Reference to the editorial ‘Climbdown on farm laws,’ if the Centre agreeing to give a written assurance on MSP and APMC mandis had been included in the farm laws, there might have been no protests by the farmers. Now, it has become more of a prestige issue, both for the government and the farmer union leaders. When the farmers were blocking roads and railway tracks in Punjab, the Centre didn’t bother to address their grievances. Only when the protesters reached Delhi’s doorstep was some seriousness shown by the government. Though the protests have been peaceful, the disruption has been causing inconvenience to the common people. The Centre has clarified that there can be some amendments but the farm reforms won’t be rolled back. Farm union leaders have adopted a position of maximalism, their all-or-nothing approach reflects in the demand for an outright repeal of laws and unwillingness to settle for anything less, which is not a mature way for political negotiations. The key to a solution lies in an attitude of give and take at this stage.

Lajwant Singh, via email

Defects in farm laws

Too many anomalies in the farm laws have been pointed out by the farmers which if implemented in its present form, will not only add to a rise in the prices of essential commodities, but also render small traders jobless. Local cottage industry employing semi-skilled youth will fade away resulting in staggering price rise in items of daily need like flour, rice and cereals. Even today, despite the MSP, branded wheat flour and rice sell at a higher price in retail. The government should refrain from enacting laws that adversely affect the people.

Col Kuldip S Grewal (retd), Patiala

Peaceful protest

The protest by the farmers has been remarkable because of the unity witnessed among them. They have refrained from siding with the politicians and pressed ahead with the issue which affects all segments of society and the population. They have shown remarkable solidarity, shunning violence even while remaining adamant on their demands. A hardworking community, their stir should make the government look into their grievances. Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

Rescue apple growers

Apropos of ‘Arhtiyas owe crores to apple growers’, it is a fact that a farmer is cheated more by the persons whom he approaches for money in case of an emergency. This includes the arhtiyas and a section of the bank employees as well. The farmers are protesting against the agricultural laws meant to ease open the sale of agrarian products. While their plight has evoked support, no political leader has come forward to rescue the hapless ‘apple growers’. We urge the Himachal CM to initiate strict action against the arhtiyas to help the growers in distress.

Upendra Sharma, via email

Olympic sport

Apropos of ‘Breakdancing at Olympics,’ the focus on profit reflects the sole aim of the present- day materialistic world. Egalitarianism, altruism — such expressions were the currency of a bygone era of humanitarianism. Even the ongoing farmers’ agitation is an outcry of the victims of greed, who are not ready to give the farmers even their legitimate dues. Games, sports and education are now driven by profit. The sole hope to counter this lies in inculcating moral values in the new generation.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Online exams

Apropos of ‘Students in Pangi, Bharmour take online exams atop hills,’ it’s sad to know that students have to climb hills and sit in the open to get better signal on their mobile phones to appear in online examinations. The state government must take the initiative to bring about a change in the situation. These students are the future of this nation. If we don’t provide them with sufficient resources, it’s ultimately going to affect us only.

Ritish Pandit, Dehra Gopipur

Russian lament

Reference to ‘Lavrov: Quad a new game…’, Chinese aggression on the LAC and lack of strong Russian support left India with no choice but to conclude the strategic pact with the US, leading to India joining the Quad, a formal anti-China alliance, as well as signing of the BECA. Russia, which has major defence orders from China, did nothing to rein in that country forcing India to fend for itself. Russian diplomacy in recent years has stopped taking any principled position, but focuses merely on interests and arms contracts. They are now wooing even Pakistan with arms supplies and joint exercises. India cherishes its friendship with Russia, but the latter needs to introspect as well.

Pankaj, Kalka

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