The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Contaminated water
Punjab must take remedial steps

THE seriousness of the threat of contamination of drinking water in two districts of Punjab is for all to see, even before the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre gives its findings, as demanded by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Rural Development. High levels of chemical, biological and radioactive toxicity, including uranium contamination, have been known to be the bane of Bathinda and Amritsar districts for decades now. The apathy of the state government becomes evident when it fails to take urgent remedial actions, when it fails to take effective steps to reduce the pollution or to provide good drinking water to the people of the area. The sharp increase in the number of people afflicted with cancer, as well as neurological diseases and kidney ailments, is a matter of record, and their correlation has been increasingly documented by scientists.

Many experts blame the fly ash of thermal power plants, while others point to the highly contaminated water that flows down the Buddha Nullah. In either case, it is the government’s job to ensure that the environment is not polluted, and to protect the people who have to drink contaminated water, which enters the food chain cycle and thus threatens the public far beyond the confines of these two districts.

That uranium can cause incalculable damage to the health of human beings, livestock, environment and bio-safety is well known. We have seen the rise in number of serious ailments in the residents of these areas. The survey of the state by BARC would be valuable in providing an accurate assessment of the threat. However, instead of waiting for it, the state and the Central governments should work together to counter the effects of this contamination by providing filtered water for human consumption, and by reducing the pollution caused by the thermal plants. Every day is costly in terms of the harm to people’s health that it causes.

Infighting takes its toll
India robbed of hosting Champions Trophy

THE International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) decision to take the Champions Trophy hockey tournament out of India was something that was perhaps inevitable, considering that the Indian authorities in the sport, namely Hockey India, which has the approval of the FIH, and the Indian Hockey Federation, which had the court’s ruling in its favour, have created a situation no international body can stomach. So while the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association kept making all sorts of noises, the FIH did what was perfectly within its rights and powers and moved the tournament out, much to the chagrin of all concerned. The IOA bosses on their part tried to browbeat the FIH and also took the opportunity to take pot shots at the government, which has threatened to impinge on their fiefdoms. They were loathe to any attempt to question their attitude of indifference towards inefficiency and their complete lack of a culture of accountability.

The onus of fixing things lay with the people in control of things, both in Hockey India and the IHF. But neither seemed keen on a compromise. Sports Minister Ajay Maken managed to bring the officials of both bodies to the negotiating table, and some sort of a deal was thrashed out but no sooner than the office-bearers had left the table, things began to fall apart. HI warned players not to participate in the World Series Hockey tournament being planned by the IHF, which on its part continued to make all sorts of comments and claims in the dictatorial fashion made notorious by its chief.

Players pulled out of national camps giving family commitments as reason while others headed for lucrative club deals in Europe. The national hockey team has not been a cohesive unit for a long time and the evident differences between captain Rajpal Singh and some senior players did nothing to improve the unholy mess. India’s win over South Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy in China comes as a little bit of a relief for the beleaguered team and office-bearers, but the larger picture remains bleak as before.

Thought for the Day

When we long for life without...difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. — Peter Marshall

ARTICLE

Pakistan, Xinjiang and China
Looking beyond extremism
by D. Suba Chandran

During the last one month there were two high-profile visits from Pakistan to China; the first one in the middle of August by new Foreign Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar and the second by President Asif Zardari. Are these visits part of the regular rhetoric — “all-weather friendship” — or linked to the violence in Xinjiang in July after which the local government in China accused Pakistan?

Clearly, there is a strong component of fire-fighting from Pakistan’s side, especially after the government in Xinjiang accused Pakistan of not preventing Uighur radicals from using Pakistan’s soil, if not aiding them. The fact that Zardari visited Xinjiang on the occasion of Eid along with a high-profile team, and met various officials of the government of Xinjiang speaks for itself.

First, a geo-strategic look at Xinjiang will reveal the importance of China’s western-most province; the province shares legal borders with Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Xinjiang’s border with Pakistan is actually shared by Gilgit-Baltistan, and also a small border with the Aksai Chin. Xinjiang is China’s gateway to the rest of Central Asia and Europe. All the gas pipelines and the proposed trans-Asian railways have to cut across Xinjiang. Historically, Xinjiang was the centre of multiple Silk Routes, which crisscrossed the vast deserts and oasis cities of this historical province.

