Political blame game

The parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor was reduced to a political blame game. Key questions raised by the Opposition were left unanswered. The ruling party should have presented a white paper outlining the goals and outcomes of the operation. Military operations inevitably involve risks and losses; so, honesty and transparency are vital. The initial attempt to conceal the loss of jets, later confirmed by the armed forces, hurt the government’s credibility. Parliamentary sessions must focus on truth, accountability and national interest — not party agendas or time-wasting rhetoric.

Harsharanjit Singh, Mohali

Robust intelligence a must

Apropos of ‘Mission successful’; after the dastardly Pahalgam attack, the security situation was reviewed by the Home Minister in consultation with officers of security forces. Promptly, a hunt for the terrorists started on treacherous terrain. Ultimately, the whereabouts of the perpetrators were ascertained, and a team of the Army, CRPF and the J&K Police conducted Operation Mahadev to neutralise the terrorists after an intense firefight. Now, it may be ensured that necessary measures, including a robust intelligence mechanism, are put in place to thwart any nefarious activity at the frontline or in the hinterland so that peace prevails.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

India, China not on same page

Refer to ‘Don’t rush into a detente with China’; India needs to tweak its China policy. Beijing has never honoured various LAC agreements. Our government claims that there has been some progress to resolve the border issue. But China has not said that it has agreed on any border issue with India. The construction of hydroelectric power plants on the Yarlung Zangbo river without considering the dangerous implications for Arunachal Pradesh is the latest anti-India decision. Technical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor was another step detrimental to India’s interests. Curbs on the supply of rare earth magnets in the wake of US tariffs may hit the production of EV vehicles in India.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Historical responsibility

Apropos of ‘World court’s climate verdict: A mirror to state inaction’; the advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice stands as a moral nudge amid escalating climate inaction. Though non-binding, it marks the strongest judicial reaffirmation of obligations under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, reflecting cautious restraint and respect for state sovereignty. India’s long-standing emphasis on historical responsibility and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities finds validation in the verdict.

Mehargurvir, by email

Nations must act now

Refer to ‘World court’s climate verdict: A mirror to state inaction’; the ICJ has declared climate change as an existential threat and stated that nations can be held legally accountable for greenhouse gas emissions. India neither joined the signatories nor opposed the declaration as it is dependent on coal to meet its energy requirements. Developed nations are emitting double the per capita greenhouse gas emissions than their developing counterparts. Thus, a more inclusive approach is needed to tackle this global threat. The interests of developing nations ought to be safeguarded.

Amandeep Bains, Sirsa

Electoral farce in Bihar

It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court has gone soft on the Election Commission of India (ECI) over its refusal to include documents like Aadhaar, voter ID card and ration card as proof of the voter’s identity. The ECI’s declaration that it has almost completed the mammoth task of verifying the identity of around eight crore voters within a month indicates that the entire exercise is a farce. The SC must come to the rescue of 63 lakh voters whose names have been removed from the electoral rolls.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

Letters to the Editor