Letters to the EDITOR: Deportation of illegal migrants justified

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Deportation of illegal migrants justified

Repatriating the migrants from the US in chains pained millions across the globe. Very naturally so. But in these days of global terror threats spreading fast and putting whole countries on high alert all the time, no country can afford to open its doors to whoever wants to come and stay. The US, in particular, can no longer treat everyone equally after the horrible Twin Tower strike by Islamic terrorists. Donald Trump’s policy reflects what most Americans feel: that unfiltered, unrestrained immigration from the Asian and Latin American countries will one day make them a minority in their own country, like us here in Assam and Tripura.

Trump’s ‘America for Americans first’ call exactly echoes that sentiment and paved the way for his 2nd innings in the White House. Those putting on a secular skullcap see the American Devil everywhere and think that the world is perpetually kept unsafe, unequal, and restless for its fabulous greed for gold, and are now shedding crocodile tears seeing their compatriots in chains disembarking on Indian soil from US military planes. Those sympathisers never cared to check whether our people who were being deported had the correct requisite documents ready for entering a foreign country. They must have forged their passport, visas, ESTA, or other travel documents. They deserve to be treated that way. It is always a section of our people that encourages their wards to travel to the US or European countries once they complete their studies at our cost, as Indian universities are built with common people's money. That section is utterly apathetic to our people's needs and service. Trump is doing what their rigid constitution allows him, unlike us Indians, who have amended ours over a hundred times.

Manoj Kumar Borthakur

AT Road, Sivasagar

Right man at the right place

We all are aware that BCCI is the richest sports body in India, where persons having links with political heavyweights can only be a part of the body. As we notice, cricket has almost become India's unofficial national game. Hence, it is very natural that BCCI will attract the best sports organisers to be a part of it with political backup.

It is a very rare honour for ACA that its former secretary, Devajit Lon Saikia, got elected unopposed as the general secretary of BCCI recently. Saikia very rightly deserves this honour, as apart from being a first-class cricketer representing Assam in the Ranji Trophy, he happens to be the Advocate General of Assam, a very rare combination of talents.

Prior to joining BCCI, Saikia was the General Secretary of Guwahati Town Club, a century-old football club of NE India blessed with a lush green field known as Judges Field. Unfortunately, due to certain reasons, the club, also known as GTC, was gasping for survival. But with Saikia becoming the General Secretary of the club, the dying club got a big facelift and became one of the most sought-after sports clubs in the entire NE, along with its beautiful Judges Field, equipped with all the modern amenities, and situated in the heart of the city.

So, as a sports lover, I expect that Saikia will ‘fill up the blanks’ in areas of BCCI, especially in the selection of young talents for the national level. Our own Riyan Parag is no doubt one of them knocking at the door. I wish Devajit Saikia all the best.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati

Safe workers

It is often said that safety is the first aid to the injured. Safe work environments at home and work go a long way in promoting production and enhancing punctuality. It also cuts down absenteeism besides being an economic imperative. Anticipation and preparedness do not cost much, but treatment and rehabilitation do. Since hazards do not arrive with prior intimation, safety, health, and environment (SHE) are interlinked. But the majority of the Indian workers are in the dark about keeping themselves safe. Industrial safety is on the decline as evidenced by fire tragedies. Gadgets, no doubt, enhance safety levels, but at the end of the day, an individual—employer and employee—is his own defence.

The example should come from the top; workers learn from their employers. Employees cannot carry on with old ideas and rusted tools. Ushering in an atmosphere helpful to safe work is not a luxury. Worker education, risk assessment, and risk elimination are three aspects the employers cannot do away with. The biggest employer in India—the government—should also leave nothing to chance. "Safety and well-being are crucial for Viksit Bharat" is a catchy and apt theme for the 54th National Safety Day observed by the National Safety Council on March 4. To take SHE to every nook and corner of the country, through campaigns and awareness, is its stated aim.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

May his tribe increase!

The manner in which the American President Trump and Vice President Vance treated Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the White House is definitely synonymous with the fascist attitude and arrogance of the right-wing arm-twisters. However, Zelenskyy proved that he was of a different mettle and put the Goliath in his place and walked out of the meeting victorious like the proverbial David. Whether Zelenskyy is going to win the war for his people or not, no doubt, he has won the hearts of his people and, of course, ours too! May his tribe increase!

Tharcius S.Fernando

(tharci@yahoo.com)

Massive sell-off mayhem

FIIs offloaded equities worth Rs 11,639.02 crore, according to exchange data, further exacerbating the downward trend. This 'Buy China, Sell India' strategy has been a major cause of concern for market participants, leading to a sustained sell-off in the domestic market. Besides FII selling, heavyweight stocks also contributed to the market downturn. The US is set to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which has raised concerns about a potential global trade war. As a result, investors are becoming cautious and are selling their holdings in the domestic market. The situation is further compounded by the fact that FIIs have been net sellers in the past few months, resulting in a cumulative sale during this period. This massive sell-off has created a sense of uncertainty in the market, leading to a sharp decline in investor sentiment. In conclusion, the current market scenario highlights the importance of understanding the factors that influence market movements.

Nikhil Ck Maniam

(cksumpire@gmail.com)