No food for thought

Apropos of the article Less on our plate (December 30), KumKum Dasgupta has rightly explained the shocking consequences of the economic downturn.

Apropos of the article Less on our plate (December 30), KumKum Dasgupta has rightly explained the shocking consequences of the economic downturn. Our government should come up with more farmer-friendly policies and help the sector develop. Our country badly needs reforms in this sector as millions of Indians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Also, it should be the Centre’s responsibility to ensure that aid reaches farmers.

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Rajesh Mehta, Delhi

It is true that economic meltodown has highlighted the problem of hunger. More mouths will now have to be fed with limited and rapidly depleting resources. Regrettably, India will be the hardest hit by this crisis and a large number of children will be affected by various deadly diseases. This will ultimately lead to lower economic growth. The problem of hunger needs to be tackled with utmost seriousness.

K.Venkataraman, via email

Defensive over the offensive

Israel is threatening humanity by attacking the Palestinians. The offensive is condemnable and the international community must act on this heinous attack which has so far claimed over 300 lives and affected innocents. The pro-U.S. monarchies in the region have portrayed themselves as sympathisers with the Palestinian cause. But everybody knows that they are nothing but demagogues. Also, US foreign policy has played a dubious role by holding only Hamas responsible for inciting Israel to attack when both the sides are equally guilty in the present situation.

Yasir Ali Mirza, Aligarh

He’s no secularist

Apropos of the analytical piece by Aakar Patel, End of the Kashmiri Jihad (December 30), it is surprising to see that the writer has called Yasin Malik a supporter of secularism. Malik, who faces charges in as many as 23 criminal cases, hasn’t been punished so far. Many reports have also established that he was the chief guest at the annual function of the LeT and he is ideologically akin to those responsible for spreading terror in the Valley. Mr. Patel further says that Malik has known the brutality of the Indian State since he has spent some years behind bars. But is there any justification for Malik’s own brutality towards non-Muslims in his state?

Rashneek Kher, via email

The fault lies within

Our government’s reaction after every terror attack is ridiculous. We blame Pakistan and forget that the real problem lies with us. As long as corruption persists, India can never be free of its problems. As proved by various scams, nearly all systems, from the judiciary to the defence forces, are corrupt beyond belief. The Mumbai attacks scream out what was being whispered till now. We need to set our house in order first and then point fingers at others.

Kuldeep Sharma, Delhi