Wear helmet, HM

Home Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to the Naxal-affected Saranda in Jharkhand was a welcome step and such visits instill confidence among security personnel. It is commendable that the minister chose to drive a motorbike himself for a recce of the area. However, he forgot to wear a helmet while driving and even the securityman riding his pillion did not wear one. When a common man breaks the law, only the traffic police catches him, but when the Home Minister breaks law, the whole nation notices him.

Wg Cdr SS Savant (Retd), Zirakpur

Visa for Modi

Apropos S Nihal Singh’s write-up “Modi’s historic US visit” (September 26), the USA cannot be held responsible for the denial of visa to Modi on the basis of inaction in the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat. The USA acted in that manner because the Indian media, anti-BJP political parties and even the head of Congress-led government, Manmohan Singh, and Sonia Gandhi painted him like a terrorist, and held him responsible for the killing of innocent Muslims.

Anand Prakash, Panchkula

Consumers, be aware

On December 22, 1999, the Department of Consumer Affairs prohibited any printing of the condition “Goods once sold will not be taken back” on sale receipts and bills. However, people have often been cheated by shopkeepers who sell goods of inferior quality which do not last for a sufficient period of time. Unaware of this law, most people do not take any action against such offenders. But in the many cases filed in courts, the verdict has generally been in favour of the aggrieved consumer. People should be more aware of their rights.

Arpit S Dhadwal, Sidhbari (Dharamsala)

Safety on wheels

The editorial “Safety on Wheels” (September 16) hails the Road Transport and Safety Act, 2014, as a revolutionary measure primarily drafted to curb the growing incidence of deaths due to road accidents. The Act proposes a new licensing/registration system of vehicles, plugging the loopholes in the existing systems. The proposal to increase manifold the fines for traffic violations, if implemented in letter and spirit, is likely to prove an effective deterrent to the offenders. However, it would simultaneously raise the rate of extortion by traffic police, which the authorities must guard against.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Test cricket dead?

I have been closely watching Indian cricket since 1978, when India toured Pakistan under the leadership of legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi. In 1983, Kapil delighted us with the stupendous victory in the World Cup. Again in 1986, Indian defeated England in the UK. Sourabh Ganguly brought a sense of toughness in approach and it was because of players such as Sehwag, Dravid and Sachin that India could perform well in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

But of late, things have not been that good and our overseas record has been very dismal. In 2011, when we toured England we were thrashed 4-0. After that in Australia, we were humiliated 4-0. Later, England toured India and it was termed as a pay-back series. We lost it 2-1. And now recently, after a remarkable victory at the Lord's, India lost the last three matches, all ending inside three days.

These statistics hurt the sentiments of cricket lovers who still believe that the ultimate test is Test cricket. But perhaps in these days of Twenty-20 cricket, these things do not matter. Poor results are easily forgotten.

The players are making a lot of money from instant cricket and hence they may not care about Test cricket. Let us play for national pride and interest.

VIRENDRA SHARMA, Garli, Hamirpur

Non-Jat CMs

This is in reference to the analysis “Caste holds the key in assembly elections” (September 25). Banarsi Dass Gupta has also remained a non-Jat Chief Minister of Haryana. He was a bania and a prominent freedom fighter. He remained speaker and a cabinet minister in the state, holding different important portfolios.

ON Garg, Chandigarh