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

Action against Libya unjustified

The editorial “Action against Libya: Avoidable use of force under UN umbrella” (Mar 22) is appropriate and looks at the conflict from the Indian point of view. India’s foreign policy since the Nehru era has been of non-interference in the affairs of sovereign nations and continues even now.

The US on the other hand has been pursuing a policy of taking the rogue regimes to task at an appropriate time.

The US has not yet forgotten the bombing of its PanAm Airlines flight over Lockerbie in Scotland in which a large number of American citizens perished. Intelligence reports later on confirmed that Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had ordered this bombing. The American public has not forgotten this act of terrorism. US President Barack Obama, who had not been accepted fully by a large chunk of American public, for the first time got a majority support on the issue of limited military action against the forces loyal to Gaddafi.

HARJAP SINGH AUJLA, New Jersey, USA

Babehali, Gurdaspur

III

The action against Col Gaddafi is justified in view of his using brute means involving tanks, artillery, fighter aircrafts and sophisticated weapons involving his personnel militia and foreign mercenaries, to stop his own people who want a change. Actions of the US, UK and France should be limited to saving the people of Libya. India has rightly been following the middle path. Hope peace prevails in the region.

GAURAV KAUSHAL, Gurdaspur

Stop quotas

It is a fact that democracy is being derailed (editorial, “Blackmail tactics”, Mar 25). The agitators of the so-called backward classes are demanding caste-based reservations one after another. The recent clamour for reservations for Jats started in Haryana and is fully supported by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who himself is a Jat. He even justified this agitation and the reservation for Jats. It’s time to revisit reservation policy in India.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR, SAS Nagar

Earth Hour

Every year, March 26 is observed as Earth Hour, which is a great way to conserve energy and to contribute towards the conservation of the environment by switching off all electrical equipment for an hour on this symbolic day. Observing Earth Hour makes people across the globe aware of the importance of energy in our life.

 H DEVDHARMI, Chandigarh

Kashmiri Pandits

The statement of J&K chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley is more than welcome (editorial, “Testing times for Omar”, Mar 24). Kashmiri Pandits have been dislocated in their own country for a long time They must be provided full security against the terrorists Besides they should be given reservation in the jobs so that they may be rehabilitated economically.

It is indeed a testing time for the young Abdullah. If he is successful it will go a long way for the national unity and amity in the valley. We wish him all the success.

Dr AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA,  Griffith, NSW, Australia

II

If we see from the point of view of Kashmiri Pandits, would they want to come back to Kashmir with their children or grand children? It is not only up to the Chief Minister but also other party leaders to take up a stand. This should no longer remain a political issue but seen as an issue concerning humanitarian measures.

EILEEN SINGH, Jalandhar

Inculcate driving discipline  The editorial “Lawlessness on roads: Chalta hai attitude must change” (Mar 25) depicts the appalling indifference of the policymakers and executors responsible for making and enforcing road safety measures. Callous neglect results in loss of precious lives every year. This situation can be improved if care and caution are exercised in observing driving discipline sincerely and following traffic rules strictly. Most of the deaths are caused when mechanically unfit vehicles are brought on road or while resorting to speed more than prescribed for a particular stretch. Adequate checks and monitoring in this regard can control the damage to a large extent. The habitual offenders should lose their driving licences and face severe legal action, which should serve as deterrence to others. Training modules and special drives imparting awareness and respect for safety norms would lead to safe plying of vehicles. Citizens who maintain a clean record and exhibit driving etiquette and road courtesy should be appreciated. If the authorities concerned act and implement the valuable suggestions given in the editorial, the number of road accidents can be greatly reduced and sufferings of people minimised. Subsequently the quantum of court cases pertaining to avoidable accidents will decline allowing attention of heavily burdened courts to clear long pending issues. S C VAID, Greater Noida