Let's look between the lines of control
With reference to Karan Thapar's article The lines of control (Sunday Sentiments, January 20), the killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops must be condemned. There are many unanswered questions about the plight of our soldiers on the border. Thapar must, for instance, disclose the condition of camps where our security forces stay.
P Saravana Durai, Mumbai
II
I do not agree with Thapar's view. Even though he tries to play devil's advocate, the writer only ends up blaming journalists for delivering half-truths. With arguments based on uncorroborated reports and personal accounts heard from third persons, Thapar himself has served his audience borrowed truths.
Man Mohan Bhatia, Delhi
We've still got smiles to go
The article In pursuit of happiness (Chanakya, January 20) throws light on an important question. How can a country, which professes to be happy, accept behavioural aberrations such as the maltreatment of women, a lack of concern for suffering and social turmoil? Sadly, we are living in an era where even the most noble of sentiments is being manipulated by the rich and mighty for covert gains. Mother Teresa once said, "Give until it hurts." If that were to be the touchstone, we are far from being 'human' and truly happy.
R Maleyvar, via email
II
Chankaya is right in stating that we must be ready to perish if we do not read the fine print. Without recognising simmering discontent, we cannot address suppressed dangers. Though the Hindustan Times-MaRS survey has declared India a happy nation, the anger and discontent in the minds of people may spill over at any moment. Political parties and governments should thus read between the lines of happiness to alleviate the stress.
Gulshan Kumar, via email
II
Chankaya is right in stating that we must be ready to perish if we do not read the fine print. Without recognising simmering discontent, we cannot address suppressed dangers. Though the Hindustan Times-MaRS survey has declared India a happy nation, the anger and discontent in the minds of people may spill over at any moment. Political parties and governments should thus read between the lines of happiness to alleviate the stress.
Gulshan Kumar, via email
It's not just a material world
With reference to the article Happiness Survey 2013 (The Big Story, January 20), happiness resides within one's self and must not be confused with material wealth and money. People with a lot of money and power may not be as happy as the common man. Human instinct dictates that we grab more material wealth to display our happiness, but a truly happy man does not need such an exhibition. He is content. That should be our aspiration.
SP Potdar, Delhi
All alone in a crowd
In her article So near, yet so far? (Focus, January 20), Paramita Ghosh highlights the sad state of Kashmiri Muslims in the country. We condemn the police's heavy handedness. The conviction of innocent Kashmiris is an issue the State should take up seriously. But we must also remember that Kashmiri Muslims had once opted for isolation themselves. Can a community first decide to isolate itself in its own land and then try to mingle in other parts of the country?
Mohd K Roomi, Delhi
II
It is true that in the name of anti-terrorism operations, innocent people are sometimes apprehended and prosecuted. But when the truth is revealed in courts, they are acquitted. It reflects badly on the security agencies' biased intentions and their lack of professional efficiency. But while innocents should not suffer in any event, criminals should also not be allowed to get away in the absence of convincing evidence. The police must ensure that the civil rights of citizens are never violated but always protected.
SC Vaid, via email
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