Temple sanctity

The Golden Temple is a symbol of love, peace and brotherhood. It is a sacred place from where the message of humanity and equality is spread all over the world. Thousands of pilgrims pay tributes and get spiritual solace every day. The Golden Temple witnessed distressing clashes on June 6. People had gathered at the Akal Takht to mark the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. But the solemnity of the day was hijacked by the clashes which marred the sanctity of the holy shrine. Violence at any holy place is unacceptable because it brings disgrace. Strong steps must be taken to prevent such ugly incidents from happening again.

SANDEEP ARYA, Fazilka

Save kids from drugs

It was shocking to read that 14-year-old schoolboys are being used to supply drugs. It is dangerous if our children become drug addicts. Children are innocent, they do not know about good and bad and they can be moulded easily in any way. Smugglers take advantage of their innocence. The government should take action take action against the big smugglers, otherwise children will lose  childhood in Punjab.

RANJOT GREWAL, Malerkotla

Save Punjab

The golden period of Punjab seems to be coming to an end. Industry is shifting from the state, depriving the youth of employment opportunities. Land is heading towards barrenness. The underground water level is depleting at an alarming rate of 65 cm per year for many years. The management of groundwater is a total failure. The centuries-old canal system has smashed. Till today, the Ghaggar river is untamed and unchannelled. The total expenditure to streamline and strengthened the canal system is approximately ~5,000 crore which is less than the annual subsidy of ~6500 crore on the agriculture sector. Parents are under constant shadow of fear, lest their children fall prey to drug addiction. No one is ready to take responsibility. Politicians are playing the blame game. The common man is worried. May god save Punjab from a dark future.

Mohinder, Banur

PCS exam centres

The office of the Punjab Public Service Commission Patiala has failed to expand its base and is confining its activities to Patiala as if Patiala is still a princely state and Chandigarh and other principal cities of Punjab are places of secondary interest. While conducting the PCS (Mains) Examination, candidates from all over the state have to converge on Patiala, which is not centrally located. It causes tremendous hardship to the candidates. On the other hand, the Union Public Service Commission, which is situated in Delhi, conducts the civil services and other major competitive examinations at 45 centres all over the country. The PPSC should also conduct its exams in at least at three other centres, including Bathinda, Amritsar and Chandigarh.

AVTAR SINGH, Mohali

Gaddis & goats

The news item “Gaddis fear threat from goons, leaving profession” (June 26) was very disturbing. Sheep- and goat-rearing is one of the oldest professions of the hill areas of Himachal Pradesh, next only to agriculture. Milch cattle such as buffaloes and cows cannot be reared in these steep hills. Only goats and sheep have the ability to graze on the cliffs and crevices.  These small and nimble animals provide fine quality wool which is used in making shawls, caps and other winter wear. Goat milk is famous for its curative properties in addition to its use as milk. Gandhiji's preference to goat milk is well known. Besides, goats and sheep also provide meat and hides, which becomes an additional income to this tribe. Gaddis are the oldest tribe and the government ought to ensure their safety. If they abandon their traditional profession, they too will have to join the long queue of the jobless people, besides causing a heritage loss.

Er L R Sharma, Sundernagar