Wrap it up

The announcement by the PM to repeal the three controversial farm laws is welcome. It was on the same surprising lines as the previous ones — surgical strike and demonetisation. No one knew what the PM would do overnight. Kisan leaders have announced continuance of protest till all their demands are met. The government could have repealed it through a special ordinance to end the impasse instead of lingering on with the controversial issue. Timely decision would have saved hundreds of lives of brave farmers. Undoubtedly, the farmers have emerged as winners and have shown the nation that through peaceful and purposeful agitation, the mighty government could be forced to think before it does something contrary to the general good.

BR DHIMAN, HAMIRPUR

People’s movement

The announcement to close the chapter on the three contentious farm laws is appreciated by all, and now there is need to complete the required formalities as early as possible, so the agitating farmers on the Delhi borders and toll plazas can return to their homes. A full seasonal term has been completed by the agitators, facing winter, summer and monsoon, all in the open. It shall go down in the history of India as a people’s movement, where everything was managed peacefully, with the cooperation and coordination by a large number of varied groups belonging to different states. It also teaches a lesson to society on discipline, management, creative resources etc., without any support from the government and NGOs.

JAGDISH SINGH JASSAL, PATIALA

Victory of truth

The Central government has withdrawn the three agricultural laws, doubling the happiness of farmers on Gurpurb. This shows that if the intention is clear and honest, and there is passion, we can achieve the biggest goal. The souls of the farmers who lost their lives during this fight must have finally found peace. In the end, truth has prevailed.

Jasmine Kaur, Chandigarh

Clear agitation sites

Now that the farmers’ demand has been accepted, they should call off their agitation and not prolong it on any flimsy ground. They should go back to their homes and allow the return of normal life for people at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders. In Punjab, the government should ensure that the vitiated atmosphere of dharnas, gheraos, jams and lawlessness is brought to an amicable end. Some people, in the garb of agitation, have been scuttling the writ of law, courts and orders of the government. Officials were threatened with impunity against checking ‘parali’ burning, against installing smart meters, and the tehsildars from executing court orders for banks. The state has suffered economically.

KC Sharma, New Delhi

Farm industry

The withdrawal of the farm laws is a good thing. Now, it is the time to ensure that our agriculture industry grows and improves, making the lives and livelihood of our farmers easier, better, and far more productive. We must ensure that agriculture improves through effective policy and actions, such as seed development and a better crop insurance system, among other things. The agricultural community must also avoid getting involved in politics.

Benika Gaira, Chandigarh

Little headway

Apropos of ‘Biden-Xi summit aftermath’, as expected, not much came out of the meeting held between the two leaders. The economic cold war with China that started during the Trump era still exists. However, it will not impact India much as both the US and India still maintain economic ties with China, despite serious confrontations in other sectors of their relationship. Regardless of the Chinese aggression along the LAC and strong Indian response to it, trade has been moving on a positive note. Though America has supported India’s response to Chinese move along the LoC and LAC, it should be cautious while taking aggressive steps against China.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Himachal does well

Refer to ‘State ninth in smart policing survey’; in the last two days, at the national level, two surveys of the states were conducted. One on cleanliness, and the other about the smart service of police. When it comes to the annual cleanliness survey of the country, the performance of Himachal is second among 10 Himalayan states. It is a matter of pride for all the people of Himachal. It also secured the ninth position in the second smart police survey, which is the first place in the northern states. The strengthening of any system is impossible without awareness among people. This success is continuously seen through the education system and public awareness campaigns. Today, along with their rights, people are discharging their duties very well.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

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