Editor,
Deficit school teachers posted in the sanctioned posts of the Government get their salaries and other perks like any other Government servant. A Government servant is bound by the conduct rules to follow political neutrality and therefore not eligible to express his/her views against the Government, not allowed to contest elections etc. Then the question arises as to why Deficit School teachers who are at par with Government teachers not bound by the same conduct rules? They are free to talk whatever they want against the Government; contest elections any time they wish to, and, if they win, to hold on to the teachers’ post and if they lose then to return to the same post. What a comfortable life indeed! They have best of the both worlds. It is simply a mockery of the system at the cost of others. It is high time that Government brings this privileged class of people under the purview of conduct rules like any Government employee on the principles of fairness and equality immediately.
Yours etc.,
Desmond Kharkongor
Shillong -3
Celebrating
Let’s make Diwali eco-friendly
Editor,
Diwali is a religious Hindu festival, celebrated as festival of lights by lighting lamps everywhere at homes, streets, shops, temples, markets, etc. It also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil in the human society; light over darkness; knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. There is hustle, bustle and joy all around. Everything about this festival is joyous except one and that is the burning of fire crackers. Burning of crackers that forms a part of the Diwali celebration is causing an alarming amount of noise pollution, land pollution and obviously air pollution. This is impacting our environment adversely and creating enormous amount of difficulty for all living beings.
While the government has been taking steps to reduce pollution during Diwali, we as citizens need to commit ourselves to ensure proper implementation of laws during the festival. Let us all commit to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali. For that we should avoid using electric lights to illuminate our homes. Instead, opt for diyas (earthen lamps) and candles rather than Chinese lights. This saves electricity. Limit usage of firecrackers that emit enormous smoke and sound. Dispose off waste properly after celebrations. Select eco-friendly gifts and decorating items for special ones. Use natural colours for making Rangoli. Use leftover materials to make crafts. Make home-made sweets. Use biodegradable plates and glasses. Gift a plant this Diwali. Organize events for family members. Make cards for family members. Do something for the society like charity etc. Celebrate a cracker less Diwali or opt for eco- friendly crackers.
This Diwali let’s Go Green and celebrate a pollution free Diwali.
Yours etc.,
Pinaki Nandy,
Guwahati
Exposing Pakistan’s ambiguous stance
Editor,
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik is made of sterner stuff as he is able to see through the dirty tricks being played by Pakistan in matters of cross border terrorism. He warned Pakistan on Monday of stern military action if it continued to push terrorists into J&K to foment trouble in the state. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organized by the police to pay tribute to its martyrs at Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar, Governor said, “War is bad and Pakistan should behave. If they don’t mend their ways, what will happen in future will be worse than what happened yesterday” He specifically spoke to the people of the valley especially to the youth, “There will be a new Kashmir from November 1…participate in it and take it ahead. I would like to ask the boys here what did they achieve, so far (through confrontation)?”
Pakistan has no scruples at all to violate 2003 truce many times and what integrity does it have to boast of as a nation except some nuclear war heads to gloat over? Further, it keeps disturbing India through whatever means but prominently through pushing in terrorists from the LoC. How much and how long is India forced to suffer due to their sadistic mentality? “Tread on a worm and it will turn.” India will be forced to give a slap on the face of Pakistan if it continues to provoke India and if it does not desist from sending terrorists to India. This has been well expressed by J&K governor saying, “We will dismantle all the terrorist camps. If they don’t desist we will go inside (Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir).”
Actions speak louder than words. The real attitude of Pakistan is treacherous and wavering. It never keeps it promises made to India. So, India must expose this hypocritical stand of Pakistan at the international platforms and make it ashamed of its dichotomous stand on terrorism.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email