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There can be no compromise with separatists

Expecting a visit of an all-party delegation to J&K to herald peace and harmony is like chasing a chimera (editorial, “Fresh move on Kashmir: An opportunity that can help end the crisis”, Sept 17). The move is a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the government after the situation has spun out of control.

Mr Omar Abdullah may be politically naive and may have failed in handling the situation efficiently and effectively. However, he is a moderate and a nationalist and, unlike Ms Mehbooba Mufti, does not run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. Anyway, it is anybody’s guess whether any other person in his place would have tackled the situation any better. 

To restore the law and order in the state, the J&K Government has to follow a two-pronged strategy. It must set up a credible mechanism to redress the grievances of the people and fasten the pace of development. The development should be a continuous process and the Centre should support Mr Omar Abdullah. 

HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur

Media’s responsibility

The sentiments of Col R D Singh (letter, “Spare the Army”, Sept 4) must be respected. But The Tribune cannot be criticised for discharging its duty honestly. Corruption at higher levels, especially in defence, is a serious issue as it can bring down the morale of subordinates. No doubt, the Army is alert as ever, but a responsible media has its own role to play.

Ex-Sergeant HARDESH BATRA, Paonta Sahib

Pining for home In the middle “Not welcome at home” (Sept 4) Tejinder Singh Sodhi has spoken his heart out, highlighting the plight of all those Kashmiris who were forced to abandon their homes due to unabated militancy in J&K. The longing to return to their homes, which they had built with their hard-earned money, and the emotional bond with their native valley, where they were born and brought up can’t be compensated with anything. Only a migrant can understand the agony of another migrant. Will there ever be an end to all this madness? The writer’s fear is not unfounded. Many members of his community were gunned down at Chattisinghpura when Bill Clinton arrived in India. Will the history repeat itself when Barack Obama arrives? Joseph Heller has aptly said, “A country is a piece of land surrounded on all sides by boundaries, usually unnatural.” HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt.

Rash driving

While it takes years of expertise to save one life, it takes seconds of negligence to end it (editorial, “Unsafe roads”, Sept 14). The number of road accidents can be brought down by following traffic rules. Besides, we should remember that negligent and rash driving is as much a crime as driving under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants.

MEENU MEHTA, Batala

Cancer of corruption

I endorse the views expressed in the editorial “Flight of corruption” (Sept 16). However, one does not expect a nation to exhibit firm conviction to weed out corruption when it abounds with corrupt elements in all sectors, be it public or private. Laws have failed to stop the cancerous growth of the malady.

To make the nation corruption-free, the process of sensitisation stressing immorality of corruption and virtues of honesty will have to be applied. This objective can at best be achieved when honesty is inbuilt in the character of students in schools and colleges through moral instruction. This would lead to the emergence of a new generation who would be honest by conviction.

R L MAHAJAN, Ludhiana.

Apology needed

Sports Minister M S Gill, while honouring Sushil Kumar who won the gold medal in the recently concluded world wrestling championship, snubbed Sushil Kumar's coach Dronacharya awardee Satpal Singh, (editorial, “Graceless Gill: Silences scores over the snub”, Sept 16). It is really a matter of shame.

No doubt, Mr Yashvir played an important role but the contribution of Mr Satpal cannot be ignored. Mr Gill must recognise the services of the gentleman coach who trained Sushil and made this glorious achievement possible. Mr Gill should apologise to Mr Satpal for this intentional or unintentional snub.

Dr HARINDER SINGH KANG, Yamunanagar

Ayodhya verdict

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court is slated to deliver its verdict on the Ayodhya title suits on September 24. Tension is running high. Let us hope that saner counsel would prevail and both Hindus and Muslims would be able to exercise restraint and maintain peace.

With Kashmir on the boil and the Centre’s plate of woes being full, it will be prudent for all Indians to remain calm so that the Centre can devote its attention and time to J&K and other urgent matters of the state.

R J KHURANA, Bhopal