Mail

Communalism in country

Sir,

A couple of years back I had a chance to meet a French tourist while travelling in a bus from Leh to Manali. After that we became pen pals to know each others country in a better way. It was in this context that after exchanging series of letters and greetings, I asked my French Friend David to visit India especially J&K which he agreed by putting up a peculiar question before me. What is the problem with the Hindu Extremists there in India? Firstly being a moderate Hindu, I was amazed to read my friend's impression relating Hindus with extremism and subsequently in an attempt to clear that nation of my friend, I wrote him that no such thing (Hindu Extremism) exists in India, if there is any problem that is only Jehadis terrorism in India sponsored by ISI of Pakistan. Hindus are dignified, cultured, secular and never engage themselves in such despicable acts of religious extremism. At that time I did not know that the time was not far away when I will have to be defensive before my friend on this very point.

Now the recent incidents of violence in Gujarat and other flare ups are in the country have shattered my belief. The incidents are in no way in the interest of our country. If the situation like this continues to simmer our dream of emerging as an economic power in the region and claim to be a permanent member of the United Nations would get shattered. Moreover, economic reforms initiated a decade ago with an objective to create the new security environment in the country which includes economic growth, technological strength and well being our people will be jeoparadized. As in fact, no nation in the world can grow economically strong and politically stable when its own sources (people) are at war path with each other on religious and communal lines. Therefore, it is the duty of the countrymen to try to contain such elements who try to flare up the communal feeling, irrespective of the community they belong. If allowed to go soct free, besides inflicting economic and political loss, will continue to divide the innocents and ultimately will plunge the country into a civil war like situation. Before it is too late, it is the duty of every true Indian to vehemently condemn these religious fanatics who are fuelled with wrong notion that they can rule the world be their exploited means.

Yours etc...
Devinder Singh Jasrotia
Ward No. 23 Hiranagar
Kathua.

Indiscriminate cutting of trees

Sir,

Sub committee of Trikuta Hills Development Forum on its visit to Sirakotla and Kakryal of Tehsil Udhampur on 16th of November 2002 found that trees are being cut indiscriminately and greenery being destroyed in Shri Vaishno Devi Ji University are while SMVD University authorities have avoided implementation of Governor's orders dated 28th of April 2002 to take up afforestation of one thousand kanal area of the hillock already transferred to it.

Immediate action is solicited to stop this destruction.

Yours etc...
Bansi Lal Kohistani
Convenor
Trikuta Hills Dev. Forum.

Tikkri, Reasi roads need repairs

Sir,

The Chief Minister Mr. Mufti Mohd. Sayeed while addressed a joint meeting of the State Cabinet and the District Development Board Udhampur on 10.11.2002 said that a four lane road would be constructed from National Highway connecting the Katra Town. The announcement is welcomed.

But at the same time let me bring in the Chief Minister's notice that the other two roads connecting the Holy Katra town from Tikkri (Udhampur) and Reasi are also most important roads. The concerned authorities should have voiced and invited the Cabinet's attention towards their significance and deplorable condition as well. Both the roads and busy routes. Those speak values of the apathetic attitude and constant neglect of the concerned agencies.

Both the roads need same treatment of alround improvement and widening like Katra-Domail road. The single lane roads are narrow and have sharp and dangerous curves. The old exhausted bridges pose a great threat to human life. One really shivers and sighs while driving and crossing over these bridges. Besides, there are so many hilly nallahs flowing over the roads due to the non-availability of bridges. The old and damaged culverts, diversions are there to serve the purpose, but those cannot render the desired results. These are insufficient to cater the needs of ever increasing traffic flow on these routes. Even a little rain also causes long traffic suspensions and inexplicable hardships to the road users. Frequent accidents also on these roads for the obvious reasons.

The Chief Minister also ordered for the improvement of Sudhmaha Dev Sanasar Patnitop roads. But the above stated roads connecting Katra also provide link to the most important and attractive destinations like Reasi and Jyotipuram project on the one hand and upto Kashmir valley and Leh on the other. The pilgrim tourists are the people who really boost our State's economy, create job opportunities and contribute in the welfare and progress of the people of this Himalayan region. Therefore, it is the foremost duty of the State's ruling elite to provide them with all the basic facilities and the first one among those is smooth and risk free roads at least double lane ones. The State Govt. should ensure dignified, safe and joyful journey to its pilgrim tourist guests.

Yours etc...
Swatantra Dev Kotwal
Udhampur.