Letters to The Editor

Restoration 4G in J&K

The restoration of 4G Internet services in Jammu & Kashmir after 18 months is a laudable step. It is a sign that normalcy is returning after the abrogation of Article 370. Internet services were partially restored in January last year, but only 2G services were available for mobile users. But now as the situation in the Union Territory is becoming better, reintroducing 4G Internet is a very good decision to ensure that the day-to-day life of the people gets back on track. This will also promote business as many local businesses will increase their sales through online services. It will also benefit students and professionals who were unable to use the Internet facility for academic and professional purposes.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Sorbhog.

Curb custodial deaths

While hearing a case of the custodial death, the Supreme Court has remarked that death due to custodial violence is abhorrent and not acceptable in a civilized society. The Court said: "The custodial violence on the deceased, which led to the death is abhorrent and not acceptable in the civilized society. The offense committed by the accused is a crime not against the deceased alone, but was against humanity and clear violations of rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution." The Court pointed out that the police are the protector of law and order and people look forward to it to protect their life and property. The death of undertrial prisoners is a common practice in our country. Hope that the Government would initiate action to curb the custodial deaths and establish a mechanism that will ensure the human rights of undertrial prisoners.

Amit Singh Kushwaha,

Satna (M.P.)

Pull back troops

It is a good news that India and China have reached an agreement on disengagement in the north and south banks of Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh that mandates both sides to cease forward deployment of troops in a 'phased coordinated and veritable' manner. It is certainly a good move. But China is not trustworthy. India should be alert so that it does not fall in trap as the Panchseel agreement in 1962 when a part of Assam and Arunachal were intruded.

Putul Sarma,

Biswanath Chariali.

A rare moment

On 9th February, I was pleasantly surprised to see a very rare moment in Parliament House. Nowadays we are prone to see events happening inside the august parliament are full of mudslinging, calling each other by name, causing ruckus, throwing paper missiles, etc. On that day, it was completely a different and rare sight to see two political opponents exchanging pleasant and emotional gestures and also speaking few words in praise of each other. That day was the last day of senior Congress leader, ex Minister of UPA era Gulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the contribution of Gulam Nabi Azad towards the country and the retiring MP too reciprocated by being very emotional. Such rare instance reflects that all is not lost in the democratic setup of the country. It's another pointer that Congress still has some decent leaders. An unforgettable rare sight indeed when decency in today's politics almost getting extinct. Unfortunately, for Sashi Tharoor, whose house is in disarray found that rare moment a drama by PM Modi.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

World Radio Day

Several veteran staffers of All India Radio (AIR) celebrated World Radio Day on 12th February 2021 because of their devotion to radio where almost outdated electronic media of radio has been overshadowed by TV network in present fast moving era of advanced technology. These AIR staffers have radio not only as their bread and butter but also as their passion. Old timers can recall radio programmes like Lahare, Cibaca Geetmal, Hawa Mahal, Aapki Pasand, Late-evening drama and so many other programmes apart from always awaited prime time news bulletins.

It may be recalled that British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) once had a no news day on 18.04.1930 when the anchor announced of regular news bulletin being cancelled because the renowned news broadcaster had no news on that day. Instead music on piano was played in place of regular news bulletin. Several decades back, Akashvani also ran short of news stories when a totally insignificant news story about mouse was relayed in its prime time morning news bulletin giving some extra larger time duration to such a story which was not at all news worthy.

Even in present era, Monday newspapers are mostly dependent on news stories received from news agencies to whom newspapers subscribe. This is because news in India is mostly political, and politicians like others also enjoy holidays of Saturdays and Sundays. Otherwise also news most reporters in electronic and print media have weekly holidays on Sundays. Akashvani should revise timings of its prime time Hindi news bulletin to 8 pm to be followed by Samayaki at 8.15 pm in the manner Spotlight is relayed just after main evening English news bulletin. Other news-based programmes can be placed between 8.30 pm and 9 pm.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal,

Delhi

'Andolanjeevis'

Are/were the leaders and participants of Ramjanmabhoomi Andolan, who accomplished a divine job on 6th December 1992 to pave the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir, also 'Andolanjeevis' and parasites on a mission of hatching conspiracy against the country? Or 'Andolanjeevis' are only those who dare to lodge non-violent protest against the BJP, Narendra Modi and the NDA government policies in this democratic country possessing Constitutional rights of freedom of speech. But if 'Andolan' gets registered in the most violent fashion by the saffron brigade, by exercising brute muscular power and taking law in their own hands; it is nothing but practice of pure cultural nationalism. What is the exact answer? Surely the nation wants to know!

Kajal chatterjee,

Kolkata.