|
India should be wary of China’s might This refers to the editorial, “Chinese challenges” (November 3). I agree with the views that “India seems to be somewhat careless when it comes to handling China”. It would be naïve of us to think that China is unlikely to militarily engage India again. There is no point in relying heavily on our trade relations with China. China has a well-conceived plan in the region. It is surprising that we don’t have proper roads in many areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. In fact, as the editorial highlights, most of our airfields near the LAC cannot handle I find it strange that the government always plays down the threat emanating from China. This is unfortunate because those who fought the Chinese in 1962 know what it is like for our soldiers. There is no doubt in the fact that in 1962, Indian soldiers had to suffer at the hands of the Chinese because they were ill-equipped. It is a different matter to fight against terrorists. But war is a serious business and has to be taken seriously. Those of us, who feel that there is no such threat, are being overly optimistic. After 1962, we should have learned not to trust the Chinese. Moreover, in the light of the fact that we are facing challenges both inside and outside the country, we must plan and implement our strategies effectively. Our politicians should wake up before it is too late. The bottom line is that diplomatic efforts should continue between India and China. But we should be prepared for every eventuality. Capt SANJOY BANERJEE
(retd),Chandigarh Threat to cricket Cricket and corruption cannot be allowed to go together (editorial, “Cricket & corruption”, November 3). This is because, at least in the subcontinent cricket symbolises aspirations of the common people. We don’t watch a cricket match for fun and entertainment alone. We watch it because it fulfils our desire to win in life. Cricket gives us an opportunity to feel energetic and satisfied when our team wins. I still remember the passion with which we watched the Indian team in late 1970s and 1980s. The rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field kept us all enthralled. Even other teams played aggressive cricket and playing for one’s country was considered a matter of pride. Now, there is a real danger that the bookies would destroy not only the sport but also the faith and trust of the people who are followers of the sport. So many times I hear cynics among us say, “Well, may be it is all ‘fixed’, you know. This makes me sad because our players, who work hard and have represented the country successfully for so many years, should not be made to pay for the misdeeds of a few players. However, those who are found guilty of ‘match fixing’ or ‘spot fixing’, should be given exemplary punishment. The cricket boards of all the playing nations should themselves initiate action, individually and collectively, to start the process of cleansing international cricket. RAHUL SINGH, Ambala |
|
|
India’s role There is no doubt that India is emerging as a popular country in South Asia. India’s economic success has created a lot of interest in other countries in this region who want to develop close ties with India (South Asia: Changing perception of India, November 3). This is good for India. This is also good for South Asia. The article rightly says that a growing number of Pakistanis now do not consider India as their biggest threat. India cannot be a threat to Pakistan. India is a progressive country and it knows that there can be no progress during war. I also agree with the writer that Pakistan can grow economically by adopting “the India model of development”. If South Asian neighbours grow in economic might, all these countries would also grow politically and culturally. For this to happen they need to cooperate with each other. All these countries need to ensure that their land is not used for terrorism. The writer rightly says that Pakistan needs to change its policies. Nepal seems to have understood it. That’s why the Nepalese government is trying to ensure that peace prevails in the country. They also want to grow economically and for that they need India’s assistance. India, on the other hand, must understand its own responsibilities. For India to act responsibly, it is important that the country solves its domestic problems first. Only a country with economic and political stability can truly help other countries. MANJIT SINGH, Jalandhar
|
|||
HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |