Polarisation in South Asia

Apropos of ‘Ominous churning on India’s frontiers’(The Great Game); Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have remained hostile since the 1971 Liberation War, but the dynamics have changed since PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year. Recent strategic military collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan amplifies India’s existing security challenges on its eastern and western borders. It could upset the balance of power and escalate tensions in the Indian Ocean Region. The new equations could polarise South Asia along religious lines, as is the case in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. Thus, restoring functional bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh remains critical, even though Dhaka may strengthen its ties with Islamabad.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

‘Remote control’ in China’s hands

Refer to ‘Ominous churning on India’s frontiers’; one can understand that Bangladesh and Pakistan coming closer is not news to New Delhi. Recently, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal had also stood up against ‘big brother’ India. The common thread behind this anti-India sentiment is the “remote control” in the hands of China. Bhutan is following the wait-and-watch policy, even though, on paper, it remains a close ally of India. Indian diplomacy is under test. Globally, these are very tough times for every country amid the raging tariff wars.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Urdu, Hindi inseparable

Apropos of ‘War on Urdu is war on our composite culture’; Zubaan kissi mazhab ya qaum ki nahi hoti, zubaan mulk ki hoti hai (Language does not belong to any religion or community, it is a national asset). The relationship between Urdu and Hindi is intimate as well as complex. In their spoken form, it is sometimes difficult to discern Urdu from Hindi. They share a virtually identical grammar and also possess a large body of common vocabulary used in everyday conversation. So similar are the words that some refer to the two languages as Hindustani. In legal jargon, Urdu words are extensively used.

Paramjeet Singh, Ropar

Undertrials adding to burden

With reference to ‘A prison crisis’; nearly 70% of the inmates in Indian jails are undertrials — many of them remain incarcerated simply because they cannot afford bail or pay court-imposed fines. This not only contributes significantly to overcrowding in prisons but also places a financial strain on the system. The cost of keeping these prisoners behind bars often exceeds the fines. A parliamentary panel has recommended replicating the Andhra Pradesh model, which includes a dedicated fund to assist impoverished prisoners in paying fines and securing their release. Unless this systemic failure, where bail-granted undertrials remain imprisoned, is addressed, augmenting prison infrastructure will remain a futile solution.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Nothing wrong with SC intervention

Refer to ‘Dhankhar’s tirade’; by commenting on the functioning of the judiciary, the Vice-President has himself overstepped his boundaries. The Supreme Court has set a reasonable deadline for the Governor and subsequently the President to decide upon pending Bills. Similarly, if the apex court is keen on a review of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, there is nothing wrong or unfair about it. The SC can decide on all matters that are brought before it. If the judiciary’s role is frowned upon, there would be anarchy in the whole country. The Vice-President should do his duty and let the judiciary function impartially.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Respect judicial independence

With reference to ‘Dhankhar’s tirade’; the Vice-President’s remarks diminish the sanctity of judicial intervention meant to address legislative delays. The judiciary steps in only when the executive and the legislature fail to perform. The National Judicial Appointments Commission issue and the recent controversy involving a High Court judge must not be exploited to malign the image of the entire judiciary.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Letters to the Editor