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

Security panel needed

Congratulations to The Tribune for establishing a National Security Forum to debate issues of security. The question raised by Gen SS Mehta is relevant due to the changing dimensions and perspectives of security in developing states.

The developing states’ inability to influence developed nations towards an equitable world order has become apparent after the end of Cold War due to their neglect of nation building process in spite of military hardware at their disposal. While the developing states concentrated more on external threats to their security, internal dimensions of security assumed a greater threat potential. From Africa to Central Asia to the Pacific Rim, nearly 60 countries are on the brink of conflict. These states are incubators for terror.

Terrorism has emerged as one of the most daunting global security challenges of the 21st century. Hence, the identification of vital national security interests, threats and challenges to security interests and creating capability to protect and promote the interests are important factors of the strategy for national secuirty

Today, there is shift from defence and development to defence versus development in developing countries.

Hence, the introduction of the national security service and setting up of a national security sommission on the pattern of the Planning Commission are required in India.

Prof Satyavir Singh, PU, Chandigarh

Channel youth power

The three articles by Lt-Gen SS Mehta (retd) pertaining to the national security of India (May 21, 22 and 23) are a lucid rendition of our security concerns. The analysis of the problem is followed by valid, valuable and practical solutions.

The absence of an empowered body to holistically look after security raises perturbing concerns. Merely being able to defend the borders does not ensure national security. The setting-up of a national security commission as proposed by the author is the need of the hour. It should be a dynamic body that meets regularly to find and update solutions thereto.

I agree with the author that we have a huge national wealth in the shape of the youth with a we-can-and-we-will spirit. It only needs to be channelised. The proposed solutions need to be made time-bound and deadlines adhered to. If we can achieve that we will become a true super power.

Manmohan Lal Sarin, Chandigarh

Hope from Harsimrat

Harsimrat Kaur Badal deserves congratulations because she is the sole minister representing Punjab at the Centre. Now the long-pending demand and need of Punjab for setting up a big food processing unit at a backward place should be fulfilled. However, there is a likelihood that this unit may be set up in the Malwa area comprising Bathinda, Muktsar and Ferozpur, the Badals’ home area. It will be an injustice to the other areas, particularly Pathankot and Gurdaspur which are miserably backward. The Bathinda belt is already overdeveloped and industrialised.

The best place for setting up the unit would be Pathankot or Gurdaspur which are at very close to the fruit producing states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. These districts have no big industry. Besides , it will provide employment opportunity to the people of the area. Gurdaspur MP Vinod Khanna, who is from the ruling political party at the Centre, should exercise his influence.

Ujagar Singh, Chandigarh

A Cabinet minister

Reference the report (May 27), Harsimrat Kaur Badal, MP from Bathinda, has been inducted as Union Cabinet Minister in the Modi government and not MoS as mentioned in the paper.

Lt Col ( Retd ) J S Judge, via email

No surplus power

We all know that the PSPCL has no surplus power. Some thermal power plant units such as Lehra Mohabbat, Ropar, and the Bathinda thermal plant are lying closed and there is a huge shortage of coal. Moreover, coal companies demand higher prices. The Badals’ poll promises of surplus power and power cut-free state seem hollow. If there is surplus power, why is the PSPCL seeking permission from the regulatory commission for power cuts in the summer season and an increase in tariff? The PSPCL is purchasing power at high rates to fulfil the summer demands as the paddy season is on the corner. The burden will be borne by the common man. The Punjab Government should provide power sops only to economically backward people to streamline the power tariff of the PSPCL. The electricity bill is one of the main expenditures of poor and middle class people, with an average rate of Rs 7 to Rs 8 per unit.

Kamaljeet Malwa, Mansa

Using antibiotics

Apropos the editorial “Rationalise use of antibiotics”, drug resistance is a serious problem and calls for immediate redress. Hospitals are turning into hotbeds of infection due to the increasing drug-resistant nature of bacteria. Our attitude towards antibiotics is casual and we tend to misuse, overuse or abuse them.

Strict regulatory action should be taken to stop over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. They should be used more responsibly. Vaccination programmes for infectious diseases should be made popular. Scientific research also needs to be encouraged to develop drugs with greater efficacy and lesser resistance.

NIDHI BHARGAVA, Chandigarh

Fulfil promises, Modi

The 15th Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his ministerial team are in power. It is hoped that they will work for progress and fulfil the poll promises and take the country forward on the path of development.

Mayank Lakhanpal, via email

Modi is generous

By accommodating Sushma Swaraj who did not lose any opportunity to oppose and embarrass him, PM Narender Modi has shown that he is generous and not vindictive.

Bhartendu Sood, via email

Govt’s priorities

The three priorities of the new Cabinet should be to check inflation, accelerate projects and end bureaucratic paralysis.

S C Dhall, Zirakpur