Refer to ‘Pak ups the ante’; Pakistan’s cross-border airstrikes in Afghanistan have not only violated the sovereignty of a neighbour but also worsened the relations between the Taliban and the Shehbaz Sharif government. This is in the aftermath of Pakistan accusing the Taliban of sheltering outlaws while conveniently ignoring its notoriety in this regard. It seems to be spooked due to the improving ties between India and Afghanistan. The use of terrorism to settle scores with countries in the region has been adopted as a state policy by the Pakistani Deep State. Cross-border trade and free movement of people in a peaceful environment will benefit all countries of the region.
Brig Gurwant Baghiana (Retd), Mohali
Promote peace globally
With reference to ‘Pak ups the ante’; the conflict is a threat to regional stability. This development comes ahead of the annual exchange of information between India and Pakistan about their nuclear installations. Amid the prevalent global situation marked by competitive politics, the vision of leaders assumes greater significance. Commitment to peace across the globe should be the concern at all levels. Everyone must contribute their share as each little action and thought counts towards building the global ecosystem.
Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala
Diplomatic challenge for India
Apropos of ‘Hasina’s extradition is a non-starter’; a request by Bangladesh to extradite former PM Sheikh Hasina poses a diplomatic challenge for India. Dhaka has chosen its path and does not seem to be interested in normalising ties with India. The extradition request and the subsequent developments have the potential to impact India-Bangladesh relations significantly. It requires deft diplomatic handling by both nations. If India sends Hasina back, we would seal her fate as she is bound to face the death penalty in Dhaka. If the request is rejected, we should be ready for more hostility from our neighbour. Whatever India chooses to do will have long-term ramifications for the region.
Bal Govind, Noida
Political witch-hunt
Apropos of ‘Hasina’s extradition is a non-starter’; the request seeking Hasina’s extradition from India to conduct a trial through the International Crimes Tribunal is nothing but a political witch-hunt. It forsakes justice and is another attempt to persecute Hasina. Muhammad Yunus has demonstrated that he doesn’t care about genocide and human rights violations and is willing to allow criminals to commit atrocities against innocents belonging to the minorities in Bangladesh. Though the two countries have an extradition treaty, which was signed in 2013, India is not likely to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh. Instead, India might take steps to weaken Bangladesh economically and militarily.
RN Goyal, by mail
Dhami must exercise restraint
Refer to “SGPC chief Dhami serves ‘punishment’ for remarks against Bibi Jagir Kaur”; Akal Takht high priests have rightly asked SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami to wash utensils at the langar hall and clean shoes of devotees at the ‘joda ghar’. He has been punished for using derogatory words against his predecessor, Bibi Jagir Kaur, during a telephonic conversation in his office. He must realise that Jagir Kaur is senior to him and he should have exercised restraint while speaking against her. But this is not the first time he has crossed the line. He often comments on political issues, which does not behove a person holding a major post in a religious institution.
Upendra Sharma, by mail
Shortfall of doctors in HP alarming
With reference to ‘CAG report flags acute shortage of specialists, doctors in tribal districts’; the severe shortage, which poses a potential danger to the lives of people, is alarming. It is more shocking than surprising that successive state governments have miserably failed to do anything about the situation. As per the report, six of the districts in the state had no ICU services available, while others are crying for doctors, specialists, beds, ambulance vans, blood banks, medicines and other essential services. The state government must take an urgent call on these issues to ensure the wellbeing of the people.
Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh
