Though the advice to the government regarding the resumption of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir is laudable (‘Restore J&K statehood’), the eulogy for the PAGD parties is baffling. While painting these parties as victims of a vilification campaign, the pro-Pakistan pro-separatist stance of these parties has been ignored. Even now, the PAGD parties are asking for the restoration of the divisive Article 370, which in any case was a temporary provision in the Constitution, and asking for invitation to Pakistan for talks on Kashmir, ignoring the fact that Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan has no locus standi on Kashmir. In fact, Pakistan is an illegal occupier of PoK.

AK Sharma, Chandigarh

Sooner the better

‘Restore J&K statehood’ underlines common people's genuine concern about this border state. The Centre’s thoughtful move to mend the fences in the trouble-torn Valley is admirable. No real progress is possible without ensuring peace and harmony. Statehood should be restored so that the common people get a chance to vote and bring into power a government of their own choice. They must get proper equal opportunities to dream, grow and prosper like citizens in other parts of the country. The Prime Minister has taken the right step by inviting the leaders for a meeting to explore the possibilities of empowering the people through the due processes of demarcation of new Assembly constituencies and the holding of elections.

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

Indecent behaviour

It is shameful that police officials scuffled and that too in the presence of the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. What type of example are they setting for other officials? They had heated arguments over allowing members of the ‘Four-lane Prabhavit Kisan Sangh’ to assemble outside the airport. It is the democratic right of these farmers to protest against atrocities. Moreover, they were not even protesting, they were just present there to meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister. There is nothing wrong in it. On the other hand, the ministers displayed a humble attitude by stopping their vehicles and listening to the farmers patiently. Such erring officials who become a barrier between the political leaders and the public must be dealt with severity, as they are a real threat to democracy.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Crossing the line

Reference to the news report ‘Kullu SP, CM security staffer scuffle, video goes viral’; what has happened in Kullu is a matter of serious concern for the Himachal Pradesh Government. Where are their work ethics? The action of the SP and the Chief Minister’s security staff is condemnable, unacceptable and unethical. The state government must investigate the matter at the earliest without any partiality and punish the officers accordingly.

Ritish Pandit, Sunhet

Controversial decision

Refer to ‘Jobs to MLAs’ sons’; the Punjab Government has not only lost its credibility, but also has become a laughing stock. How could the Chief Minister be advised irresponsibly on such issues without gauging its consequences, triggering anger among people, particularly unemployed teachers, who are all demanding jobs? What is surprising is that the Cabinet also endorsed the same without debating its pros and cons. The jobs may or may not be accepted but the damage has been done. Time will only tell which way the wind will blow in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Ravinder Singh, Jalandhar

Free ration

Reference to ‘Free ration scheme for 5 more months’; foodgrains will be given to 81.35 crore beneficiaries and the government will spend Rs 67,266 crore on this scheme. It is astonishing that 60% of the population is reeling under hunger. It has not yet covered the BPL families. The BPL survey has not been done since 2002. Will the bellies of the beneficiaries be filled in five months? Such a scheme will become a never-ending chain. Moreover, what are the parameters for the selection of the beneficiaries? The taxpayers’ money is being spent with an eye on the elections in Uttar Pradesh and the next General Election. Incurring such huge amounts on such schemes indicates that there is no dearth of money with the Centre. The PIL demanding Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the kin of Covid victims holds good.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

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