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

Taming Chinese dragon with military might

It is unfortunate that India has often failed to properly gauge the Chinese political mindset and military might. Its every move on the chessboard of international politics is well-calculated and motivated by tactical and strategic concerns (article ‘China’s intransigence’ by Air Marshal RS Bedi (retd), June 3). India’s weak and belated response to the latest Chinese incursion in Ladakh shows that our political leadership has not changed its diplomatic stance according to the new international realities.

In the aftermath of mutual pullback of troops to their previous positions, India needs to follow a two-pronged policy to effectively deal with China. One, given the prevalent geo-economic priorities, it should cooperate with China to promote its trade, military and strategic interests. Two, India should never stop developing infrastructure along the LAC or dismantle the existing ones under the Chinese pressure. Proud of its economic, political and military prowess, India should be more assertive and adopt a strong posture. It will send a clear message to China that India is fully prepared to check China’s expansionist designs. This will definitely force China to see reason and solve all border and other issues through peaceful negotiations.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Driven by greed

The alleged involvement of Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra in betting is disgraceful. Now Kundra and his wife Shilpa Shetty are pleading innocence before the public and slamming the media for blowing up Kundra’s indulging in betting out of all proportion. They should know that the media has only given a clear picture of Kundra’s involvement. Moreover, the indulging of elite and rich people of society in betting is disgusting. In today’s materialistic world, there seems to be no end to man’s greed.

AANCHAL TANGRI, Panchkula

Implement it now

The one rank, one pension scheme for ex-servicemen has been hanging fire over the years. Despite the court order asking the government to implement the scheme, it has not granted the revised pension as per the Sixth Pay Commission to defence personnel retired before 2006. When Army jawans during their postings never shy away from their responsibilities or even lose their lives in the line of their duties, why is the government delaying its implementation? How sad!

SUBEDAR- MAJOR KC SHARMA (RETD), Kangra

Corruption in sports

Be it cricket, IPL, or football, corruption has taken deep roots in these sports, forcing all sports lovers to bow down their heads in shame. Above all, the recent controversies and scandals, revolving around our country’s most favourite sport (cricket), have undermined its credibility. Now it seems that cricketers are mere puppets whose actions, decisions and performances are controlled by bookies, punters and spot-fixers hiding behind the curtain.

TEK CHAND, Una

Clarification

The first editorial in The Tribune carried on the Opinion page on June 8 had it that “Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be trying his luck for another term as President” of Iran. However, his name does not figure in the list of the candidates who will be contesting the June 14 presidential polls. His close aide, Esfandiar Rahim Mashael, has also been disqualified to take part in the elections. The error is regretted.

— Editor-in-Chief