Letters to the Editor: Withdrawal of farm laws

In a shocking move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew the three farm laws on the auspicious day of Guru Nanak Jayanti. It bought cheers on the faces of so many neo-farmers' unions whose integrity and loyalty are always debatable. The three farm laws had many reforms which Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and various political parties had demanded a few years ago. All were said and done. Will, the BJP government give compensation to A) a father whose daughter was raped and journalists who faced sexual harassment from the protestors? B) To the family of those farmers who died, excluding the infiltrated Khalistani souls? C). The person who was killed by Nihangs. D). The cops were attacked by protestors with swords.

If laws are repealed or withdrawn like this after the violence, then how can we expect the government to pass NRC, Uniform Civil Code, CAA, etc? Only time will say if this move of the BJP government is a masterstroke or abject surrender to violence and protests which are funded by some anti-India forces.

Julie Bhuyan,

Gaurisagar.

Guwahati roads

With immense discomfort, I am writing this letter. As a citizen of Guwahati city, I travel a lot using two-wheelers. Riding a two-wheeler has its benefits but the problems faced by motorcyclists are greater, the potholes and pollution are a few to name. With the increase in the number of vehicles in the streets, levels of pollution and dust particles in the air have also been rising significantly. The increase in vehicles has also led to terrible traffic jams and congestion on the roads. And adding to all these difficulties citizens also use the roads as a personal storage facility for their construction items.

The nuisance created by such storage facilities of construction goods is very dangerous, not only does it affect the environment but also leads to serious road accidents. The sand contributes to an increase in air pollution and the debris deteriorates the road quality. The tiny particles of rocks found within the sand causes people to lose control over their vehicles which leads to road accidents. These tiny particles on the roads also reduce the durability of tyres which adds up to the expenses of a citizen. The other day while travelling through the Kamakhya area of the city I witnessed a minor road accident because of debris and sand heaped at the side of the road. The citizens must act responsibly and the authorities should also look into such matters. They should take strict actions against anyone misusing public roads as storage facilities.

Jeet Saikia,

Gauhati University, Jalukbari.

Farmers' agitation

It is a general concept that every prolonged agitation leaves some residual issues which are settled at a later date as has happened here when all the three farm bills were repealed, and the issue of MSP to be settled later on. But the farmer leaders declared to continue the agitation including the two days rail roko on December 12 and 13. It is well remembered that the concept of MSP was initiated in 1963 by then PM Lal Bahadur Shastri. Later on famous agriculturist leaders such as PM Charan Singh, Deputy PM Devi Lal, Agriculture Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar were at the helm of affairs, but none of these leaders accorded the legal status to MSP. Now presently leaders of these parties are vigorously raising the issue of MSP which is totally ill-conceived and politically motivated. The country has just passed through the turmoil of COVID and economic activities are improving which is clear from the collection of GST as well as exports of the country are touching new heights. In the entire country, regular classes of schools are being started and it is expected from the farmer leaders that they should return to their homes and take care of studies of their children.

Farmer leaders want to show their Win-Win position among their supporters and they should shun party politics and should read the writing on the wall the clear message that should work for the welfare of the farmers' committee and not leave the impression that they are acting on behalf of their animus.

Yash Pal Ralhan,

Jalandar