letterstoeditor
TRIBAL STATUS WILL BE GOOD FOR LADAKH
According to some news reports, the newly-created union territory of Ladakh is likely to get tribal status. This is welcome news for locals as it means that their land will be protected. If this happens, inflow of people from outside will reduce, ensuring that the rich cultural identity of the place is preserved. Aditya Negi, Kinnaur
ENHANCED TRAFFIC FINE IS HARSH
There is no second-thought on the fact that wayward and unruly traffic on Indian roads takes lives and calls for stringent laws to control the menace. However, the new heavier penalties are indeed harsh. Before implementing such a law, the government needed to ponder upon how it could make our roads safer. Stray animals and potholes also take lives for which commuters cannot be held accountable. It is unjustified to come down so hard on the common man, when the government has not done its bit. Deepak Kaushik,
Yamunanagar
GOVT ALSO ACCOUNTABLE FOR ROAD MISHAPS
The manifold rise in penalty for traffic violations is a welcome step towards curbing the growing number of road mishaps. The penalty amount does not matter, if it leads to saving of lives on our roads. The implementation of enhanced penalties has started showing positive results. However, if an accident takes place due to non-functional traffic signal, broken road dividers, poorly-lit roads or bad road conditions, the government must be held liable to pay appropriate compensation to the victim. Sukhdev Singh Minhas,
Mohali
MODI, SHAH METICULOUS PLANNERS
Apropos ‘Evaluating PM Modi 2.0’ (HT Comment, Sept 9)’, it is true that the Modi government has been very strong on the security front. It has been having a dream run in its second term. The last Parliament session was the most productive in three decades. Many bills were passed smoothly, including the triple talaq bill and the abrogation of article 370. For all this, PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah deserve accolades for meticulous planning. Modi has lived up to his reputation of a man who delivers what he says. Now, he needs to ensure the economy rebounds.
Arun Hastir, Gurdaspur
ARREST THE ECONOMIC SLIDE
In the first 100 days of his second term, Modi has taken a few landmark decisions, notably the abrogation of the article 370 and bringing in the law on triple talaq. That is appreciable. However, the faltering economy is a big question-mark? The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is on a downward spiral. His government must arrest the economic slide and revive growth. Ashwani Kumar,
Chandigarh
MODI 2.0’S REPORT CARD: A MIXED BAG
The Modi government’s report card, like a coin, has two sides. It has a few bright spots. But, it also has its downsides, chiefly the shoddy implementation of National Citizens Registry (NRC), the diversion of RBI funds and a sputtering economy.
Zeenat Thind, Ludhiana
RESTORE MOBILE SERVICE, INTERNET IN J&K
Kashmir has been in an internet lockdown for more than a month now. This has not only caused major inconvenience to the people in the Valley, but also invited criticism from the media. The government must restore mobile and internet services. The centre has enough resources to face the backlash, if any, from certain sections in Kashmir. MS Tandan,
Ambala Cantonment
RETRENCHMENT DOESN’T AUGUR WELL
Retrenchment due to slowdown in various sectors doesn’t augur well for the country’s economic health. An unprecedented withdrawal of reserves from the Reserve Bank of India has already led to raised eyebrows. The Modi government must act in a swift and decisive manner to bring growth back on track. Failing this, the abrogation of article 370 would be seen as a ploy to distract people’s attention from the real issues. Abhinav Sharma,
Ludhiana
LIFT SECURITY CLAMPDOWN IN J&K
The security clampdown in place in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5 should be lifted immediately; mainstream politicians must also be freed of detention to start a process of dialogue. In spite of conflicting reports, there is a threat to fundamental rights there, which is completely at odds with democratic values. Claims under government schemes like Ayushman Bharat have fallen to almost zero since article 370 was revoked. Protests are being muzzled using force.
SK Khosla, Chandigarh
MOON’S EXPLORATION MUST CONTINUE
Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram Lander did not have the softlanding as planned. However, this setback should not dampen the spirit of Indian scientists. Failures are the stepping stone to success. This minor failure will serve as a guiding light for future explorations of the moon. After this mission, students can proudly dream of becoming space scientists and bringing laurels to the country.
Mandeep Kaur, Jalandhar