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Modi's ‘puppy’ remark unjustified

The editorial 'Modi's puppy talk' (July 15) rightly snubs Narendra Modi for his insensitive remark "puppy" used while describing the unjustified killings of Muslims in 2002. He may have said that just to describe that he feels sad even at the unfortunate death of a puppy. But comparing that pogrom with a "puppy" only invites criticism and hatred from all sections of society. This is totally unjustified as it comes from a leader who aspires to become the prime minister of the country.

More shocking is that he refuses to realise his mistake and apologise for the same. He has never apologised for his atrocities against the Muslim carnage of 2002 and even for the Ishrat Jahan false encounter. It does not behove him to make such petty remarks, particularly when he projects himself as a proud Hindu and a preacher of the Hindutva agenda and wants to be a Prime Minister.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Irrational thinking

This refers to the editorial 'Modi's puppy talk' (July 15). I vehemently disagree with you that Modi's use of the word "puppy" has raised "a political storm". Rather it has raised a loud noise which is usually caused by imbalance of emotions or deliberate negation of rational thinking. By using the word, Modi does not at all make any comparison with or give any reference to a particular community or an unfortunate incidence. He has used it without assigning any political connotation to it. It is, therefore, sad that for some less intelligent political leaders the word has become an imaginary analogy to politicise and use it as commercially-viable secularism to attract votes, and deceive people.

B L CHAKOO, Amritsar

Caste-based rallies

The Allahabad High Court decision to ban caste-based rallies in Uttar Pradesh is remarkable as well as welcome. It is a fact that most political parties thrive on whipping up caste-related sentiments and lure people emotionally to vote for them. This narrow-mindedness of leaders has led to several social upheavals and conflicts in the past, resulting in death and destruction.

This court decision will help in curbing populist demands by more groups for reservations in education and employment. Most important, it will create an environment in which people will vote for a party on the basis of its ideology rather than caste politics.

VIVEK CHHABRA, Abohar

Sleepy university

What will happen when you get to know suddenly that you have a snap test tomorrow and you have no books to prepare for the test?

Students of Punjabi University, Patiala, face a similar situation as the university authorities go into a deep slumber after taking the semester exams. What is ironical is that they declare the results only after the announcement of or in between the next semester exams. Literally, it causes a lot of inconvenience to students. Moreover, for average students the fear of failure or getting low marks in the exams not only distracts them from further studies, but also leaves them disturbed. Punjabi University should declare the semester results on time and save the students undue harassment.

VARUN GUPTA, Patiala

Irish law on abortion

Following an outcry over the tragic death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar after a miscarriage last year, the Irish lawmakers have now backed a ground-breaking law that will allow abortion in limited cases in the predominantly Catholic country.

But then Ireland's new law is narrowly drafted. Yes, it enshrines a woman's right to a legal abortion if her life is at risk from illness; in a medical emergency; and if there is a risk of suicide. But there is no provision for a woman to have a right to an abortion following rape; or if she cannot cope physically or emotionally; or if foetal abnormalities have been detected.

The Irish constitution protects the life of the 'unborn child'. As a foetus which is incapable of being 'born' cannot fall into the category of 'unborn', there is no constitutional bar to abortion in such instances. The problem is that the Irish legislature is too cowardly to deal with anything to do with abortion unless they are forced to do so. So, women who find themselves in such positions will continue to travel to Belfast.

MEGHANA A, UK

Littering of roads That littering in Chandigarh can land one in jail, as was mentioned in some newspapers, sounds a good decision. But are there two "different" laws for different people in our country? What about garbage leaking from garbage trucks and littering the city roads? Will any councillor, responsible for keeping his/her ward well maintained, be ever jailed for the garbage lying around rainwater drainage gullies for months due to the wild vegetation growth around these? Maybe they remain busy in other "important" works such as going abroad on study tours or arranging political rallies, but who will look after public welfare works? BALVINDER, Chandigarh Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribuneindia.com — Editor-in-Chief