Weak policies

What Mr Syed Ali Geelani is saying is a consequence of confused and weak policies of the Centre (news report, “Geelani’s no to PC talks offer”, Aug 8). The demands put forward by him, that is, to accept Kashmir as a disputed territory, withdrawal of troops from the valley and the implementation of the UN resolution on Kashmir are pro-Pakistan and this is what Pakistan wants. Obviously then, Mr Geelani is working on behalf of Pakistan. There could be many more like him in the valley and elsewhere in India. Unfortunately, the Centre has not been dealing with them firmly which has led people like him to assume importance even when they have been behaving and working like traitors.

They are self-proclaimed leaders with all possible support from Pakistan to create problems in the valley by disturbing peace. For them the government of India as well the state government are meaningless and for this reason they not only dictate terms but also create chaos. Their nuisance value is coupled with the government’s failure to act against them for their anti-national activities. Besides, in no case the US interference in the internal matters of the country should be allowed and if need be the US should be snubbed for its interference in the internal matters of the country.

Dr R K SHARMA, Faridabad

Check inflation

The actual price of petrol in India is Rs 26 which is inflated to Rs 52 by adding various types of central and state taxes (editorial, “More heat than light”, Aug 5). Millions of tonnes of food grains rot in godowns; vegetables and fruits perish due to poor storage. A majority of the rural population does not have access to pure drinking water and large numbers go hungry. What type of growth of economy is this?

The Opposition is playing politics over price rise and the ruling party is justifying inflation by calling it a sign of growth.

The Food Corporation of India and state food corporations are symbols of corruption and effective enforcement of the PDS and ESMA is lacking due to the inefficiency of the government. There is no check on the growth of population and agriculture has been neglected. The commission agents and middlemen are making huge profits at the cost of farmers. Any growth without a check on inflation is meaningless.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR, SAS Nagar

Unjust transfer

Justice P D Dinakaran’s transfer from the High Court of Karnataka to the High Court of Sikkim is no way of righting the wrong or penalising an errant officer, judicial or otherwise. Transfer doesn’t solve the problem of corruption. The rule of law must reign supreme and must be applied equally to all citizens of India powerful or powerless, rich or poor. That is the beauty of democracy.

The judiciary already has many safeguards denied to the common people of India. If a constable is charged with corruption on being found guilty on a preliminary inquiry he is forthwith suspended pending completion of inquiry against him, why should it be different for a judge accused of a similar charge?

In fact, action against him should be more stringent. If the standards of probity in judiciary are allowed to be lowered, no one can save the poor, oppressed and voiceless of the nation. It would have been better if Justice Dinakaran had been asked to stay at home. Further it is doubtful if the Bar at Sikkim will show him the respect due to a Chief Justice since the Bar at his last station of posting had been reluctant to cooperate.

R J KHURANA,  Bhopal

Mother’s presence

The middle “Like a mother”(July 28) by A J Philip was touching. Losing a mother is a sad moment and it is difficult to bear the irreparable loss.

Mother’s presence in one’s life is very important. In fact, though there is no difference between a mother and Almighty, mother can be placed before God.