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Journalism of Courage
The recent move by West Bengal8217;s Left Front government in the form of the Pre-litigation Reconciliatory Board Bill that allows settlement of civil disputes at the grassroots level is ominous. It is an effort to increase the interference of local party cadres in the personal lives of the people. I have lived for over two decades in Kolkata and have seen encroachment by CPM cadres in every walk of life. Recently my friend8217;s daughter had to reject admission in a major college because the rider was compulsory membership to a CPM union in the university. Unemployed boys recruited as party cadre watch localities and double up as Nagarik Samiti members in Kolkata and interfere in disputes including domestic and tenant disputes. Now by allowing untrained party cadres to interfere in the judicial process, the Left Front is consolidating its power in undemocratic ways.
8212; T.P. Sampath Gurgaon
Anand on the side
8226; Congrats Vishwanathan Anand for a famous victory against Kramnik. We give so much coverage to cricket, and barely spare any space for the man who trounced the reigning king of chess. The media must support people who have won gold medals for India, not a team of chokers. On paper we have the best cricket team in the world. It is time to show them their real place.
8212; Sara On e-mail
The issue is water
8226; Developments in Punjab on the SYL issue make me wonder whether the future battles will be fought over water. By the Termination of Water Agreements Act 2004, the Punjab government has brought the water issue to the fore. The Central government and the Congress high command have reacted in a predictable way as their primary concern is winning the forthcoming assembly election in Haryana. The overall reaction outside Punjab reflects our national attitude of maintaining status quo on all controversial issues facing the country and not taking concrete steps to solve them. Rather than bashing the Panjab government, the Congress high command and the Central government should make sincere efforts to solve not only this issue but all water related controversies in the country.
8212; Archana Seth Delhi
Forgotten land
8226; Apropos of 8216;Manorama Devi. Who8217;s that?8217; IE, August 3, I also come from the Northeast. I fully agree with the writer8217;s anguish. I have faced the same problem often. People think the Northeast is in the Stone Ages. It is this neglect which has alienated the people of this area. Lack of development cannot be wholly blamed on the central government. MPs and MLAs of this region are equally to blame. Additionally, Acts like the IMDT Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers8217; Act further fuel the sense of alienation of the people of this region. Please spread awareness about this region which is one of the most resource-rich and picturesque in India so that the situation improves. This is the only way insurgency and discontent can be combated.
8212; Anshu Changkakoti Delhi
