India-Bangladesh ties in peril

Apropos of ‘Puja curbs & trade ban’; the Bangladesh interim government’s directive restricting Hindu festivities during Islamic prayers is an alarming overreach. Ostensibly issued to ensure harmony, the diktat bears a troubling resemblance to an authoritarian edict against an already vulnerable minority. Such moves risk deepening the communal divide, particularly during the sensitive period of Durga Puja, the region’s largest Hindu festival. The export ban on Padma hilsa to India further strains bilateral relations, reversing goodwill fostered by past administrations through cultural diplomacy. Yunus’ administration’s actions contradict the very principles of fairness and equality that it professes. These regressive steps could undermine regional cooperation and historical bonds between the two nations. If Bangladesh genuinely seeks peace and prosperity, it must practise balanced diplomacy.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Kejri’s release a boost for AAP

With Arvind Kejriwal finally getting bail, AAP has expressed confidence in its ability to overcome the BJP in Haryana and Delhi. It is a testament to the party leaders’ resilience amid legal and political challenges. Besides, it reflects the party’s strategy to capitalise on political momentum and legal victories to mobilise voters and challenge the saffron party’s dominance. AAP can assert its position as a formidable political force in both Haryana and Delhi. Moreover, the grant of bail to the AAP supremo will help the party’s narrative of political persecution. Kejriwal’s release from jail could be seen as a pivotal moment in the party’s campaign against the BJP.

Rohit Shah, Chandigarh

Lawlessness and disorder

Refer to ‘Riding roughshod over rules and laws’ (Trysts and Turns); the article rightly highlights the alarming rise of cow vigilantism and bulldozer justice in India. The tragic death of Aryan Mishra, killed as a result of mistaken identity, illustrates the threat these mobs pose to regular citizens. Political support emboldens these criminal groups to target minorities with impunity, disregarding the rule of law. Equally troubling are the uniformed encounter specialists, who, like vigilantes, commit crimes under state patronage, making them harder to control. While the Supreme Court has noted this disturbing trend, the government must act swiftly to restore law and order. Justice cannot be handed to mobs or state-backed offenders, for democracy cannot survive such lawlessness.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Mamata must take responsibility

CM Mamata Banerjee must take responsibility for the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at a state-run medical hospital in Kolkata. The state government has failed to handle the sensitive matter properly. There are doubts about whether the scene of the crime was secured. Speculation is also rife about an apparent attempt to shield the culprit. The passage of the anti-rape Bill in the West Bengal Assembly was nothing but an eyewash. Besides, the doctors who have been on strike for over a month now must call off the protests in view of the Supreme Court’s directive to them and resume work.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Violation of code by the CJI

Refer to the news report ‘Disturbing: PM’s visit to CJI house invites lawyers’ ire’; the concerns expressed by members of the legal fraternity are legitimate. Not only will it set a bad precedent, but it will also send out the wrong message to people across the country. There is no way the ruling dispensation can justify the violation of the code of conduct for judges and a compromise on the separation of powers. All branches of the government play an important role. And those heading different branches must uphold the dignity of the office they hold.

Roop Singh Negi, Solan

Visit by PM sets bad precedent

Apropos of the news report ‘Disturbing: PM’s visit to CJI house invites lawyers’ ire’; it is not appropriate to question the professional integrity of the CJI or the credibility of the highest court of the land just because the PM visited the CJI’s residence. However, the CJI and the PM could have avoided the controversy had they understood the alarming precedent that the episode could set. The public holds the judiciary in high regard. Judges must not do anything that could erode public faith in the system.

Hira Sharma, by mail