Israel is just standing its ground
The observation in the editorial ‘Israel at it again’ that Hamas has “proved too hot to handle” for the Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israeli government is unfortunate. Tel Aviv’s failure to eliminate a terror group is not something to be celebrated. And the idea that Israel should stop targeting Hamas or Hezbollah militants or avoid taking adequate measures to defend itself makes no sense. To the Left-leaning intellectuals, anything that Israel does to ensure its survival is nothing short of a war crime. The supporters of Hamas — who masquerade as peaceniks — remain tight-lipped when Jews are slaughtered; they only express outrage when Israel retaliates against its enemies. As the conflict in West Asia rages on, Israel is sending an important message to terrorist groups — they cannot maim or kill people with impunity anymore.
Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai
Rahul’s big mistake
Refer to the article ‘Rahul must avoid going overboard abroad’; the remarks made by the Congress leader against PM Narendra Modi on foreign soil are unwise. His is not a prudent political strategy. Criticising one’s political opponents in a foreign land diminishes the gravity of domestic discourse. As the principal Opposition party, the Congress should focus on local issues and articulate constructive alternatives instead of resorting to personal attacks. The need of the hour is for Rahul to leverage his sincerity and links with the electorate on policies that matter. Rather than mirroring Modi’s divisive style of politics, Rahul must foster a narrative that unites and empowers the people. Engaging in meaningful dialogue at home is crucial for genuine political advancement.
Harbinder Singh Dhillon, Una
Get India permanent seat at UNSC
Apropos of the news report ‘India must get permanent UNSC seat, says France’; it is encouraging to have French President Emmanuel Macron’s support for India’s bid to get permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. His call for the expansion of the UN body is welcome. Permanent membership for India in the UN Security Council was a key promise made by the BJP in its manifesto released ahead of the General Election this year. The efforts being made by the BJP-led Central Government to that end are a step in the right direction.
Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal
Emergency makers in limbo
With reference to the news report ‘Can release Kangana’s Emergency with cuts: Censor board’; I agree with the view of the statutory board. The upcoming biographical political drama film, Emergency, is said to contain certain inaccurate depictions of historical facts that could malign the image of a community. Both the Akal Takht and the SGPC have taken exception to the portrayal of Sikhs in the film, which they claim assassinates the character of the community. Kangana Ranaut has blamed the delay in the theatrical release of the film on the threats allegedly received by members of the board. Now, it remains to be seen if and when the movie will hit the big screen.
Akshita Wadhwa, Jammu
Streisand effect at play
Apropos of the story ‘Can release Kangana’s Emergency with cuts: Censor board’; movies that find themselves in the crosshairs of the Central Board of Film Certification often end up doing well at the box office. Films that cause a flutter of controversy tend to pique the interest of the masses. Any attempt to ban or restrict the screening of a certain film usually turns out to be a blessing in disguise for the makers, as it draws even bigger crowds than it would otherwise.
Upendra Sharma, by mail
Read the writing on the wall
India must recognise the changed political reality in Sri Lanka — Anura Kumara Dissanayake emerged victorious, dashing Ranil Wickremesinghe’s hopes of securing a fresh mandate. India had sensed President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leaning towards China during his tenure from 2005 to 2015. But Colombo’s apparent tilt towards Beijing was later balanced out after Maithripala Sirisena took over. Besides, Sajith Premadasa’s Samagi Jana Balawegaya has been historically critical of China and its debt trap diplomacy. But Dissanayake’s JVP traces its origins to the pro-China faction of the Sri Lanka Communist Party. So, to ensure smooth ties with its southern neighbour, New Delhi should respect the sentiment prevalent in Sri Lanka.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
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