Letters to the editor
India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. After a string of disappointments in previous tournaments, India has finally emerged victorious, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket. The finale was a thrilling conclusion to a tournament that saw its fair share of ups and downs. From Virat Kohli’s triumphant return to form to Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular catch, the match was filled with moments that will be etched in the memory of cricket fans forever. India’s win is not just a victory for the team; it is a reflection of the country’s love for the sport. As the team celebrates its well-deserved win, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and joy.
Gaganpreet Singh, by mail
A game of uncertainties
Apropos of the editorial ‘Worthy championships’; cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. As the players prove their mettle on the field, millions of fans remain on edge until the last minute. There are highs, and there are lows. The India vs South Africa final was a grand spectacle, right from the beginning till the nail-biting end. The Indian team has buried the ghosts of its loss to Australia in the 50-over World Cup held in November last year. Kudos to the players!
BM Singh, Amritsar
Tall claims washed away in rain
With reference to the editorial ‘Airport roof collapse’; all claims of world-class infrastructure made by the government have been washed away by the rain. It remains to be seen if any action will be taken against the officials who were in charge of the projects. An investigation is in order to determine if corruption is to blame for the lapses in the construction and maintenance of the airport building. The tragedy calls for the intervention of PM Narendra Modi. All the talk of zero tolerance to corruption will ring hollow if the culprits go unpunished.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Rein in anti-social elements
Refer to the report ‘Bajrangi booked for instigating mob in Faridabad’; it is a matter of grave concern that cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi — who had earlier been arrested for his role in escalating tensions during the Nuh riots — attempted to disturb harmony again. It points to the fact that he may be enjoying political patronage and that the law enforcement agencies did not deal with him stringently. The failure to rein in anti-social elements like him has adversely affected the law and order situation across the country. The rise in incidents of mob violence and lynching needs to be taken seriously. Ordinary, law-abiding citizens must not bear the brunt of lawlessness.
Sharanjit Singh, Chandigarh
Need an equivalent of Sec 377
Refer to the front-page lead story ‘IPC makes way for Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, curtain on British-era laws’; stringent punishment for heinous crimes is welcome. Under the new rules, those convicted of the rape of a minor girl or organised crime could receive the death penalty. However, since Section 377 of the IPC was struck down as unconstitutional in relation to sexual intercourse between consenting adults in 2018, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) lacks its equivalent. There should be a specific provision in the BNS to protect men, women and animals from unnatural offences.
Rani Dogra, Pathankot
SAD in throes of leadership crisis
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been in decline ever since it parted ways with the BJP. Successive defeats have pushed it to the brink of collapse, sparking rebellion within the regional party of Punjab. Under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Akalis suffered a humiliating rout in the 2022 Assembly elections. Ten of the 13 party candidates lost their security deposit in the recent General Election. It shows that the party, which was in power in Punjab for two consecutive terms starting in 2007, has lost touch with the electorate. As SAD faces a leadership crisis, many of its supporters turn to other parties.
Karnail Singh, Kharar
Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit.
These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]
Refer to ‘Why Moscow matters to Modi’ (The Great Game); the piece has aptly captured India’s delicate balancing act between major global powers. PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict exemplifies New Delhi’s pragmatic foreign policy. Despite increased trade with Russia, primarily driven by discounted oil imports, India remains committed to its strategic partnership with the US, which is crucial for technology transfer and investment. Modi’s one-day trip to Russia reaffirms our ties with Moscow while minimising the strain on our relations with Washington, reflecting India’s non-aligned stance and strategic autonomy. By engaging with major powers and treading the Middle Path, India can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for its citizens.
Chanchal S Mann, Una
Modi’s Russia visit an opportunity
As PM Narendra Modi prepares to visit Moscow, the world watches with bated breath. With the Ukraine war unlikely to end anytime soon, India’s neutral stance on the conflict remains a beacon of hope. Moscow, once a city in chaos, now shines with resilience and unity. The war may have affected local residents, but Russia’s determination to assert itself as a big power is evident. India must continue to straddle the Middle Path, listening to all, be it Biden, Trump or Putin. By doing so, it can leverage the strength of its ties with other nations. New Delhi must not be swayed by the whims of other global powers but instead forge its own path, keeping our national interests in mind. Modi’s visit to Moscow should be embraced as an opportunity to strengthen India-Russia ties and foster peace in a world torn apart by conflict.
Gurdev Singh, by mail
Biden must step aside
Refer to the editorial ‘Biden stumbles’; a section of the mainstream American media is calling upon the President to pull out of the race following his dismal performance in the debate with his predecessor, Donald Trump. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee’s poor showing in the debate has renewed concerns about his advanced age. Biden has himself conceded that old age has robbed him of the vigour that he once had. It is time for him to step aside and let some other Democrat take on Trump, who still has massive sway over much of the American electorate, in the elections.
PR Ravinder, Hyderabad
Let Kamala take over
Apropos of the report ‘Biden acknowledges age, debate debacle, but vows to beat Trump’; it would be unwise of the Democrats to field Joe Biden as their presidential nominee. The 81-year-old’s feeble performance in the debate is being read as a prologue to what is to come in the months leading up to the November 5 elections. His verbal stumbles during the debate and his failure to counter Trump’s assertions have understandably set off alarm bells in Democratic circles. Besides, his son Hunter Biden’s alleged involvement in illicit activities has deeply dented the image of the President, with just months left for the polls. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is younger and more energetic, should be picked as the Democratic candidate for the Oval Office.
Vijaya Sharma, by mail
Policymakers need to buckle up
With reference to the editorial ‘Biden stumbles’; the incumbent’s shaky performance in the presidential debate has cast a shadow over his campaign. He stuttered and lost his train of thought, accentuating concerns about his age and raising questions about his ability to run the country for four more years. Another contrast that came to the fore during the debate was how Biden and Trump have starkly different views on matters of foreign policy. While Biden believes in taking the rest of the world along, Trump feels that Washington should take more unilateral decisions in the interest of the US. Policymakers should be prepared for any eventuality.
Anmoldeep Singh, Rupnagar
Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]