Vox pop

This refers to the report India staring at drought (July 25).

Mr Pawar, this is not the time for power games
This refers to the report India staring at drought (July 25). At a time when the Prime Minister's Office has announced that this year rainfall will be below-normal and farmers in six states are in distress, it is appalling that the GoM on drought was not convened, as the NCP and the Congress are engaged in a political tug-of-war. To top it all, agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar is reportedly not even attending his office. He must realise that this is not the time to salvage his pride. Rather he must rise above petty politics and take steps to mitigate the effects of the delayed monsoon.
Gagandeep, via email

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We have had enough of bloodshed
This refers to the report Assam violence rages, 32 dead (July 25). It is unfortunate that the authorities in the state could not nip in the bud the simmering tensions between the Bodos and Muslims over control of land and settlements. This is not the first time the members of the two communities have clashed. Moreover, shoot-at-sight orders will breed anti-police sentiments and anti-social elements may occupy abandoned houses as many people have fled to relief camps. The Centre and the governments of various states (communal violence is not restricted to a particular state) must make a comprehensive plan to create awareness among different communities and to check incidents that lead to violence of any magnitude.
Zulfikhar Akram, Bangalore