Iran’s flawed theocracy
Apropos of ‘Nuke shadow looms over West Asia’; the writer describes Israel’s pounding of Iran ‘as being a dangerous and reckless act of aggression’, but he does not mention the Iranian theocratic regime’s missile attack on Israeli civilian areas. Iran ‘has a strong sense of history and nationhood’, but we must not forget Mahsa Amini, who was killed after being arrested by Iran’s morality police in 2022 for not wearing the hijab properly. The Baha’i faith, born in Iran, has more followers in India because of the severe persecutions that occurred in Iran. Yet, many people are condemning Israel, the most stable democracy in the Middle East.
Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai
West’s double standards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks calling out the West’s duplicity on terrorism deserve serious reflection. With US President Donald Trump giving a red-carpet welcome to Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, questions have arisen about the West’s selective approach in combating terror. India has consistently borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism traced to elements operating with impunity in Pakistan. Yet, Western powers have historically looked the other way — arming, funding and legitimising the very actors who enable extremism. This hypocrisy not only undermines the global fight against terror but also erodes trust between allies.
Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar
Trump’s double game
With reference to ‘Modi-Trump talk’; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a 35-minute phone call during which Modi clearly stated that India doesn’t want third-party mediation in its conflict with Pakistan. The luncheon hosted by the US President for Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, has sparked speculation about US priorities in the region. America’s outreach to Munir is an indication that it is playing a double game.
Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar
Prompt response to accidents
Apropos of ‘Empathy on the roads: Can we make helping the norm?’ the editorial rightly highlighted the surge in road accidents, the aftermath and difficulties in providing help to the affected people at the site of the mishap. Good Samaritans are few and far between. The cashless treatment scheme initiated by the government can prove to be a boon for the injured, but other aspects like immediate police help and medical aid like ambulance service need consideration as well. Passersby and commuters need to come forward immediately to help.
Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali
Politicians must stay away
Apropos of ‘Beyond stipends’; the role of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar in revamping agriculture in north India and strengthening rural economy is commendable. It is unfortunate that the ongoing row between the HAU administration and the students has disrupted studies. Research scholars have complained of being manhandled by the university security guards for raising genuine concerns. Scholarships of MSc and PhD students must be restored without any bias. The research scholars are expected to be treated with dignity. Politicians should stay away from the administrative affairs of the university.
Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad
Sportspersons at receiving end
Apropos of ‘No job, athlete opens juice vend in Fazilka, puts medals on display’; it is unfortunate that a 22-year-old national-level athlete had to take up this small-time work in the absence of a job or financial support from the Central or state government. It is ironic that governments offer freebies to undeserving people in order to get votes. Officers of the Sports Department visit foreign countries at the expense of taxpayers’ money. But nobody bothers about the well-being of sportspersons, unless they play cricket; they are left to fend for themselves.
Vijaya Sharma, by mail
Letters to the Editor