Apropos of ‘A lesson in foresight from China’; the eastern neighbour keeps pinpricking India by raising border issues every now and then. Its latest joint statement with Pakistan on Kashmir is a case in point. Why can’t India raise a Tibet issue in the UN or any other global platform? Tibet was forcibly occupied by China; India gave refuge to Tibetan people sharing the nation’s already scarce resources with them. If China feels free to comment on matters that India considers internal, it is reasonable to ask why India should refrain from drawing attention to concerns relating to Tibet, particularly issues of cultural autonomy, religious freedom and the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Jagdish Banyal, Amb (Una)
Trade ties and diplomacy
Refer to ‘India-Pak hostility & stagnation of Punjab’; perennial hostilities between two neighbouring nations are decimating the potential for natural trading complementarity that could have multiplier effect on both economies. As per Nobel laureate Paul Krugman’s thesis, the trade between two such countries as India and Pakistan, with similar economic and social antecedents, is not only natural and economically feasible, but immensely mutually beneficial too. Though cordiality among neighbours is ideal, yet India’s zero-tolerance policy and retribution against terrorism is befitting. However, this should not preclude scope for diplomacy, dialogue and sustenance of trade.
Vikram Chadha, Amritsar
Security key to economic ties
Refer to ‘India-Pak hostility & stagnation of Punjab’; while the economic benefits of enhanced regional trade are evident, we cannot overlook the fundamental security concerns that continue to define India-Pakistan relations. The principle that terrorism and dialogue cannot proceed simultaneously remains relevant. Pakistan’s long-standing strategy of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and proxy warfare against India cannot be ignored in pursuit of economic gains. Proposals for greater engagement with Pakistan should be viewed with caution.
Col SS Chauhan (retd), Mohali
With freedom comes duty
Refer to ‘The shrinking space for dissent’; the basis of democracy is participation of each and every individual in the affairs of the state, the institution embodying the supreme power of society. However, freedom is accompanied by restrictions. One ancillary concept of democracy is adherence to the norm of agreeing to disagree. A democratic government follows the principle that no one is above law. This rule insures us against instability and mediocrity. However, when dissent is a duty, silence is crime. No form of government can exist without inherent discipline.
Anil Bhatia, Hisar
Break the vicious cycle
With reference to ‘The shrinking space for dissent’, there is a much overdue need to stop the indoctrination of caste, religion and ethnic vilification and alienation, even if it is subtle. These problems require explicit, regular and free discourse in family and social settings so that the minds of children and the impressionable youth are spared from this malicious contagion. The vicious cycle of propagating old shibboleths must be broken.
Shlokbir Singh Brar, Muktsar
Address drug menace urgently
Refer to ‘HP civic polls’; merely winning the election is not enough. Real success will come when the winner rises above party lines to serve people of his/her panchayat with unwavering sincerity. The PRI representatives must address the drug menace with urgency. Organising sports events involving unemployed youths at the panchayat level can be a game-changer to stem the burgeoning drug addiction in the state. Simple steps can go a long way in keeping the youth on the right track.
MD Sharma, Shimla
