Marriages sacred

Apropos the article “Marriage made in India” (April 6), the increase in the incidence of premartial sex, extramartial relations and bustling nightlife for momentary gains will lead to chaos, confusion, depression and frustration and the creation of an uncivilised society. This concept has increased the number of cases of rape. Extramarital relations are breaking families, children are going through mental pressures and, in some cases, even leading to murders. Young men and women should appreciate the concept of marriage in the interest of family welfare.

Neelam, Chandigarh

Fiscal imprudence

This refers to a report “Capt for fiscal emergency in state” (April 11). The former Chief Minister has demanded the imposition of financial emergency due to overdraft in the state. The financial position of the state is very bad. Its outstanding loan was about Rs 48,350 crore when Capt Amarinder Singh went out of power. These outstanding loans were of more than 50 years. But, the outstanding loans touched a staggering Rs 1.05 lakh crore in 2013-14. The Akali-BJP government has accumulated these loans in seven years, most of which are due to power subsidy bills and the free atta-dal scheme.

The government had offered sops to employees such as an increase in salaries which is 40 per cent more than the other states before elections and these should be reviewed. The government should know that it will not be able to pay the salaries and pensions. The Reserve Bank of India should not allow the government the facility of overdraft.

Karan, Chandigarh

Train to Bathinda

The trains between Bathinda and Chandigarh via Patiala and Sangrur and Ludhiana will not only decrease road congestion but also make the journey economical and comfortable. Subsequently, the train can be extended to Hanumangarh for better connectivity with Rajasthan.

Dr Kirti Dua, Ludhiana

Roads: Silence disturbing

I agree with Partap Singh’s letter (April 14) regarding toll extraction on incomplete and unkept roads. While the toll is ever increasing, work on road has not progressed. I am disturbed by the silence of the politicians, public, judiciary and government on the issue. Even in this poll season, no one is raising the matter.

The toll plazas must have rest areas. The toilets in petrol stations are not up to the mark.

Dr Bhupinder Singh, Mullanpur Dakha

End hegemony of West

The world has witnessed American arrogance in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt and Syria and now in Crimea. Despite being the strongest power, America’s military interventions and political advances in these countries have not brought the desired results for America. The US, with the help of some western countries, wants to create crises in various regions in order to assert its global dominance.

It is clear from the Crimean conflict. The US and the European Union wanted to destabilise Russia's relations with Ukraine by supporting an illegitimate regime change. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty with Crimea and managed to get a referendum in favour of Russia from the people, according to which Crimea can merge into Russia anytime. In retaliation, the US and the western countries imposed sanctions upon Russia. If the US and the European Union can bully Russia, a permanent member of UN Security Council and equipped with a powerful nuclear deterrent, then what to talk of India? India and China, despite being the most populous and developing countries, are not considered part of the ‘international community’. The two countries need to create an alternative power centre to counter-balance the hegemony of the West.

SANDEEP ARYA, Fazilka

Thank you, Tribune

Some years ago, the students of our region were not adept in English, but these days I notice a positive change in their standard of learning. Now they are quite fluent and doing better in the subject. This change has come on account of The Tribune, among other factors. Besides providing daily news, it is moulding people like us. Thank you, The Tribune.