L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Hooda’s stance on khaps is indefensible

The stance of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda before the Group of Ministers (GOM) constituted to work out the contours and the contents of the law to curb the menace of “honour killings” reeks of sheer political opportunism (news report, “Hooda’s no to law on honour killings”, Aug 26).

His contention that khap panchayats have no role in the gruesome murder of innocent youngsters is indefensible. The frenzied and sanguinary exhortations of the self-styled leaders of such organisations in full public glare have become an order of the day in Haryana. It not only creates law and order problem but also has the potential to put the social fabric in the state in jeopardy.

Moreover, even a cursory glance across the state of Haryana will bring out that these entities are predominantly caste-centric and mostly operating in those castes which are socially, economically and politically better off. Having already reaped the benefits of political empowerment, they come out in large numbers to participate in the electoral process and constitute a huge vote bank for political parties. Politicians all across the political spectrum (but for exceptions like Shamsher Singh Surjewala) try their utmost to woo them for political gains.

NEETI GOYAL, Bahadurgarh

Grabbing land

Indeed, it is shocking to know that Punjab is losing its green cover. Concrete structures are replacing forest cover. Action is not being taken against unauthorised colonisers for 145 IAS and 180 PCS officers are among the beneficiaries.

The editorial “Land of grabbers” (Aug 14) has aptly pointed out that if the top leadership succumbs to the pressure why should junior civic officials take the trouble to demolish the structures being raised in their areas. However, action will have to be taken by the top leadership if green cover is to be retained in Punjab.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Men’s manners

In the middle “Men and manners” (Aug 3) Jupinderjit Singh aptly described the behaviour of most of the men of this world. However, I don’t agree with his views fully because the attitude of men described in the “middle” does not fit all the men of this world. Just as all watches do not tell the same time, similarly all men are not of same kind. There are many men who, instead of wasting their time on pursuing girls, prefer the company of wise people who give blessings to them.

ANKITA SHARMA, Talwara, Hoshiarpur

Mother Teresa

The Nobel Peace Prize Winner Mother Teresa with her dedicated affection towards the poor and the destitute truly worked for the welfare of society. Indeed, there was no difference between her words and her deeds. She always spoke of simple things. Presently there are 758 homes all over the world in 134 countries of which 244 are in India. She was truly the most powerful woman in the world. I salute her dedicated work.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

MPs’ pay

People in politics are there by choice and nobody has forced them to join this profession. They should remember the plight of poor people and should not have got a raise in their salaries. Instead a commission should have been set up to look into the issue while keeping in view the economic condition of the country and its people.

MANOHAR LAL SHARMA, Hoshiarpur

Relevance of Punjab accord The exclusive on the Rajiv-Longowal Accord (Aug 20) by Kamlendra Kanwar was incisive. The accord, which was signed by the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal in 1985, is still relevant and is not a closed issue. The agreement provided a basis for the return to normalcy but it was unacceptable to a few militants who refused to give up the demand for an independent Sikh state. That is why social divisions and problems still exist in rural areas. However, the present situation remains peaceful to a large extent.  Except for the sharing of river waters, issues like the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, compensation to those killed in Punjab’s era of militancy and an inquiry into the 1984 riots are not being discussed.  There is another version that the idea behind the accord was that Sikhs remain divided into militant and moderate camps and Rajiv Gandhi had managed to divide the Sikhs and then unceremoniously dumped the accord. But it is totally wrong and it has rightly been opined that the assassination of Sant Longowal was a major turning point in Punjab’s history.  Any issue of a state or a nation can be solved if our politicians keep in mind that we are Indians first. Some of the seasoned politicians were more worried about their political standing than taking care of the people of the Punjab. It is never too late. HARISH DIDO, Chandigarh