MiG’s chequered record

Apropos of the editorial, ‘End of an era’; MiG-21’s glorious service of 62 years, including its role in three India-Pakistan wars and the 2019 Balakot strikes, marks an important chapter in the history of the Indian Air Force. However, the ‘flying coffin’ tag given to this fighter jet due to multiple fatal crashes cannot be ignored. The MiG-21 fleet continued beyond its expected and designed technical life. There may have been upgrades in avionics, instrumentation, radar and other systems, but the life of airframe and aero-engines cannot be extended beyond a certain limit. The shortage of fighter aircraft squadron led to the extension of the TTL (total technical life) of the MiG-21 fleet.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Legacy untarnished

Refer to ‘End of an era’; MiG-21, the old warhorse, served the IAF with distinction since its induction in 1963. It became the backbone of India’s aerial defence and played a crucial role in major military operations. While the fighter jet faced criticism in recent decades and was called the “flying coffin” and “widow-maker” because it was involved in hundreds of accidents, its legacy remains untarnished — from being a symbol of modernisation in the 1960s to leading combat missions into the 21st century. The ceremonial send-off scheduled for September in Chandigarh will be a fitting tribute.

Bal Govind, Noida

Public movement to save trees

The report, ‘Post-NGT orders, govt to bring in law against tree felling in urban areas’, is heartening for environmentalists who were long struggling to bring tree-specific legislation aimed at saving and protecting trees, besides enhancing green cover in Punjab. It also provides a living example of how a public movement against an evil can lead to tangible results. However, it is proposed that the provision for imprisonment, in addition to fines, be also made to punish violators. Old trees beyond a certain age should be declared “heritage” ones for their special protection and maintenance under the Act.

Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar

Iran-Israel shadow war

The ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel has escalated, marked by mysterious fires, refinery explosions and gas leaks across Iran. Though officials blame local groups like the Balochis, many believe these are acts of Israeli sabotage, especially as Mossad reportedly struck within Iranian territory. A recent airport fire is also suspected to be deliberate. Despite a ceasefire on June 24, the conflict has merely shifted form, not ceased. Israel warns of further strikes if provoked. This covert war threatens regional stability and global energy security. For India, heavily reliant on Middle East oil and gas, such disruptions could lead to supply shocks and price hikes — underscoring the need for diversified energy sources and diplomatic vigilance. This leads one to ponder whether a similar shadow war is in motion between India and Pakistan.

RS Narula, Patiala

Shocking appointment

Apropos of ‘Complainant in 2017 stalking case questions appointment’; the Haryana government’s decision to appoint Vikas Barala — an accused in the Chandigarh stalking case — as Assistant Advocate General is not only insensitive but a shocking affront to public conscience and the principles of justice. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has over 1 lakh licensed advocates under the Punjab Bar Council, including a substantial number from Haryana. Considering such a rich pool of qualified and deserving advocates, the choice of an accused in a serious criminal case — still pending trial after nearly eight years — undermines meritocracy.

Ramphal Kataria, Kurukshetra

Romancing the pen

Refer to the middle, ‘When the pen reigned supreme’; the author is right that apps and automation have edged out handwritten letters, diaries and greeting cards. Writing with pens was a privilege that we are missing badly now. I used to carry ink bottles to school to refill pens. I received a Sheaffer pen as a gift on my 18th birthday, and I have kept it with utmost care. It is still in a working condition. Whenever I wish to write something memorable, I reach for this pen immediately.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Letters to the Editor