Editor,
In the letter published in the June 27, 2020 edition of your esteemed daily under caption “US’s visa Ban”, Mr Venu GS has opined that temporary suspension of different classes of visa by US Government goes against the idea of globalization. However, this would mean that globalization causes a sovereign country to lose its right to impose restrictions on immigration. I feel it is the prerogative of every Government to decide whom to allow access to their country and for what purpose. No doubt, this decision will impact Indian technocrats and other professionals who are aspiring to work in the US but it is important to ask: Why do so many Indian professionals seek employment in the US? The answer is obvious: higher salaries. Most professionals are not going to do any charitable work in the US and as such, there is no apparent need on the part of the Indian Government to impress upon the US administration to reverse the decision. In addition, the measure of banning visas is a temporary measure that has been taken in a time of crisis, which is perfectly understandable. Furthermore, as Mr Trump is the President of America, his prime responsibility is to ensure the welfare of his own countrymen, many of whom have been rendered jobless by the pandemic. While international movement of citizens is undoubtedly desirable in this era that does not make emigration a right for citizens of any country.
Before terming the ban on work visa as xenophobic, Mr Venu should have looked at the situation in his own country where there are severe restrictions such as Inner Line Permit (ILP) prevailing in several north eastern states which limit the entry, movement, work, trade and professions etc for fellow countrymen on varied justifications in this age of globalization. Hence, before criticizing the policy of a foreign nation it is better to make our homeland free from such discriminating policies.
Yours etc.,
N K Kehar
Shillong-3
Convert LAC into permanent boundary
Editor,
Usually there are three types of international borders (i) Open (ii) Controlled & (iii) Fortified. Apart from these today there are Schengen borders in Europe. Under “Fortified” borders there are sub-types (a) Fenced (b) Fenced & Walled (c) Walled & (d) Militarized. Fifth type of border is the unusual one called the imaginary border. The Sino-Indian border is one of such imaginary border and is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In the North East India around 1080 kilometres of Sino-Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh is the McMahon Line which is still imaginary and was signed as early as in 1914. The length of LAC between China and India up to Ladakh is about 4056 kilometres.
Once there were a few other such imaginary borders and one may remember the Durand Line between Afghanistan and Pakistan but at present it is converted into a permanent border. Unless the LAC between India and China is converted into the Line of Control (LOC), such lines will blur and invite border skirmishes like those that happened in 1962 at Tawang, 1967 at Nathu-La, 2020 at Galwan Valley. India never ever tried to intrude into anybody’s territory and it was always China that tried to intrude and encroach but has been driven out by India every time. In addition hundreds of incidents of illegal border crossings that take place every year by the soldiers of the concerned neighbouring nation creates chaos and loss of precious lives always.
Such provocations may one day prove to be very grave and severe. Thus it is high time that both India and China sit together and convert the LAC into permanent international boundary and China sincerely respects the sovereignty and hegemony of India – a nation known for peace and harmony since the historical past. China should shrug off their arrogance on the Simla Accord on the pretext that Tibet was not sovereign at the time of signing of the Accord. They have also unapologetically rejected the proposed Johnson Line and the Macartney-MacDonald Line in 1897 and in 1899 respectively. It shows that there were many attempts initiated even by the British-India rulers to persuade China to solve the border issue with India. However, good sense should prevail now and they should come forward with genuine and honest notion to have a permanent border line and eternally stop provoking India on the borders otherwise the future would remain uncertain and ambiguous.
Yours etc.,
Bibhash Dhar,
Via email
Spitting in Public
Editor,
As we are well aware spitting in public is now an offence under the Disaster Management Act, but people are not taking it seriously. They continue to spit right, left and centre without being penalised. As per guidelines issued by the Ministry in charge Disaster Management, they have made wearing masks and using sanitizers in public places mandatory. It is often seen that people wear masks and yet spit on the road but they manage to escape punishment. They have no idea where this particular sprinkle could travel. When we talk about health and hygiene, cleanliness comes first but most people don’t understand it’s importance. Wearing masks, gloves, and using sanitizers may prevent infection to some extent but spitting is one way of spreading infection. Some states have not just banned spitting but they have also booked the violators. Although the Government of Meghalaya is continuously working towards fighting COVID-19, more strict actions should be taken regarding spitting in public and it should impose a fine if such incidents are repeated.
Yours etc.,
Anindita Dey,
Via email
Unique initiative
Editor,
The Madhya Pradesh government has moved to start ‘Mera Ghar, Mera Vidyalaya’ (my home is my school) from July 6 next. This is a unique initiative for school students. In this program, a corner of the house will be assumed to be a classroom and parents will ring the bell by banging the thali (plate) at 10 am to announce the start of the session. Students from classes 1 to 8 will take lessons at home through radio, TV, and Whatsapp groups on mobile phones. Family members and teachers have been entrusted with the responsibility of arranging all required facilities timely. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is necessary to ensure our children’s education and support them. Parents and teachers, both should play an important role in continuing the education of their children at present.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha,
Satna (MP)