Reference to the editorial ‘Pressure tactics’; intentions may be noble, but the timing of raids on arhtiyas was wrong. In the midst of the farmers’ agitation, conducting I-T raids on the participants of agitation has been done to coerce them to back off. The government must not use institutions like the ED and the CBI for politically-driven agenda. It may lose its inherent value and standing. I-T raids must not be conducted as the first thing to nab the defaulters, but should be a follow-up action if the respondents do not submit the required information. By conducting such extempore raids, the government has sent wrong signals to the agitators and it may not bode well for the outcome of the talks. It’s a bad policy to slap with one hand and extend the other for friendship.

Ashok Goswami, New York

Misuse of govt machinery

There has been a tendency to use the CBI, ED and the I-T department against political opponents. In Himachal Pradesh, a CBI raid took place when the marriage of Virbhadra Singh’s daughter was being solemnised. These are unethical practices. The income tax raids on arhtiyas have taken place when the agitation against the farm laws is happening. If the new legislations come into force, the arhtiyas would be eclipsed by big business houses.

BM Singh, Amritsar

UK flights

The temporary suspension of all flights connecting the UK and our country in the wake of a rapidly spreading new strain of Covid-19 in Britain, is timely. It will go a long way in checking the entry of the mutated virus into our country. The new variant, which has been named by the UK scientists as VUI-202012/01, may contribute to increased transmission. Covid-19 has already wreaked havoc in India. Therefore, not only the government has to remain alert, we also should be taking all necessary precautions. Complacency can prove costly.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Decongestion plan

The 8-km ring road project in Zirakpur is back on track. The 200-foot-wide, six-lane road will decongest Zirakpur by providing an alternative route to the Shimla-bound traffic from Ambala. The NHAI is likely to start the work in a month on 100 acres of land acquired and completed soon. Chandigarh International Airport, Ambala and the Delhi-bound traffic from Shimla can avoid Zirakpur. The project will also help prevent around 1.5 lakh vehicles from Punjab and Haryana from entering Chandigarh daily, something that has also been proposed in the city’s master plan for better traffic management. This will greatly reduce traffic pressure at Tribune Chowk. With these developments, the need to have a flyover there should be assessed. Also, instead of normal traffic lights, smart lights that sense traffic on the higher side and allow vehicles to move for a certain period, then switch to the next side, should be provided at the roundabout.

Sateesh Dadwal, Chandigarh

Role of Opposition

It is being alleged that the Opposition parties are misleading the farmers. I am at a loss to understand why can’t the Opposition articulate views on a particular policy matter of the government and espouse the cause of those who feel wronged by the laws passed. If the government had been favourably disposed to their interests, the need for protest would not have arisen. Those who are protesting should welcome the support of everyone, including that of political representatives, who keep a check on the government. The charge is untenable and off the mark.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Chinese misdemeanour

Reference to the news report about Chinese espionage network in Afghanistan working to destabilise the present government, one may wonder what kind of trick the permanent member of the UNSC is up to. The Dragon has violated every international law, obstructed a number of legitimate motions relating to India and still sits proudly in the permanent seat of the UN Security Council. The United Nations must look for amendment in its Constitution and find a way out for vacating the seat owing to the diplomatic misdemeanours of Beijing.

Rakesh Sudan, via email

Hathras case probe

The CBI chargesheet in the Hathras case is a stinging indictment of the UP government’s handling of the case which has responded by claiming that it had ordered the CBI probe in the first place. Insulating the investigation and prosecution from any political influence is the only way to ensure justice for the young Dalit woman.

EL Singh, via email

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