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Used syringes deadly

Apropos the news item “Used syringe found from IGMC, stocks seized” (September 29), it is a serious matter that at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, a syringe with blood clots was found by doctors. Used syringes are a threat to patients as they can spread the deadly HIV. The officials concerned should be suspended and criminal cases registered against the supplier of the syringes. If the condition of the hospital like the IGMC is such, what would be the condition of other hospitals in far-flung areas of Himachal Pradesh?

BR Kaundal, Mandi

VIPs in the dock

Our VIPs enjoy too many perks, they don’t have to stand and wait in queues for services, including getting driving licences, registration of vehicles or train reservations etc. Even for paying obeisance in religious places such as the Golden Temple and other famous shrines, they are escorted to the sanctum sanctorum, oblivious of the inconvenience caused to the devotees waiting in queues. But if these VIPs are involved in any crime, even heinous ones like mowing down footpath sleepers in an inebriated condition, they are allowed to roam free and influence the outcome of their cases. Salman has been out for 12 years and still not indicted, Lalu for 14 years and now CM Jaya has enjoyed 18 years of freedom before seeing the inside of a jail. She will be out soon like Lalu.

But if an ordinary person is involved in any small crime, he is straightaway thrown into police lock-up/prison.

LJ Singh, via email

Historic speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the UNO was historic. The main points that he touched were: (a) Every country has a philosophy, other than an ideology. (b) The whole world is a family, treat it such. (c) The aim of the UNO is to bring about peace and help develop a world fraternity. (d) Those who help this organ achieve this end, must have a place in its decision-making. (e) Terrorism is a global problem and demands a collective approach. (f) The UNO has attained the age of 70. Let there be an impartial introspection. (g) The ideas of the 20th century may not fit in the 21st century. (h) Let there be a healthy world. Recognise yoga as a panacea for all ills.

MS Sodhi, Mohali

China’s doublespeak

The irony is that while Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his recent visit to India, was talking peace with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and trying to discover areas of investment, business and trade co-operation, the Chinese army was intruding into the Indian territory on the LAC despite Xi Jinping's orders for retreat. This creates doubts about China’s intentions and reflects its imperialistic attitude. Its foreign policy with regard to India is based on doublespeak and betrayal. In the guise of a friend, it deceived and invaded India in 1962 and encroached on Indian territory. On the one hand, China wishes to build peaceful relations with India, but on the other hand, it leaves no stone unturned to spite India over the LAC. China seems interested in doing business with India, but keeps mum on the cardinal issue of demarcation and settlement of boundary between the countries.

It is high time that India redefines its foreign policy regarding China. India must endeavour to strengthen its economy and be militarily robust and sturdy to counter-balance the hegemony of China in Asia.

SANDEEP ARYA, Fazilka

Stop cow slaughter

The news items “Recovery of carcasses: 2 sent to 6-day remand” (September 24) and “Religious groups protest animal slaughter” (September 25) reveal the mistreatment meted to cattle in the illegal meat and leather trade. Despite the prohibition of cow slaughter, cows are smuggled to Nepal and Bangladesh where theeir killing is not banned. Beef and leather are sent to the Middle East from there. The modus operandi is to lift stray cattle from roads or purchase weak and emaciated cattle from cattle fairs and mandis at cheap rates. Over 20 animals are crammed into trucks where space exists only for six, exposing them to laceration, fractures and eye injuries. They are rarely fed or given rest during the long journeys to slaughterhouses where they are brutally slaughtered with primitive instruments. Former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee was concerned about the animals’ painful journey, but it is pity that he could not do anything to alleviate the suffering of animals in his own country. With the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission in place for the protection of cows, this blatant violation of law and hideous treatment to animals need to be prevented firmly and effectively.

Dr Soshil Rattan, Amritsar

Feudal attitudes

The article “Feudal attitudes persist” (October 3) by Justice Nirmal Singh (retd) rightly states that untouchability needs to be uprooted before one can think of a clean India. Giving respectable names such as Harijans, Scheduled Castes etc. to untouchables and enacting acts and rules to protect them have failed to eradicate this evil from society. The same will be the fate of the cleanliness movement as slogans and five minutes of “jhadoo photo shoot” sessions will not help.

Untouchability can only be achieved through political will which is rare as parties come to power for five years only. Certain social reformer organisations such as Namdharis, Radha Soamis, Nirankaris and Sacha Sauda have adopted the untouchables and made them realise that they are inferior to none. This evil can be eradicated with collective responsibility and the government alone cannot achieve the goal.

PS Aulakh, Mohali

Impressive Modi

Modi has made a great impression with his new promises and ideas. Not only India, even America has become a big fan of his. The words of Modi that touched my heart are: “Main koi aisa kaam nahi karunga jiske kaaran mere desh ka nuksaan ho aur aapke sapnon ka Bharat banaunga.”

Baljeet Maini, via email

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