Regular audits of arms workshops

Refer to ‘Booming gun trade’; the editorial highlights gross negligence by the authorities that is fuelling the proliferation of illegal arms in India. This enormous gun business thrives on the connivance of criminals with the police and politicians. Resolute enforcement of the Arms Act and regular audits of workshops are vital. India can draw lessons from Australia’s National Firearms Agreement, which reduced gun crimes through a firearm retrieval programme and stringent penalties. Adopting a similar initiative and bolstering border controls could help curb trafficking. While the Supreme Court’s intervention is commendable, states must decisively dismantle this network of crime and corruption to eliminate a grave threat to internal security.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Strictly implement laws

With reference to ‘Booming gun trade’; it is a matter of grave concern that workshops and factories for the manufacture of unlicensed guns and arms are flourishing across the country under the nose of the authorities concerned. This is a failure on the part of the respective state governments to curb illegal activities linked to terrorism in border states, including strife-torn Manipur. The Arms (Amendment) Act was enacted in 2019, amending the Arms Act, 1959. It envisages enhanced punishment for the manufacture, sale and possession of unlicensed arms, while decreasing the number of licensed arms allowed per person. Its strict implementation is the need of the hour to control the menace.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Ensure humour does not degrade

Apropos of ‘Jokes that hurt’; humour should unite, not divide, yet jokes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes reek of insensitivity. ‘Sardar jokes’ are a prime example, trivialising the Sikh community’s dignity and fostering prejudice. These seemingly harmless quips contribute to bullying, mental health issues and a damaging identity crisis. While humour thrives on creativity, it must respect human dignity. The Supreme Court’s intervention signals a vital shift towards awareness and accountability. It’s time we regulate content and ensure that humour uplifts, not degrades.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Action on hurtful jokes needed

Apropos of ‘Jokes that hurt’; the issue of banning jokes about the Sikh community has been a subject of legal and public discourse in India for years. The matter typically revolves around the argument that jokes stereotyping Sikhs as naive or foolish perpetuate discrimination and hurt the dignity of the community. Even though the SC has previously taken up similar cases, it didn’t impose a blanket ban but did acknowledge the concerns about the harm caused by such stereotypes. Courts typically balance concerns over dignity with the principle of free speech and humour as a cultural expression.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Indian economy at risk

Refer to ‘Red alert on the Adani front’; the indictment of Gautam Adani in a bribery scam can give a rude jolt to the Indian economy. India’s reputation as an attractive investment destination and the fastest-growing major economy will be undermined. Global financial ramifications are already noticeable. It has cast aspersions on India’s broader corporate governance and regulatory framework. India’s image in the global business world will be sullied since the political dispensation does not seem to be interested in getting to the bottom of the matter. It will cost the Indian economy dear if this case is sidelined without a credible investigation.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Stability vs democratic balance

With reference to ‘Commendable Maha sweep, Soreign again’; the BJP and its alliance secured a three-fourths majority in Maharashtra. While this marks a welcome shift from the politically turbulent years of the 1990s, it also highlights the growing maturity of Indian democracy as voters increasingly prioritise a stable and strong leadership. However, the dominance of a single party or alliance raises significant concerns. India experienced a similar phase after Independence when the Congress monopolised power. It is vital to recognise the importance of a robust Opposition, which ensures accountability, fosters diversity of perspectives and provides necessary checks on power to uphold a dynamic and healthy democracy.

K Kumar, Panchkula