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

Communal issues can be solved amicably

The editorial “Grassroots wisdom: Villagers show more sagacity than leaders” (Sept 21) is right in its appreciation for the residents of the two Uttar Pradesh villages – Dhuswa Kala and Katra —who wisely adopted a secular approach to resolve communal issues which had a potential to explode if the mischievous elements had their way to exploit them. Now in Dhuswa Kala a temple will also exist along with a tomb on an equally divided land. At Katra, the local Muslim community will happily instal a new idol in place of the idol damaged by the two fighting goats belonging to an old Muslim woman.

Both incidents exhibit mutual respect between the two communities. In fact, the wise leaders of the two communities did not give any opportunity to those special “leaders” who are expert in playing communal politics only.

The nation is waiting for the court verdict in the Babri Masjid title suit with implied fears and anxieties, but the path followed by residents of Dhuswa Kala and Katra is an example in itself. Followers of both communities must understand that ultimately all have to live in a democratic, secular and united India. Communal divisions can never do any good to the socio-economic health of the country. Moreover, people’s immediate concerns are “roti, kapda, makan”.

The media, the intelligentsia, NGOs, true politicians and saner people must do their best to promote communal harmony among the people. India cannot progress if its communities are not at peace with each other. Isolate fundamentalists and communalists of all hues.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

The inhabitants of two villages in Uttar Pradesh have definitely shown maturity and farsightedness by sorting out issues amicably and on their own. Otherwise, these incidents had the potential of snowballing into a bone of contention assuming a communal colour and our leaders could have easily exploited them for their nefarious designs.  

As mentioned in the editorial, by raking up sensitive and contentious issues, politicians try to deflect people’s attention. While the common man is busy eking out a living, our politicians are always looking out for inter- community and inter-religion disputes for serving their selfish ends. Left to themselves, people belonging to different religions, creeds and castes can iron out their differences on various matters through mutual give and take. 

It goes without saying that the media can play a big role in dousing the flames of hatred and distrust plaguing the nation by highlighting pleasant and positive incidents. The Tribune deserves a big salute for taking a lead in this regard.

SATWANT KAUR, Mahilpur

Games mess

Athletes from four countries have asked for accommodation in the hotels as they find the rooms at CWG Village filthy. To add more insult to our pride, came an explanation that our standard of hygiene is different than foreigners, meaning thereby that these rooms are clean and hygienic as per Indian standards. Let us save our country from further shame. In the meantime, we must strive to make our country free from corruption and hygiene problems.

Dr RAKESH KHULLAR, via e-mail

Why caution judiciary?

The editorial, “Judicial overreach” (Sept 8) has raised many questions. When the political leadership appears to be collapsing, who would take care of the rights of citizens? It is so easy for politicians to draw a line where its domain starts. The Prime Minister arguably, one of the most honest politicians, should have taken the minister concerned to task.

Moreover, in India, people have no other option except to knock at the doors of the judiciary. While the Prime Minister has sounded a note of caution to the judiciary, the common people have lauded the Supreme Court’s decision.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari, Hamirpur

II

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s advice to the Supreme Court “not to get into the realm of policy formulation is unwarranted and deplorable. Any statute and any policy by any government lacking natural justice is unjustified. Forty crores Indians are almost starving and it is shameful that several million tonnes of food grains are wasted every year. The wastage is due to wrong formulation of government’s policies. The Supreme Court has rightly snubbed the rulers.

More than six decades have passed and the rulers have been formulating policies to their convenience which has extensively and intensively damaged the economy of the nation. Corrupt politicians with the collusion of crooked businessman and corrupt bureaucrats are busy accumulating billions of ill-gotten money.

DALBIR SINGH CALCUTTA, Amritsar

Jats’ illogical demand It is the height of absurdity that Jats of Haryana are demanding reservation under the OBC category. It is inexplicable that the community that has been ruling the state almost right from its inception and has played a dominant role in state politics, has sound social and cultural values, has been running scores of educational institutions, controls major part of land resources of the state, has strong and impressive representation in defence and para-military forces, should consider itself backward. They are leaders, not backwards of Haryana. There has been astonishing and remarkable improvement in their representation in state services during the past 40 years. The leaders of the Jat community should have a broader view. They should pay attention to the social fabric of the state. There are millions of other deprived and less-privileged sections of society. The Jat leaders should instil a sense of self-confidence, self-respect and national outlook in the minds of masses rather than whipping up fissiparous and destructive emotions. S.K. DUA, Mandi Dabwali, Sirsa