Read the writing on the wall

Refer to ‘BJP can’t afford to take Jammu for granted’ (The Great Game); the BJP had set a lofty target for itself in the Lok Sabha elections, partly because it felt that the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya would help it mobilise Hindu voters across the country. But the party’s below-par showing in UP in the General Election has shattered the party’s sense of invincibility. As the Assembly elections in J&K approach, the saffron party must read the writing on the wall — it can’t take the Hindu-dominated region for granted. It cannot win the polls by campaigning on the abrogation of Article 370. If the party wants to win over the local voters, it must focus on creating better infrastructure and improving health facilities there.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Keep an ear to the ground

With reference to ‘BJP can’t afford to take Jammu for granted’; the saffron party’s hold on Jammu is slipping, and it is no matter of surprise. While the party’s slogans proclaim peace, stability and progress, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Broken promises have left Jammu grappling with poor infrastructure. The business sector in the region has long been neglected. The locals have been treated like an afterthought. If the BJP continues to treat Jammu like a safe bet, the voters may teach the saffron party a lesson. The BJP must listen to the voices on the ground before it is too late.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Stem the rot in police force

Apropos of ‘Corruption within’; the rot runs deep in the police administration. The arrest of a drug inspector for allegedly colluding with narcotics smugglers should prompt us to ask ourselves: Who will police the police? There is a dire need to foster a culture of integrity, accountability and transparency in the law enforcement apparatus. Eliminating corruption would require a multi-pronged approach. Besides undertaking rigorous screening at the recruitment stage, the training of the personnel should focus on ethics, integrity and the importance of earning community trust. Independent oversight agencies and whistleblowers should be actively encouraged to report instances of unethical behaviour without any fear of retaliation. It is important to ensure that time-tested systems are put in place so that the personnel understand the implications of their actions.

Amit Banerjee, Mumbai

Manipur remains on the boil

The situation in Manipur is worsening with each passing day. How can the government let the northeastern state continue to burn? If the ethnic strife between the two warring communities remains unresolved, Manipur will end up as yet another restive state, marking a victory for forces inimical to India’s interests. The Governor’s rule should be imposed in the conflict-torn state until normalcy is restored. Besides, the government should tap some representatives from both communities as advisers to ensure smooth governance.

Col Sajjan Kundu (retd), Hisar

Save the tiger

Apropos of the front-page news report ‘Take your tiger back: Rewari villagers force Rajasthan forest team to stay put’; human beings are inviting trouble for themselves by continuing to destroy the habitat of wild animals. It is unfortunate that, in a desperate bid to get rid of the big cat, the Rewari locals are threatening to take the matter into their own hands. The announcement of a reward for ‘bringing down’ the tiger and the locals’ attempts to rope in hunters from Rajasthan and UP to kill the feline are alarming. The officials involved in efforts to capture the tiger should use drone cameras so that the animal can be promptly located, tranquilised and taken back to the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Col RS Narula (retd), Patiala

Do justice to your job

With reference to the middle ‘The story of an exemplary worker’; the tale about a peon’s dedication towards his roles and responsibilities was inspiring. The peon had made a name for himself in the office as a conscientious worker. And after he passed away, his son took on the role of peon with just as much dedication. We can all learn a thing or two from the story. Doing justice to our job and adopting the values that our elders pass on to us make all the difference.

Gurinder Pal Singh, by mail