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Jamiat should not meddle in Kashmir
This refers to the report, “Jamiat tries to make Kashmir a Muslim-specific issue” (September 21). The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s attempt to convene a gathering of all Indian Muslim sects to evolve a ‘consensus’ on the Kashmir situation and express ‘solidarity’ with the Muslim community in the Valley is clearly dangerous because of its communal overtones. Instead of narrowing the inter-community gulf, it will only serve to widen it, particularly at this critically sensitive juncture when the Ayodhya verdict is about to be declared. How can a Muslim body which boasts of nationalistic credentials refuse to see the current Kashmir crisis as a major challenge to India, primarily triggered by the machinations of the separatist leaders, aided and abetted by our enemies across the border? Their declared motive is to achieve the unfinished agenda of Partition.
JUH secretary and spokesman Niaz Ahmed Farooqi’s statement to The Pioneer that a delegation would go to Kashmir to express ‘solidarity’ with the people (read Muslims) against violence and address ‘humanitarian problems’, clearly implicates the security forces for their efforts to curb and control Kashmiri mobsters and stone-pelters. It is a typical response of anti-Indian elements who deliberately shut their eyes to a well-engineered strategy of defiance of the law to fuel violence on the streets, bombing of police stations and burning of Government buildings in an attempt to destabilise the State administration. What is the Jamiat’s stand on the separatists’ call for ‘azadi’ and ‘self-determination’ and their intentions of an eventual merger of Kashmir with Pakistan? If Muslims become a majority in any State in India, say for example in Kerala where they have already crossed 33 per cent of the population, and some of them ask for ‘independence’ on behalf of the others, should the others even countenance such a demand?
M Ratan
New Delhi |
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Avert security fiasco
Sir — This refers to the report, “Two hurt in firing near Jama Masjid” (September 20). Indian Mujahideen terrorists have struck in the capital just as the countdown began to the Commonwealth Games. The Games are a golden opportunity for the nation to showcase its development but the terrorists have challenged India’s capacity to successfully organise them. They need a fitting reply. The Government of India must pass a law banning mercy petitions by those convicted of terrorism-related crimes. It must also take steps to ensure an incident-free Games.
Jayesh Rane
Mumbai |
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Kick the corrupt
Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Cancer of Corruption” (September 17). While, on one hand, we talk about the country’s growing economic stature, on the other hand, we are unable to deal with the scourge of corruption which is one of the main reasons why India still lags behind other nations in some areas. The gulf between the rich and poor has been increasing when it should have been bridged to an extent. An integrity survey by Transparency International places India 84th among 180 countries. As rightly pointed out, a nexus between politicians and bureaucrats was exposed in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games and it is up to the Government to show the political will to purge the guilty from its own ranks.
Bal Govind
Noida |
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Manufactured need
Sir — This refers to the report, “Yamuna level to start receding today” (September 16). This year, there has been no dearth of rainfall in the capital. A common sense approach and execution of basic measures like rainwater harvesting and revival of baolis would have ensured 24-hour water supply to at least one crore residents for a month. But although crores were invested in the organisation of Commonwealth Games, our own greed and myopic vision has caused us to miss this opportunity gifted to us by nature. On the other hand, rains have played havoc with Games-related construction work which should have been finished well ahead of the monsoon season.
S Nanjundan
Via e-mail |
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Diet can save planet
Sir — This refers to “Global harming” (Sunday Pioneer, Agenda, August 29). The University of Chicago has just published a scientific study showing that adopting a vegetarian diet is the most effective way to counter global warming. The British Government, too, has decided to promote vegetarianism as a healthy, ecologically safe and ethical way of life. Animal products like wool, hair, hide and meat have various side-effects. For instance, anthrax can be spread by eating contaminated meat. That vegetarian food is less nutritious is only a myth. Many celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Pamela Anderson and Vishwanathan Anand are vegetarians by choice. By changing his food habit, the common man can do much to save the planet.
YP Anand
Via e-mail |
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