Need a cautious approach

Apropos of ‘Wait and watch’; the agreement on patrolling along the LAC, reached between India and China, is a welcome development. However, going by its track record, China is in the habit of not respecting and following agreements in letter and spirit. The latest development can prove to be a game-changer if China exhibits sincerity and withdraws its troops from all friction points. The pact, coming before the BRICS summit, raises hopes of China mending its ways and respecting the borders rather than unilaterally altering the status quo. Adopting an extremely cautious approach is imperative while dealing with China.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

No instant solutions

Refer to ‘Wait and watch’; China has accepted an agreement to resolve its four-year military standoff with India. Though trade ties were at record highs during the last five years, relations in areas such as investment and travel were disrupted. Assuming that the patrolling agreement heralds a return to status quo ante, India should stand firm on decisions like banning Chinese apps. Similarly, FDI by Chinese firms should be judged on a case-to-case basis. There can’t be a free pass for investment by Chinese firms in India. Delhi’s relations with Beijing can be repaired but at a slow pace and with effort from both sides. Meanwhile, India must be cautious and careful in its way forward with a nation like China. There are no instant solutions in global politics. It can’t suddenly be business as usual with China.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Mutual cooperation is the way

With reference to ‘Wait and watch’; it is encouraging that the four-year-old standoff at the LAC is on the verge of being resolved. The process of reverting to status quo ante may be time-consuming as the disengagement may have to be verified at various stages. In the past, China has not respected the decisions arrived at in numerous meetings and it is expected that Beijing will not desist from taking imprudent steps even now. The process can progress with mutual cooperation, coordination and respect. However, keeping in view China’s deceptive actions, operational readiness should remain a priority.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Must not remain mute spectators

Apropos of ‘Sacrilege cases’; India has too many walls separating its citizens. No religious organisation should try to hurt the sentiments of devotees of any deity or of the followers of any revered ‘mahapurush’ as it will create more walls within society and spread discord. The Sanatan Rakshak Dal has launched a campaign in Varanasi for the removal of idols of Sai Baba from the city’s temples. No attempt should be made to undermine people’s faith. All political parties and religious leaders of the country should rise to the occasion to condemn this sacrilege and not remain mute spectators.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Check anti-social activities

Apropos of ‘Sacrilege cases’; most political parties openly show their interest in capturing power rather than keeping things in order and maintaining peace. In the process, they don’t mind projecting a convicted criminal as a saint to reap a good harvest of votes. This attitude of political leaders makes fake babas thrive. People should understand that religion is also made a commodity to make profit and the government is promoting anti-social activities carried out in the guise of religion. Releasing convicts on remission during elections and welcoming such convicts into the party as members depict the true character of these parties and leaders.

AG Rajmohan, Anantapur (AP)

Can’t dampen the Indian spirit

With reference to ‘Lessons, warnings on India-Pak front’; the only lesson that the Ganderbal terror attack has taught us the hard way is that we, the people of India, are incorrigibly optimistic about ensuring peace and prosperity in the Kashmir valley, while the Pakistani army is bent on making life hell for Kashmiris. But any number of Pakistani Generals, from Pervez Musharraf to Syed Asim Munir, cannot dampen the indomitable Indian spirit.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

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