Opinion Letters to the editor: The edge of calm

This refers to the editorial, ‘An SGPC of its own’ (IE, July 22). It is most unfortunate that an ugly controversy has arisen among Sikhs over the control of gurdwaras in Haryana. The Sikh community of Haryana has every democratic right to form an HSGPC. One fails to understand why Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is set against the formation of the HSGPC. Perhaps the Badals are anxious that they will lose their fiefdom. The intervention by the Union home ministry in support of the Badals seems to be motivated by the fact that the SAD is an ally of the BJP. The Centre has no right to interfere in the religious affairs of any community.
— R.K. Kapoor
Chandigarh

It is true that the SGPC, formed for gurdwara reform, has been used by the Badals to further their political agenda. Instead of addressing the concerns of Sikhs from Haryana or taking legal recourse, the SAD and the SGPC seem to be politicising the issue by taking to the streets. Similar agitations in the past have set Punjab back by decades, besides leading to violence and loss. One hopes that saner voices will prevail. The BJP at the Centre should also handle the issue diplomatically, instead of merely siding with its ally. It must be careful not to vitiate the atmosphere and disrupt the peace.
— Ashok K. Ashu
Patiala

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A diplomat’s job
This refers to the report ‘Govt refuses resolution on Gaza, Oppn walks out of RS’ (IE, July 22). Our relations with Palestine date back to pre-Independence days. In those decades, India was admired as a voice that upheld human values. After Nehru and Indira Gandhi, India’s foreign policy underwent a dramatic change. National interest became paramount, and rightly so. It was felt that giving emotional and diplomatic support to Palestine, while estranging Israel, brought India no dividends. But CPM leader Sitaram Yechury is right to say India cannot support the “genocide” in Palestine. The Indian government must urge Israel to respect the Palestinian cause — for the sake of peace and to protect its own bilateral ties with Israel. Strategic diplomacy could do wonders to maintain an equidistance between Palestine and Israel, something a resolution might not achieve.
— Parthasarathy Sen
New Delhi

Bowled over
It is heartening that after 28 years, India has won a Test at Lord’s. It was a splendid win. The inspired bowling of Ishant Sharma played a key role. The way our batsmen played in the first innings also needs to be appreciated. I hope our team will win all the Tests slated in England for now.
— S. Ramachandran,
Chennai