Second, a short note on what actually happened in Xinjiang before analysing the role of “Islamic terrorists”. For the last many years, there has been unrest within Xinjiang, but this issue is not monolithic. There are serious divides and multiple fault-lines within Xinjiang on social, economic and radical lines. The primary problem in Xinjiang is ethnic; the Uighurs who form the majority in Xinjiang claim that historically they were never a part of the Chinese kingdom. The fact that Xinjiang means “new frontier” and the Chinese dynasties have many “Xinjiangs” underline the Uighurs’ efforts to delink from the rest of China on a historical basis.

However, more than the historical question — whether Xinjiang belongs to China or not — the primary issue today is ethnic. According to the latest census, the Uighurs are 45 per cent, followed by the Hans who form 40 per cent of the population. The Mongols, Kazaks, Kirghiz and the Huis are the other substantial ethnic groups having more than 1 per cent strength each. More importantly for the Uighurs, from a political perspective, their ethnic origin plays an important role — they are of Turkic origin. What really hurts the Uighurs is their treatment by the rest of China in matters of culture, religion and language. The Uighurs complain against the state of China for mistreating them, affecting their future. They also complain against the rest of Chinese society for treating them as second class citizens. In any given ethnic situation, some perceptions are genuine and the rest perceived. Whether genuine or perceived, there are serious grievances among the Uighurs against the Chinese state, primarily relating to the ethnic question.

Third, and more importantly, in recent years, China has been attempting to develop Xinjiang as a gateway to the Western world; as a part of this objective, there have been efforts to create special economic zones and build cities of international standards. This strategy has resulted in two serious economic imbalances: first, as is happening in the rest of China, there is a rural-urban migration factor. For example, Kashgar today attracts a substantial number of migrants from rural Xinjiang. Second, economic investments in Xinjiang have also attracted substantial Han migration from the rest of China into this region. The Uighurs, like the Tibetans, complain that this Han migration into their region is a deliberate strategy of the Chinese government to change the ethnic composition of their homeland.

The influence of Uighur Muslim radical groups and the Pakistan connection should be seen against the above backdrop. While there are serious grievances being nursed by the Uighurs, these have remained primarily ethnic and political. During the last two decades, a section within the Uighurs has been trying to superimpose its religious agenda on them. Today, Uighur society is divided on ethnic and religious lines — whether to project their ethnic identity as a Uighur or their religious identity as a Muslim. Within this religious-ethnic divide, a section is further trying to hijack the religious agenda through a radical onslaught, using violence for the purpose. Thus, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), believed to be having its bases inside Pakistan, is a small organisation trying to impose itself on a larger Uighur cause.

According to media reports, the ETIM was founded in the mid-1990s; its leadership moved from Xinjiang into Afghanistan, when the Taliban and Al-Qaeda attracted all radical groups of the region from Uzbekistan to Pakistan. It was during this time (in the mid-1990s) that Afghanistan became a violent black hole, absorbing all radical groups into it — the ETIM (from Xinjiang), the IMU (Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan) and multiple radical groups from Pakistan. Whether these groups formed a larger network can only be a conjecture; but what could be ascertained was that these groups got displaced from Afghanistan when the US troops entered the region following 9/11. While the IMU got into FATA, the ETIM moved into Pakistan’s heartland. In terms of strategy, the ETIM’s technique is not new; there are numerous Taliban and Al-Qaeda franchisees within Pakistan attempting the same.

The crucial question today is: how far will Pakistan and China go? For Islamabad, a positive relationship with Beijing is the most important aspect of its foreign policy. With the 2014 deadline of US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan fast approaching, the US-Pakistan relations are likely to undergo transformation. The economic aid and political support from Washington to Pakistan will see transformation; at least that is what Islamabad and GHQ are afraid of. Worse, there is also the fear within Pakistan that the Indo-US strategic partnership, especially the nuclear deal, will enhance India’s nuclear capabilities. At the economic level, from Gwadar to the Sust dry port across the Khunjerab pass, China has made huge investments in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

At the border level, what is not fully analysed is the relationship between Xinjiang and PoK especially with the Gilgit-Baltistan entity. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) share strong economic linkages with Xinjiang. Most of Pakistan’s trade with Xinjiang actually is done through GB. There was a bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar during recent years; local businessmen from GB visit Xinjiang often; given their economic interests and religious background (the majority of the people in GB are Shias), they are unlikely to support any radical hold in Xinjiang.

