Peace takes two

This refers to 'On the LoC, in fact' (IE, January 19) by Shekhar Gupta. The truce signed in 2003 between India and Pakistan for the ceasefire on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir may not have ensured complete peace, but it has gradually brought down the number of casualties among civilians and security forces as well as militancy in the state. One incident, malicious or otherwise, should not allow us to forget this. To make the LoC more peaceful, we must continue to use diplomacy. This calls for perseverance and equanimity instead of jingoism from both sides. The BJP's response to the recent conflict seems to question the legacy and sagacity of its own leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who opted for dialogue instead of brinkmanship when dealing with Pakistan.

— Satwant Kaur

Mahilpur

Listen up

APROPOS 'Verma panel recommends sweeping changes in laws, tougher penalties' (IE, January 24), the report should be an eye-opener for the government. Justice Verma expressed support for the protesters at India Gate who "did not react and continued (to be) calm, even when there was provocation, and despite the fact that they did not even know each other". He suggests that the government and the police both failed in their duty. Verma has done a commendable job and his recommendations for government action, police reforms and the rights of women are far reaching. We must hope that those in power are listening.

— Yash P. Verma

Pune

Beyond words

THIS refers to 'Late to the party' (IE, January 22) by Suhas Palshikar. The Congress, which seems to be desperately searching for its identity and trying to maintain political support, has chosen Rahul Gandhi as its vice-president. It is trying to project his appointment as the rise of youth and the harbinger of change. The rising middle class voter appears to want a leader with a clear vision and goals that will translate into solid policy decisions. Rahul Gandhi's appointment will bring fresh opportunities to the party, but he must prove himself with accomplishments beyond rhetorical speeches.

— Parijat Rai

Jamnagar

How the RTE works

THE findings of ASER 2012 are unlikely to improve in future until all the stakeholders in the education system act together ('Learning to Teach', IE, January 22). As S. Giridhar rightly points out, teacher training is one among many issues that need to be addressed urgently. There is also a pressing need to assess the impact of the RTE Act. Originally intended to reduce stress, the continuous and comprehensive evaluation system is being implemented mechanically in most schools instead of there being an assessment of the overall performance of a child throughout the year.

— Seema Shukla

New Delhi

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