SIT, dig up truth

Much has been said about the anti-Sikh riots in the last 30 years, but nothing has come out clearly. Both the Central government and the SGPC are to be blamed equally. If the Akalis had a hand in this, as per some reports, then where were the CID and other agencies responsible to protect the sovereignty of our country? SIT should probe all circumstances which led to Bhindrawale’s entry into Akal Takht, Operation Bluestar and the 1984 riots.

Balbir Singh, Malerkotla

No scare of law

It is a matter of grave concern that people involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh violence have escaped punishment since influential political people are involved in the carnage.

The editorial “Waiting for Justice” (January 30) correctly points out that we have a sorry history of not punishing people who kill during riots or other public disturbances: whether in 1984, in Gujarat in 2002 or the latest in Muzaffarnagar in 2013. Hence, people are not scared of the law. This perception needs to be changed. One must be afraid of the consequences of breaking the law.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurgaon

Politics on genocide

This refers to the politics being played by some leaders on the Sikh genocide. In spite of inquiries into the killings of thousands of Sikhs in the 1984 riots, some leaders are playing politics on the incident. As elections are approaching, they have raked up the issue again.

ASHISH KALA, Jammu

Justice denied

The kin of those killed in the 1984 riots have been denied justice even after 29 years. Though the government says it is committed to delivering justice, it is shielding some political people. Who will punish the guilty? Perhaps, the Supreme Court should intervene.

O P Garg, Patiala

Joy of letters

This has reference to the recent middle “They still write letters” by Faiyyaz Farooqui.

Undeniably, nothing can beat the joy and warmth exuded by hand-written letters, especially in this electronic age where mail is sent by a lifeless keyboard and is read on an impersonal screen without involving pen and paper. Indeed, letter-writing is a dying art.

Khushwant Singh, India’s most widely read columnist, has the courtesy to reply to letters and promptly too on hand-written postcards.

In the imperial Shimla, when walayti dawk (foriegn mail) arrived, a red flag featuring ‘Foreign Mail’ would be hoisted atop the tower at the Head Post Office. It would be promptly delivered, even if it was past midnight, be it rain or snow, aided by only a lantern.

The dawk garry (mail wagon) and Mail Tonga Service were unique features of the imperial Shimla, made successful by the simple and smiling Paharis, having a high sense of duty.