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Maintain temple sanctity

The Golden Temple is a religious place for all as people of all religions come here to pray and get spiritual solace. So, it is necessary that political controversies are kept out of it. June 6 was a day of contemplation and prayers for the Sikhs. Unfortunately, there was a violent clash that day. Akal Takht head priest Giani Gurbachan Singh and Simranjit Singh Mann should have given the lead to maintain the sanctity of the Golden Temple. We are ashamed of this incident.

Satinder Kaur, Griffith, Australia

Unfortunate disgrace

Sikhs are known for their bravery, patriotism and entrepreneurship all over the world. They are contributing a lot to the Indian economy and the armed forces. It is a matter of concern that a handful of misguided people are bringing disgrace to this God-fearing community.

Dr V K Anand, Patiala

For a safe journey

Apropos the editorial “Making roads safer” (June 5), it is true that the use of simple devices like seat belts or helmets can save many lives. Roadside accidents encountered in hill states such as Himachal Pradesh are different from those in the plains in many ways. Here, usually vehicles fall into deep gorges or roll downhill. A majority of the people aboard the vehicle die and the survivors are left with disabilities of various kinds. The main factors responsible for such accidents are overloading and overspeeding, which are preventable.

Dr Kiran K Mokta, Shimla

Give women justice

We have earned global wrath by not eradicating the evil of rape in our country. The new regime at the Centre must take corrective, regimental and deterrent steps to create fear among the beasts. Modi’s party, which promised the stars during election campaigns, should transform rhetoric into reality and give justice to the women.

simranjeet singh saini, via email

Give jobs to women

For empowerment, women need to stand on their own legs and earn their living. The new government should open job opportunities for illiterate and needy women.

SUBER SINGH PARIHAR, Nadaun

No water

This refers to the news report “No water, residents of 24 villages forced to shift to camps” (June 13). How shameful it is that in the 21st century, and even after 66 years of Independence, villages in the prosperous state of Punjab are yearning for water in the scorching heat of the summers. It was disturbing to read about the plight of the residents of 24 villages in the Changar area of Anandpur Sahib who have to leave their homes with their cattle and shift to temporary camps for survival. More shameful is that the taps installed in almost every house have very little water. It is only on alternate days that they receive water for about an hour or two!

The cattle also suffer as they are used for fetching water from far-off places on their backs apart from being used for diary farming. There is no industry nearby which may generate employment and raise the standards of living of the people of the area. The government must look into their needs.

RK KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Heat wave hits animals too

This refers to the news item “Intense heat scorches North, three die in Hisar district” (June 7). The heatwave has tightened its grip over several parts of the country. It is a pity that nobody has spared a thought for animals toiling on the roads in the sizzling hours. As animals cannot speak, it is our duty to speak for them and feel their agony. Animals are victims of institutionalised cruelty and exploited for profit.

They are forced to carry weight exceeding permissible limit in scorching sun, making them vulnerable to heat stroke and exhaustion. Rules do not permit drawing of load by them between noon and 3 pm when the temperature exceeds 37° Celsius. The rules, however, are flouted with impunity. An awareness campaign needs to be launched by the government and animal welfare bodies to protect them.

Dr Soshil Rattan, Amritsar

Each one plant one

One of the biggest problems that the world is facing after the industrial revolution is the damage to environment. Everyone talks about it, but have we ever thought that the problem starts from us itself? Factories are a big picture of what we contribute towards this problem. We cannot imagine life without the AC in summer. If an AC can reduce the temperature to below 20°C inside, how badly must it be heating up the surroundings? In cars also instead of the fresh air, we prefer the AC, which again emits harmful gases. It is time revive the spirit of “each one plant one” before it's too late.

Gurinder Brar, Bathinda

Hopes from govt

The nation has high hopes from the new government and wants to know its top priorities. The people are expecting that issues like corruption, law and order, inflation and internal and external security will be looked into. We are hoping that the Modi-led government will frame policies that lead to good relations with neighbouring nations.

Sub Major KC Sharma(Retd), Kangra

Use Net correctly

Nowdays, everybody is seen using Net on their gadgets, they are busy posting a status, comment, pictures on social networking sites. The new technology, laptops, mobile phones, tablets has enchanced the use on internet on them which is supported by various telecom companies which provides net plans at cheap rates. The internet is a boon, but at times it is not used in the correct manner.

Puneet Pal Singh, Amritsar

Clean up, Amritsar

Amritsar is the 14th most polluted city in the world and the first in Punjab. The Municipal Corporation and the residents are adding to its woes by burning garbage. Heaps of garbage can be seen strewn in every nook and corner of the city like an eyesore. The authorities concerned should check the improper disposal of garbage and its burning before Amritsar becomes the most polluted city in the world.

Dr Parminder Gill, via email

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