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

Anti-sedition law needs to be reviewed

The editorial “Sen & sedition” (Apr 18) has rightly held that the anti-sedition law needs to be reviewed. In India, the powers-that-be have the temerity and tendency to misuse the present sedition law to suppress even the genuine voices against their misdoings. This law must have come in handy for the Chhattisgarh Government for putting Binayak Sen behind bars for his fight for human rights in the state.

It is really regretful that while social and human rights activists are sentenced to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges; dacoits, rapists, murderers and scamsters   go scot-free often with the connivance of their political masters. Some of them even become lawmakers with their money and muscle power.  

After Sen’s tribulations, the public must find ways and means to force sanity among our high-handed rulers. Only revisiting the present sedition law can do this. There should be no scope for its misuse. The victimised persons must be compensated for their illegal detention and their tormentors made to taste their own medicine.

HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur

II

The common man is surely confused with the lower courts pronouncing judgements and the Supreme Court often disagreeing with them and overturning their judgements. It is really surprising that Binayak Sen is considered guilty of sedition by the High Court and not by the Supreme Court.

It has been established that Dr Sen possessed Naxal literature and was even helpful to the Naxals in many ways out of sympathy for their cause. But nowhere has it been established that he incited violence among the masses. There is a dire need to review, if not repeal, the relevant laws.

R K KAPOOR, Mumbai

Save heritage sites

India has a rich, vast and diverse cultural heritage in the form of built heritage, archaeological sites and remains since prehistoric times. Thousands of heritage sites in our country are crying for attention and have been encroached upon. 

The ASI and the state government should identify these heritage sites and rope in private players who can preserve these sites on maintain, operate and transfer (MOT) basis. With this we can not only preserve our numerous heritage sites and generate employment, but also promote tourism in the country.

Dr KIRTI DUA, Ludhiana

Anna’s crusade

The articles “Waging war on corruption” (Apr 19) by B G Verghese and “Anna Hazare cannot stop ‘Shri 420’” by Surrendra Kumar (Apr 19) candidly projected the true and real state of affairs emerging after Anna’s fast and movement against corruption.

The credibility of our politicians is no doubt at its lowest ebb. Anna’s movement was a novel experience for the countrymen.

The words of praise from Anna for some politicians at the helm of some states and bashing for some others are certainly not politics. Unless and until the Anna in a common man awakes, the cancer of corruption cannot be mitigated.

Let us make a beginning to reform ourselves. The dream of corruption-free India has to be felt with an open heart. Anna’s movement has at least provided the much-needed jolt that calls for self-analysis and soul  searching.

SANJEEV TRIKHA, Fatehabad

II

In his article Surendra Kumar adequately explains practical aspects and hurdles being encountered in the crusade against corruption.

It appears that a properly organised counter-campaign to malign Anna’s associates is being undertaken to weaken their efforts in bringing a strong anti-corruption Bill.

It is evident that the fight against corruption will require a multi-pronged approach.

SC VAID, Greater Noida

III

Corruption, is immune to the law of diminishing utility. Possession of money should be need-based, not greed-based. Mahatma Gandhi rightly said, “Earth has enough to satisfy everyone’s need, but no one’s greed.”

PRAN SALHOTRA, Gurdaspur

Down memory lane

The middle, “Going back” (Apr 8) by Harish Dhillon took me down the nostalgic memory lane. Munshi Prem Chand once wrote that, “No matter what past is always good”. Ruskin Bond wrote, “Only yesterdays are truly splendid”.

The yearning for the past is unrelenting. The good old days haunt the mind like the rustle of dry leaves during rainy season.

Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson:  you find the present tense, but the past perfect!

You become nostalgic when memories from the past cloud the mind. Even a long forgotten smell from the past can force you to think about the days gone by.

BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL, Jalandhar

Cruelty to animals To the news report “BSF in a tizzy over cattle smuggling to Bangladesh” (Apr 17), I would like to add that when the cattle cease to be useful, they are put to auction in cattle fairs or mandis. These ill-fated animals are seen tethered in groups by strings through their nose. Mafiosi buy these animals and smuggle them to countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. These countries have attained notoriety for being the centres from where beef and leather are sent to West Asian countries. After purchase from mandis or cattle fairs, these cattle are marched at a trot for days together on hot dusty roads until they collapse from exhaustion They are rarely given food, water or rest during the long journeys. Many die en-route. These animals are most often smuggled alive or instead slaughtered before smuggling in slaughterhouses of the states where slaughtering is not banned. From sale, transport and slaughter the animals endure barbaric treatment, which has forced many fashion companies around the world to pledge not to use cruelty-sourced Indian leather. Till now there is no end in sight to cruelty to these ill-fated animals. Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar