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

Shameless lot

Apropos “Where there is emotion, there’s politics” by Jangveer Singh (Sunday Tribune, May 5), one can learn from our politicians the art of cashing in on emotions. Parties of all hues were shamelessly jostling with each other to console Sarabjit Singh’s family. The list of Jallianwala Bagh martyrs is not complete even after 94 years, but the government declared Sarabjit a national martyr within minutes. A few months ago, an Indian soldier was beheaded by Pakistani soldiers, but no largesse was given to his family. People of India must be told about Sarabjit’s sacrifice for the nation.

Harinder Mittal, Bathinda

II

The article “No land’s men” by Ajay Banerjee (Sunday Tribune, May 5) tugged at the heart. The story of Sarabjit’s return to his country in a coffin was not just about a life wasted in prison, it shows how much our government is concerned about the lives of its citizens. It did not bother for 23 long years and came into the picture only after he was killed. It is a matter of shame how the government treats its people.

Swaranjali Sehgal, Yamunanagar

Say no to bullying

Apropos “How India should respond to China’s new tactics” by Raj Chengappa (Ground Zero, May 5), China’s border skirmishes with its neighbours and its realisation that India is no more a soft target like it was in 1962 should give India a manupulative edge in dealing with China’s fastidious nature. We should not take things lying down. China knows India is a big market, and this gives us an economic advantage to deal with an unreliable country.

Chaman Joneja, Amritsar

Yardstick same

One instantly empathises with Manpreet Badal (“Justice delayed, and perpetually denied”, Sunday Tribune, May 5). Much has been written on the subject by many writers, but sadly most have failed to mention the other side of the story — the assassination of Indira Gandhi. If Manpreet Badal had written a few words on this, he would have earned himself a place among unbiased commentators of heinous crimes against a particular community. All killings must be condemned, but no such write-ups appeared for all those innocents who were killed during terrorism in Punjab.

LR Sharma, Sundernagar

Celluloid pull

Apropos “Hundred, and going strong” by Nonika Singh (Sunday Tribune, May 5), modern cinema is replacing historical and mythological stories with social-reformist films that are often critical of social practices such as dowry, polygamy and prostitution. But the current Bollywood formula has led to extreme vulgarity, sexual innuendos and violence in films. The industry should know its films are nominated for the Oscars only when it conforms to its own techniques and not when it apes the West.

Ravi Chander Garg, Ludhiana

No hidden agenda

“Hidden persuaders” (Spectrum, May 5) made for an interesting read. Today the consumer is the hero of the Indian economy and is spoilt for choice. We need to increase the propensity to save instead of encouraging consumption as it has negative implications. It does not benefit or include all segments of society and results in lopsided growth.

Dr MM Goel, Kurukshetra

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