Mailbag

Promoting Ayurvedic system in J&K

Sir,

Though the Ayurvedic system of medicines is the oldest, its use has been minimal now. This is due to the fact that the British Government promoted Allopathic system of medicine. Ayurvedic system which provides relief a little bit late Than Allopathy, is without side effects. Of late, Ayurvedic system is regaining its popularity as can be gauged by its use by Allopathic doctors. Now some Ayurvedic medicines are also available in the hospitals too.

However, there are some quacks who have brought bad name to this system. They have been practising it in some remote villages of the country. It is requested that the government should check this trend by declaring their (quacks) working as illegal.

Moreover, there is vast scope of generating employment in this field. The jobless youths can grow herbs on their wasteland if they possess it, or Government can provide them on lease. There is large scale demand for these herbs, as many pharmaceutical companies are need of it.

Yours etc...
I P S Sambyal
Talab Tiloo

Job oriented courses

Sir,

This has reference to the news item "UGC nod for job oriented courses in 11 colleges" published in the Daily Excelsior on 21.12.2004.

This is indeed a milestone in the education sector. At a time, when a huge number of students are unemployed, after attaining their degrees, diplomas, it became very essential to find means for eking out a life. The introduction of job oriented courses will help to a great extent in overcoming the problem of unemployment. These courses, however, shall be of such nature which may fulfill the needs of society as well as students. Proper infrastructure should be made available in the colleges, otherwise it will serve no purpose.

Yours etc...
Sudershan
Digiana
Jammu

Musharraf and cross -border terrorism

Sir,

During his interaction with distinguished gathering on the sideline of Hindustan Time Leadership Initiative Conference on India and the World, the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh stressed that India was committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan if Gen. Parvez Musharraf fulfilled in ''letter and a spirit'' his January commitment to the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that he would not allow its country to be used for cross-border terrorism. This is not for the first time that any Indian leader has raised the question of cross-border terrorism with Pakistan. In fact, the cross-border terrorism has remained the main area of concern for India and a major stumbling block in evolving long lasting Indo-Pak relations. Gen. Musharraf, till now, has shown only half-hearted approach to fulfill his promise. The terrorist camps are still functioning in Pakistan. Logistic supports are still being given to Kashmir centric terrorist groups by Pak ISI. There may be some reduction in the incidence of violence in Kashmir, but it has not ended completely. Even the new Indian Prime Minister's first visit to Kashmir was marked by terrorist violence. The US policy-makers are also concerned with the ongoing terrorism in Kashmir and the continuing Pakistani support to the same. The Fiscal Year 2005 Plan for Regional Stability admits this fact by suggesting that the United States must increase its pressure on Pakistan to end all kinds of cross-border terrorism in Kashmir before engaging it in a meaningful long-term economic, political and strategic relations.

Yours etc...
M H Haider
405 Taj Enclave
New Delhi

War against narcotics

Sir,

It is a happy sign to know that both the countries India and Pakistan have agreed to adopt joint strategy to fight the Drug mafia. If successful, this will result into the elimination of militancy and terrorism in both the countries.

Most of the militant organisations are being funded by the mafia gangs in all most all the countries of the world. smugglers of different categories and organisations are using religion as a sheild to cover their activities.

These smugglers or so called terrorists have established political front, which has taken control of some human rights organisations. When ever a terrorist or militant gets killed in action, these political fronts make hue and cry to defame and discourage security forces. Senior officers of the army and para military forces have already fallen prey to the false propaganda. This process if continued will demoralise the security forces. The people who are serving for twenty hours in a day on bare minimum wages shall stop taking actions, thus bringing the dooms day of the nations very closer i.e both India and Pakistan.

Hence I appeal to the political leaders, administrative officials and the senior officers of the army and para military forces to understand the modus operandi of the smugglers terrorist and act jointly to nip this evil.

Yours etc...
Ajit Singh Sahi
Lt. Col (retd)