Clearly, Pakistan needs China more than vice-versa. And unlike the Lashkar-e-Toiba or the Taliban, the ETIM does not fit in with any of Pakistan’s strategic objectives. Therefore, Islamabad is likely to work with China in addressing the ETIM threat emanating from Pakistan. Despite calling the recent violence in Hotan and Xinjiang as “terrorism”, Beijing should know that the threat comes not only from the ETIM but also from its larger ethnic problem, growing rural-urban migration and uneven economic development. Besides, Beijing also needs Pakistan to play a proxy role in South Asia for obvious reasons. Finally, there seems to be a difference in how Beijing and the local officials in Xinjiang see the role of Pakistan; it was the local officials from Xinjiang who complained that the militants were trained in Pakistan.

The unrest in Xinjiang is unlikely to alter Sino-Pak relations; there are larger strategic interests for both China and Pakistan to protect.n

The writer is Director, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, and Visiting Professor, Pakistan Studies Programme, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

MIDDLE

Longing for long hair
by Ruchi Sharma

THE fixation with long hair has been there since time immemorial. As children, we read and heard about fairies, queens, princesses and mermaids with beautiful long tresses which would be taken care of by their maids of honour who would oil, wash, curl and style them. In one such fairytale, Rapunzel, a sweet and charming girl, is imprisoned in a tower by a witch. Her melodious voice attracts a prince. He uses her long, golden and braided hair to climb up the tower. They are thus united.

In George Eliot’s “The Mill on the Floss” Maggie Tulliver cuts her hair with her brother Tom’s help, who can’t stop laughing when the deed is done. Seeing her unevenly cut hair in the mirror, Maggie is filled with remorse. She had cut her hair to avoid criticism of her ill-kempt hair but the plan had backfired.

In the short story ‘The Gift of the Magi’ by O. Henry, Della and James are totally smitten with each other. Each wants to give a surprise gift on Christmas. Della buys a chain for James’ watch by selling her lovely hair while James sells his watch and buys tortoise shell combs for her glossy and shiny hair. Though disappointed, on seeing the gifts for each other, the bond between the two is strengthened.

In contemporary times, shampoos are making quick money. Taking a cue from Indian woman’s yearning for long hair there are many products in the market. I have a South Indian friend whose height is surprisingly,5 ft and 10 inches, and her long hair are knee-length. The plait she makes gives the impression of a snake slithering on her back when she walks. I, out of curiosity, asked her how she manages her hair. She said that her mother helped her in washing her hair as she could not manage it single-handedly. After all, hair needs care. Tongue-in-cheek, I asked her whether she too would be able to pull a loaded truck out of a ditch with her long lustrous locks by the sheer strength of her hair.

Recently, while on a walk through the district park, I saw to my surprise, a threesome of two daughters and a mother all with long hair of equal length. The younger daughter skipped while she walked and her pony tail swung from side to side like a pendulum. As a child, I used to love long hair. My mother would forcibly take me to the hairdresser to get my hair cut. I would weep on seeing my curls being chopped. Believe me, it used to be no less than a national catastrophe.

OPED

September 12: World Oral Health Day
The mouth is the window to the body and is important for several reasons, ranging from cosmetic to functional. More importantly, extensive studies have successfully established the close link between overall and oral health. It is of paramount importance to take good care of one’s mouth and practice a proper oral care routine for complete well-being
The body-mouth connect
Dr Gopalakrishnan

Thinkstockphotos/Gettyimages
The ideal oral care regime

n Brush twice a day correctly, for at least 3-5 minutes using short, gentle strokes with focus on the base of the gums and hard to reach places like the back of the mouth. Place the bristles of your brush at an angle of 45 degrees along your gum line and brush using vibrating back and forth movement.
n Rinse regularly with an essential oil based mouthwash. Studies show mouth-wash with essential oil-based ingredients such as eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol reduce plaque by 70 per cent and gum problems by 36 per cent.
n Floss regularly to remove food that gets stuck between the teeth.
n Restrict the intake of starchy and sugary foods like cookies, pastries, junk food, aerated drinks, and drink plenty of water. Go for healthy diet — which includes more fiber.
n Visit the dentist once every six months for a complete screening even if you do not have any visible problem. get your teeth cleaned by a dental professional at least once a year

THE FDI World Dental Federation has dedicated September 12 as World Oral Health Day in order to create global awareness on oral health and educate people on the impact of oral diseases on overall health and well-being. This day while implying that a healthy lifestyle is incomplete without healthy teeth and gums also seeks to dispel common oral care myths and educate people on a complete oral care routine.

