SMS Voting
We all know that a good voice, perfect knowledge of taal, perfect pronunciation and the ability to express the feelings of a song are some of the major qualities for a good singer.
But nowadays, another quality has become important: that of receiving the highest number of votes through SMS sent by his/her fans. Is it a good sign?
Moreover, in Assam, some youth organizations seek votes from viewers for their own favourite contestants. In my opinion, these youth organizations should not involve themselves in this business of SMS voting for singers participating in singing contests. After all, as Longfellow said, ‘‘music is the universal language of mankind’’.
Therefore, music should not become a matter of vote for any youth organization. Why should there be sympathy for a particular contestant when all compete equally in the battle of music?
Sanghamitra Puzari,
Santipur, Jorhat.

Dealing with Pakistan
The BJP recently demanded the calling of Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the Foreign Ministry to protest that country’s support to infiltrators trying to create trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. It is futile to expect such gesture from the timid UPA government.
The present situation in the Kashmir Valley — even though the Amarnath land row has been resolved to a certain extent — is nothing but a creation of the UPA government. The government is blind to ISI activities in the country.
Take the statement of Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherji: that a happy and prosperous Pakistan is one of India’s dreams. Would Pakistan ever think so? Mukherji’s statement is like feeding milk to a poisonous snake. Pakistan is historically known as one of the most treacherous nations, for which it has failed to acquire a respectable status in the world till date.
If ‘secular’ leaders like Pranab Mukherji are serious about national security, they should take a tough stand against Pakistan — just as Israel is tough towards neighbouring Islamic countries.
Since the UPA government is not serious about the security of Hindus, the BJP and Sangh Parivar should volunteer themselves to protect the Hindus from the onslaught of jehadi forces.
The situation in J&K will remain volatile, whatever be the nature of Pakistan Government, whether it is run by military or civilian leaders. Therefore, India must be on the guard. There cannot be any compromise with Pakistan.
Suren Das,
Barpeta.

Mobile Tower and Health Hazard
Science has already warned us in strong terms that mobile phone has adverse effects on our health for its emission of electromagnetic radiation each time we receive a call signal. Just imagine: if a single unit of mobile set can cause a bad effect on our health in due course of time, what would be the consequence of bombardment of signal impulses which lead to ceaseless emission of electromagnetic radiation in greater density by the transmitting towers near our residences.
Different groups of scientists in US and Germany have come up with startling findings that can deflate our pride in having our building crowned with mobile phone towers. Their studies have established that a person within 500 meters of the tower is three times more prone to cancer than those further away from the tower. Besides cancer, other illnesses that may appear in a few years are fatigue, cataract, reduced mental concentration and weak immune system. Children are more sickness-prone due to this electromagnetic radiation than adults. Yes, the noise — due to mobile phone talks — is yet another irritant.
Well, I wonder how nonchalantly cool our cell phone companies are — that they keep on erecting towers by paying a few thousand  rupees per month to the building owners. They never bother to take opinion or permission of the immediate neighbours whose health is equally at stake for that towering system.
If I am not wrong, the law must require the company to formally obtain the permission of people residing within the radius of at least 500 meters prior to establishment of the tower. This will be in the interest of public health.
Salil Gewali,
Upper Mawprem, Shillong-2.