Rare earth minerals a necessity

Refer to ‘Mineral riches spur India’s outreach’; the writer has rightly stressed upon the need to achieve self-reliance in production of rare earth minerals. PM Modi’s visit to African and Latin American countries to explore options to gain access to these critical minerals assumes greater significance in this context. This will obviate any possible disruption in the supply chain of these elements which are very rare but used extensively in many industries. As of now, India procures them from China to fulfil the industrial demand. To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, their uninterrupted supply is necessary. India must explore them within its own borders too, apart from sourcing them from other countries.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Attention, not prosecution

Refer to ‘Exceeding its brief’; the prolonged investigation into Prof Mahmudabad’s social media posts raises serious concerns about the misuse of state machinery to stifle dissent. That the SIT, formed on the Supreme Court’s order, is dragging its feet over what is essentially a simple interpretation of the English language defies logic. The seizure of the professor’s electronic devices, under the guise of a forensic examination, reeks of intimidation. India’s democracy is rooted in the freedom to question and criticise. If an academic can be treated as a threat to national security merely for voicing concern, it sets a dangerous precedent for civil liberties.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

National heritage important

Apropos of ‘Roy’s home razed’; culture, heritage and history of a country are a sum of its art, literature and policies through decades or centuries. Bangladesh has remained trapped in the web of successive authoritarian governments. Bengalis share many characteristics of their culture and literature with their Bangladeshi counterparts. Acts like demolition of the ancestral homes of legendary film director Satyajit Ray or Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore strike at the root of its rich heritage.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Secure online transactions

Refer to ‘Banks liable to pay for customers’ loss’; the writer has aptly pointed out that under the Consumer Protection Act, a person can claim compensation for any loss or injury caused on account of negligence or a deficient service. There may not be direct involvement of bank officials in crimes like digital arrest, but one can still hold the bank negligent. It is the duty and responsibility of banks to explore foolproof measures to avoid any chance of people’s hard-earned money being pocketed by criminal elements. Not to forget, it is also the responsibility of other stakeholders to be more vigilant.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Technology-driven wars

Refer to ‘Can’t win modern wars with outdated weapons, says CDS’; earlier this year, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flagged serious concerns over project delays. Now, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan has flagged outdated weapons. The way wars are being fought has changed drastically over the years and technology has a big role to play in defence weaponry. At a time when China is developing and testing sixth-generation fighter jets, we are struggling to get the delivery of fourth-generation ones. We not only need to catch up with hostile neighbours like China, but remain a few steps ahead. If privatisation is the need of the hour for defence production, the government should give it a try.

Bal Govind, Noida

Kolhapuri chappals going places

A technical team from the global brand Prada visited Kolhapur in Maharashtra to witness the making of Kolhapuri chappals. The team met local artisans and learned the nitty-gritty of the art. It is heartening that Prada has shown interest in learning the traditional method of making this unique footwear. The artisans involved in their manufacture should reap the benefits of the exposure the fashion label is giving to their industry at the global level.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Letters to the Editor