Fighting terrorism

It is not so uncommon to hear that India is a soft state for its weak-kneed approach to combat terrorism largely because of want of strong political will and efficacious law (Editorial, “Amending AFSPA: Humane law can’t weaken fight against militancy”, June 22).

Terrorism is the worst form of assault on the sovereignty of a nation and sanctity of human lives. Before branding any law as draconian, it must be understood that democracy and terrorism are dichotomous, and to save the former sometimes the state has to take recourse to some unsavoury legal mechanism. Moreover, everything, including the law created by some human agency, is vulnerable to misuse. The remedy lies in minimising such misuse by awarding exemplary punishment.

History bears testimony to the fact that the menace of terrorism can be stamped out only if it is confronted with an iron hand. However, the sustained focus on constructive measures in terrorist-infested areas and respect for the notion of human rights will also contribute immensely to the task of eliminatting the menace.

RAJENDER GOYAL, Bahadurgarh

Where is justice?

The verdict in the Bhopal gas leak case has come after almost 26 years and still the public is asking questions about how Union Carbide chairman Warren Anderson fled the country. The cases relating to the riots after Indira Gandhi’s assassination are still hanging in procedural wrangling. No one has been punished in the Babri Masjid demolition case though the incident occurred in 1992.

The Ruchika molestation case took about 20 years for the justice system to come out with a verdict. And the punishment the culprit got is no punishment in fact. Something is definitely wrong with our justice system which needs to be corrected.

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana

Welcome retirement

The middle piece, “Retirement, be not proud’ by Harbans Singh Virdi, June 15, is a shot in the arm for those who consider “retirement” as a dreaded incurable disease. We must welcome retirement gracefully when it comes. It’s not the end of the world. Life is like a cricket match comprising two innings. The second inning (post-retirement) must be played with as much vigour and enthusiasm as the first inning so as to emerge as a champion. No one after retirement should consider himself as a useless and discarded individual. Associate yourself with social service and welfare projects run by volunteer organisations. You will regain that feeling that you are valuable and important.

HARBAS SINGH, Ambala Cantt.

Mother of all ills

Kuldip Nayar’s article, “The verdict against Indira Gandhi; circumstances that led to emergency” (June 12), was thought provoking. The much-maligned emergency was, in fact, welcomed by the common man, certain excesses notwithstanding. It came to be seen more as a boon than a bane. Sadly, however, the birth control programme went astray, but that was no reason to have abandoned it altogether.

The unhindered growth of population is the mother of all our ills. Rampant corruption, uemployment, price rise, etc, are the products of ever-increasing population. There is an urgent need to revive the birth control programme. The growing numbers, if not checked, will devour our economic growth.

WG. CDR. C.L. SEHGAL (retd), Jalandhar

Epitome of strength

God could not be everywhere, it is said. So he made mothers to take care of their children whom they tend and nurse selflessly (Tushima Rattan’s middle, “Hallowed pillar of strength”, June 17). A mother does not only bring up her children but also draws out their potential to help them develop physically, morally, intellectually and spiritually.

In fact, she is an epitome of energy, unlimited patience, good humour, perseverance and tolerance. Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world to honour the mother and to feel and cherish the beautiful bond the children share with her.

Alas! Today’s generation is drifting away from this bond. Grown-up children don’t want to live with their parents. Many parents have no option but to turn to old-age homes.

TARSEM S. BUMRAH, Batala