Kashmir deserves peace

The killing of 26 tourists at Pahalgam in the Kashmir valley has once again brought pain and instability to a region already burdened by decades of conflict. The loss of innocent lives — whether of civilians, security personnel or others — is a tragedy that demands immediate attention and resolution. It is heartbreaking to see families torn apart and people living in constant fear. Violence not only destabilises the region but also hampers any efforts at peace, progress and mutual understanding. It is imperative for civil society and the media to highlight these issues responsibly and work together for long-term harmony. Let us not allow Kashmir to remain a land of bloodshed. It deserves peace, dignity and a future where every citizen feels safe.

Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar

Crack down on sleeper cells

The killing of innocent tourists in broad daylight in Pahalgam by terrorists is an act of cowardice. It shows that the terror network sponsored by Pakistan continues to exist in J&K. The tourist place did not have security arrangements, which should be available at all such spots in Kashmir, keeping in mind its history of violence. Cross-border terrorism will continue because it is Pakistan’s state policy to bleed India. No terror attack can be carried out without local support. Therefore, sleeper cells must be identified and annihilated in the same manner as terrorists are being eliminated in order to send a clear-cut message to support providers.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Hunt down the plotters

Another heinous and barbaric act has disturbed peace in Kashmir. The bloodbath has come as a grim reminder of the pain that perpetrators of violence inflict upon innocents. What we need to do is hunt down the plotters of this massacre. It is time to stand in solidarity with the victims’ families. There should be no room for bias towards the perpetrators on the basis of religion. Such incidents dent the image of Kashmir, which is known for its hospitality.

Sheikh Shabir Kulgami, J&K

Criminal wastage of foodgrains

Apropos of ‘Mandis overflow, wheat spills onto roads and schools’; it is a regular feature when the harvesting of wheat and paddy is in full swing. A farmer puts in hard work and a lot of money to produce grains. He has no storage capacity and immediately transfers his produce to the designated markets to sell it. But the conditions there are appalling. Foodgrains are dumped in the open as there is insufficient covered space to protect them from nature’s vagaries. The hapless farmer keeps struggling throughout. For trouble-free purchase, the government should make necessary arrangements. Adequate shelters (permanent or temporary) should be erected. Wastage of foodgrains is criminal. All departments should contribute to pool resources to facilitate smooth purchase of grains.

Karnail Singh, Kharar

Embrace the grind

Refer to ‘Good governance is not a show, it’s a daily grind’; it requires relentless effort, ethical leadership and a commitment to follow principles of fairness and justice. While modern governance faces its own challenges, returning to the fundamentals of consistent and responsible action can pave the way for a well-administered society. Only by embracing this grind can we build a society where governance truly serves the people it represents.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Security main concern

Apropos of ‘Vance offers F-35 jets, crude oil, tech; pushes for market access’; it is heartening that the US Vice-President has offered cooperation to India in data, defence, pharma and other sectors. He also sought access to Indian markets. He asserted that the Trump administration had sought friendship with India on the basis of fairness and mutual interests, and that he had come here as a partner. He criticised the previous US administration for adopting a “preaching” tone with PM Modi. However, Vance must be told that addressing security concerns is a prerequisite for good trade relations. America must rein in Khalistani extremists using US soil to carry out activities against India.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Letters to the Editor