In India, this day is especially significant because of the low standards of oral hygiene practiced within the country. Studies show that a majority of people, 56 per cent, brush only once a day and an appalling 32 per cent have never gone to the dentist. The topmost oral health complaints in the country are tooth decay, gum problems and bad breath. According to the oral health experts, however, a lot of people suffer from oral health complaints without being aware of it and at times it can impact a person’s quality of life.

Many medical researches continue to challenge our general perception about the oral hygiene. Contrary to the popular belief that brushing the teeth is the only way to good oral care, the fact is that teeth are just 25 per cent of our mouth. So leaving the remaining 75 per cent part of the mouth unclean creates a good breeding ground for the bacteria to grow and spread. It is therefore important to use advanced oral care products like mouthwash and floss to ensure the entire mouth is protected.

Utter neglect

n Studies show that a majority of Indians (56 per cent) brush only once a day and an appalling 32 per cent have never gone to the dentist. The topmost oral health complaints in the country are tooth decay, gum problems and bad breath.
n Contrary to the popular belief that brushing the teeth is the only way to good oral care, the fact is that teeth are just 25 per cent of our mouth. So leaving the remaining 75 per cent of the mouth unclean creates a good breeding ground for the bacteria to grow and spread.
n People with periodontal (gum) disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as compared to those without periodontal disease.
n Oral bacteria could also cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream.
n Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar as the 6^th complication of diabetes mellitus is periodontal disease.
n Bacteria found in the throat and mouth can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions.
n Bacteria that reside in the oral cavity can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.
n Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.
n Loose teeth, severe gum disease, ill-fitting dentures and difficulty in eating or speech can all be a sign of decreasing bone density, an advanced stage of osteoporosis.

The common link between periodontal or gum disease and infections in the body goes beyond bacteria. Recent research studies provide proof of how inflammation is the connecting link between poor oral hygiene and chronic inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and pregnancy-related issues amongst many others. Many users are not aware that they are suffering from osteoporosis or diabetes, until the dentists spots the first signs during a routine oral examination and recommends further investigations. Often such a chance intervention or diagnosis can go a long way in controlling and even stabilising serious health conditions.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal (gum) disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

In people suffering from Periodontitis (inflammatory disease affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth), the bacteria may enter into the bloodstream while chewing and brushing. These bacteria can then attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels), contributing to clot formation. This plaque can lead to heart attack.

Oral bacteria could also cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream. The immune system’s response to these toxins could harm vessel walls or make blood clot more easily.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those who don’t have their diabetic condition under control are especially at risk.

Research suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes work both ways — periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar as the 6^th complication of diabetes mellitus is periodontal disease.

Good blood glucose control is a key to controlling and preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood glucose control get gum disease more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

Bacterial respiratory infections are considered to be acquired through inhaling fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within the lungs to cause damage. Recent research suggests that bacteria found in the throat and mouth, can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions.

Scientists have found that bacteria that reside in the oral cavity can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads researchers to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection. Studies are now in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequents bouts of respiratory disease in COPD patients.

For a long time we’ve known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight. Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor – periodontal disease. Research reveals that pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labour. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common human bone diseases affecting millions of people, including over one-third of females above the age of 65. Osteoporosis is characterised by decreased bone density and weakened bones. Symptoms of osteoporosis often go unnoticed until a major fracture occurs, but your dentist may be able to detect the early signs of osteoporosis during your regular dental exam.

Loose teeth, severe gum disease, ill-fitting dentures and difficulty in eating or speech can all be a sign of decreasing bone density, an advanced stage of osteoporosis.

The writer is Secretary General of the International Clinical Dental Research Organisation and Professor of Periodontology at Santosh University, Delhi