Parking problem

Undeniably, the solution to Shimla’s parking woes lies in building more multi-level parking spaces (news report, “Shimla to have more parking space”, Nov 22). While the Army has built it’s parking for about 40 to 50 vehicles, civil authorities are yet to act in this area. Besides, most of the parking space is confined to one part of Shimla i.e. lift, High Court, municipal corporation and Holiday Home. Instead, parking spaces should be built in all pockets of the town.

Strangely, none exists near Winterfield, where it is urgently needed. Behind Winterfield, there is a vacant government land, which is ideally suited for a parking lot.

Moreover, a lift here also, would provide connectivity from Cart Road to the Mall and prove to be a boon to pedestrians, senior citizens, tourists and school children. The government should seriously consider multi-level parking systems.

ROSHNI JOHAR, Shimla

Pope and condoms

This refers to the Pope’s controversial comments on the use of condoms. The source of the controversy relating to the Pope’s recent comments on condoms is sadly the Vatican’s own newspaper which incorrectly quoted the Pope as saying that condom use can be “justified” in some cases (i.e. prostitution). This is inconsistent with infallible church teaching.

It seems all the Pope was claiming that condom use “can be a first step in the direction of moralisation, a first assumption of responsibility” is that God can come to us at any time and in any circumstance and enlighten our consciences as to what is right and wrong.

Even in the midst of sin, God can rescue us from ourselves for no man is wholly evil and with God all things are possible. In this sense, the pope’s comments serve not only to strengthen the Churchs’ teachings against contraception, it also holds out the hope of salvation to those still firmly in the grip of sin.

PAUL KOKOSKI, Hamilton (Ontario), Canada

Good governance wins

The stupendous success of the JD(U)-BJP combine has been on the expected lines whereas the massive defeat of the Congress and the RJD has been unexpected and unpalatable for dynasty loyalists. The victory of the NDA has been the victory of good governance, meritorious leadership and law and order improvement after years of jungle raj.

Even the Centre’s obstruction in not providing required relief to Bihar due to the Kosi problem and trying to create a chasm between the JD(U) and the BJP on communal lines have not worked. The BJP has rightly hailed it as the victory of the meritorious leadership over dynastic politics.

MANISH GARG, Noida

Signals from Kabul 

I fully agree with the views that the American withdrawal from Afghanistan is not in the interest of world peace, and that only the Pakistan Taliban and President Karzai want the American pullout (editorial, “Disturbing signals from Kabul”, Nov 24). I also agree that there are no  “good Taliban” as such and the NATO must ensure the safety and security in the region before its forces withdraw from Afghanistan. Stability in the region is in the interest of all.

AMARJIT SINGH GORAYA, Griffith, Australia

Tackle corruption

The editorial “An unholy nexus” (Nov 25) rightly pointed out the corruption prevalent in our country. Gone are the good old days when our leaders thought of only the welfare of the people.

The electoral system should be made more transparent and people with criminal background should not be allowed to contest the elections. People who expose corruption should be given awards at the Republic or the Independence Day.      

JASLEEN KAUR, Amritsar