DO NOT CALL IN ARMY AT THE DROP OF A HAT

Army chief Bipin Rawat has tried to obfuscate the issue of ‘Aid to Civil power’ to justify the construction of the railway bridge and removal of garbage that tourists generate. Under the rules, aid can be provided to civil authorities in case they are not capable of tackling the situation that has turned grave enough to become a national cause. Aid during national calamities very much falls under this category, but not picking up garbage and construction of bridges. Does this mean that civil administration has become incapable of undertaking the jobs specified in the charter of their duties? Or have they made it a habit to palm off menial tasks to the soldiers whose main job is to fight external aggression and to sweat it out in rehearsal for future operations during peace time.

Col Kuldip Singh Grewal (retd), Patiala unwarranted. The soldiers do not only protect our borders, their services are also used in counter-insurgency operations, social unrest etc. The nation cannot repay the debt of the brave hearts. Putting a ceiling on the expenses of the education of their children is unfair. Let every MP and MLA forego his/ her daily allowance for a day as a mark of honour to the martyrs. The naval chief and the army vice-chief have requested the defence minister to withdraw the order. The appeal voices the concern of the citizens who salute the soldiers. The withdrawal of the ceiling will be a morale booster.

Usha Verma, Chandigarh and one of the richest Indians is a Muslim. Muslims in India do see themselves as staunch Indians. India is a secular country and it is best if all communities continue to contribute to the economic development of the country. India should heed and respect the advice of Obama.

Rajendra K Aneja, via email decency and a sense of decorum. Some of the statements and personal attacks have belied our faith in democracy.

DP Gautam, via email