Soldiers forgotten

This refers to the news item 'Relief for the victims of Uttarakhand' (July 2). It is a pity that while personnel of the armed forces and the ITBP were striving hard to evacuate the stranded pilgrims in the face of tough terrain and adverse weather conditions, some shameless persons were busy overcharging the helpless victims for food, tea, drinking water, etc. Even some obnoxious characters looted money and jewellery from a number of bodies.

On the call given by the Prime Minister for the Uttarakhand relief fund, philanthropists are contributing generously. But no such call has come from any quarter for the welfare of the families of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the rescue operations.

BK JETHI, Khanna

Mid-day meals

This refers to the news item 'Insects in eatable for mid-day meals' (July 6). Sadly, the incidents of insects found in eatables meant for schoolchildren or distribution of unhygienic mid-may meals have become common. News of students falling ill after taking mid-day meals keeps trickling in from various parts of the country.

Though the government has provided utensils to many schools, students are forced to bring utensils from their homes. There is need to take action against the culprits. All district education officers must ensure that only quality food is provided to students.

KAMALPREET SINGH, Barnala

Control price rise

The UPA government does not deserve to be called a government for the common man. In fact, it is a government for the corporate houses, businessmen and traders. It has done nothing to control the rising prices even essential commodities. Moreover, manufacturers, traders and retailers follow the practice of printing of exorbitant MRP on the packing of various products for the government seems to have given a free hand to them. One hopes the government will do small mercy to the common man in this election year if it takes in its hands the control of printing of MRP after considering various input costs and reasonable profits of the manufacturer, wholesaler and the retailer.

MANJIT SINGH JUNEJA, Mohali

Tax exemption

This refers to the letter 'Why tax pension?' (July 5). I had lost my only unmarried son just before the Kargil war. I was granted a family pension of Rs 2,575 with DP plus DA after a long struggle. I, on behalf of all family pensioners who have lost their breadwinners, request the government to exempt all such families from the income tax burden.

AMBICA, Panchkula

Give death for rape

Is not rape the most heinous and serious crime? The trauma of the victim is such that she may live physically, but is dead emotionally. The fast track courts were set up over a decade ago, which rarely award strict punishment in such cases. Imprisonment of five years or so will not change the mindset of rapists, nor act as a deterrent to others.

The demand to give capital punishment had been raised several times in the past. However, nothing has been done by the government in this regard. What is debatable is that is murder more heinous than rape or vice-versa? However, in the Indian context, the rising incidents of rape warrant  capital punishment.

DINESH KUMAR BHARDWAJ, Zirakpur

More than cops

The middle 'No cops' (July 1) by Rajbir Deswal makes an interesting read. It rightly brings to focus the character and dutifulness of policemen abroad, particularly in the US, who perform their duties honestly and treat every person equally, irrespective of their status or class. Examples of frisking of actor Shahrukh Khan, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, former Defence Minister George Fernandes, and other VIPs at US airports are enough to prove the worthiness and commitment of US policemen towards their country. And the refusal of a visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi just shows that how disciplined the policemen and security agencies abroad are. Dialling 911 in the US brings policemen at your doorstep within minutes. The policemen in many foreign countries are helpful if they are convinced that your problem is genuine, but they teach you a lesson if you try to take them for a ride. One hopes our policemen also follow them and improve their image.

M S TANDAN, Ambala Cantt