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

India-Pakistan dialogue can help resolve issues

The editorial “India, Pak must talk: Not remaining engaged suits extremists” (Feb 9) has rightly emphasised that India and Pakistan must keep on talking. Such an interaction can help in resolving sensitive issues like cross-border terrorism and Kashmir. India and Pakistan are nuclear powers and resolving issues through dialogue becomes all the more important.

The American intelligence agencies have recently concluded that in their assessment Pakistan has steadily expanded its nuclear arsenal and is on the way to overtaking Britain as the world’s fifth largest nuclear weapons power. In the light of these reports it becomes all the more important that these two nuclear nations should understand the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue.

It is in the interest of the people of both nations that they should press hard on their respective governments for resolving issues through talks so that the people can live in peace in the entire region.

JAGDISH MITTER GANDHI, Gurgaon

O P SHARMA, Ambala City

Fatal journey

I agree with the views expressed in the editorial “Last journey” (Feb 3) pointing out how neither the people using the railways nor the various government departments have shown awareness of their own share of responsibility in bringing about the kind of tragedy that happened atop the Himgiri Express and Triveni Express in which nearly 20 youth returning from Bareilly fell to death.

The lack of vision on the part of the organisers of the ITBP recruitment tests, absence of coordination with the state government, dereliction of duty by the railways in allowing the people to travel on train roof, totally reckless approach of the roof-top travellers led to the loss of lives. It cannot be allowed to go on.

DESH BIR SHARMA, Hoshiarpur

Confront eve-teasers

The middle “Power to change” (Jan 18) by Aradhika Sharma speaks of courage. Her reaction after being teased is definitely laudable. Every woman must take a cue. When confronted by goons, they must have the courage to face them rather than falling prey to them.

Remember, these goons are cowards and act under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A little resistance or confrontation will do the trick. Keep distance from them and raise an alarm. Never argue, negotiate or interact with them. Avoid dark lanes and roads at night. Prevention is better than cure.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt

Educate children

The youngster’s piteous entreaties to buy a map evoked my sympathy for him and admiration for his determination to receive education (Punam Khaira Sidhu’s middle “Of RTE, BMWs and Lamborghinis”, Jan 21). At an age when they should be going to school, quite a large number of children pick rags from dirty dumps or do menial jobs in hotels and houses of affluent people.

While corrupt politicians wallowing in ill-gotten wealth pamper themselves with needless luxuries, about 80 crore people have to toil tirelessly to prevent deprivation. Can they bear the education expenses of their children? Society and the government must wake up to this grim reality.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

Aarushi murder case

It is with great concern that I am expressing my views regarding misuse of power of freedom of Press, especially by TV channels for unnecessarily highlighting the Aarushi murder case. The handling of the case by the TV channels must have hurt the sentiments of the Talwar family. Their reputation has been tarnished.

Circumstantial evidence may have indicated the family’s involvement, but it is yet to be established. The media should focus on cases of national importance such as corruption, terrorism, unemployment and population explosion. There is no need for the TV channels to continue reporting the Aarushi murder case day and night.

Dr KAMALJEET KAUR SEKHON, Patiala