R.P. Subramanian from Delhi wrote in to say that the many commentaries that appeared in the media had nothing worthwhile to offer by way of a solution to the Gurjjar agitation. The media is part of the problem, he argued, and lamented the agitating community’s idea of catching up with the times.

• Analysts and commentators speak volumes and write copiously about how they saw the Gurjjar crisis coming, and how everyone is handling it the wrong way. But there is precious little advice from them on what actually needs to be done. This lends weight to the old cliché that if you don’t offer a solution you are a part of the problem. Till the other day, the Gurjjars were proud Indian citizens, with many Gurjjar men serving in the army. Today, due rather ironically to ex-army man K.S. Bainsla, the Gurjjars are eagerly seeking to become just another “backward” tribal community.

Worth their service

• LT.Gen. (retd) Shantonu Choudhry’s ‘Undignified, minister?’ should surely be good education for Pallam Raju, minister of state for defence. The article very nicely brought out the magnitude of injustice done to the defence forces in terms of status and pay packet. This nation that is constantly at war with terrorists and insurgents, and fights with its own neighbours, does not realise the worth of its armed forces. A soldier puts his life at stake out of love for his country. But how far can that go? Such degradation and injustice as seen in the compensation package recommended by the 6th Pay Commission merely turn this soldier into a mercenary, who serves because he needs money.

... contd.