicity, courage of conviction define Laxmi Kanta”, Dec 21). Her refusal to accept gifts from institutions and tying rakhi to the jawans standing guard at the farthest border post of Punjab are unique features of her personality.

She is certainly a source of inspiration for the younger politicians who should adhere to the dictum of service and sacrifice. She wishes to renounce active politics for reasons best known to her. Whether her decision is voluntary or under compulsion is not known. It will be in the fitness of things if she renounces state politics and enters national politics.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI,Kapurthala

Health policy

The news report “Panel advises autonomy for AIIMS, PGIs” (Dec 14) prompts me to ask that when the national health policy shall be adopted for the acceleration and achievement of public health goals.

Presently, the allopathic doctors treat the sick, whereas the country needs doctors who can teach the public how to remain healthy and fit.

ADITYA N CHOPRA, Kurukshetra