On fire

Sir — The clash between the police forces of Assam and Mizoram last month that led to the death of six police officers and a civilian is shameful (“Fault lines”, July 29). The incident calls for a thorough investigation by the Centre. The failure of the state governments to diffuse the conflict is a matter of great concern given the sensitive situation in the region. It is in the best interest of both the states to maintain peace and harmony in the disputed area and prevent further escalation of violence.

It has been difficult to establish peace in the Northeast. After decades of insurgencies and political instability, the region has now slowly begun to bury the ghosts of the past and move towards development. Assam must strive towards resolving the boundary disputes through consensus, compromise and confidence-building. Other states, too, must work towards finding an amicable solution.

Himangka Kaushik,
Guwahati

Sir — It is alarming that seven people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in an armed conflict between the police personnel of Assam and Mizoram. Interstate border disputes have been festering in the Northeast since colonial times, but an escalation to this extent betrays a complete failure of the law-and-order mechanism. The incapability of the successive chief ministers of the two states to resolve the border issue indicates that there is a lack of effort from both sides. Both Assam and Mizoram have accused the other of encroaching upon their territories.

It is unfortunate that the bloody clash took place between the police forces of a state ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party and another where the saffron party is part of the ruling alliance. This clearly shows that there are fissures between the BJP and its allies.

The Central government must try to resolve this at the earliest. With the Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan border disputes dominating the public discourse, problems in the northeastern states are often overlooked by policymakers. The Union government must find solutions acceptable to all stakeholders before such clashes take place elsewhere in the region. It is not enough for the home minister, Amit Shah, to ask both chief ministers to ensure peace at the border. The Centre must take an active role in settling the matter.

S.K. Choudhury,
Bangalore

Shared glory

Sir — In a rare display of sportsmanship, Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim decided to share the gold medal in men’s high jump at the Tokyo Olympics instead of going for a jump-off after a tie. The athletes executed the first six jumps up to 2.37 metres; but even after three additional attempts, neither succeeded in matching the Olympic record of 2.39 metres for the sole ownership of the title. Both athletes were exhausted and opted to share the victory.

This development has delighted spectators around the world and will certainly be remembered as one of the most heart-warming moments of the Tokyo Olympics. The ultimate goal of the Olympic Games is to cultivate friendship and cooperation among countries through sports. Moments like these enrich the Games.

Venu G.S.,
Kollam, Kerala

Sir — The decision of Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim to share the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the high jump event has endeared them to all. The athletes have shown that the true spirit of sportsmanship lies in cooperation and mutual respect.

Amit Kundu,
Calcutta

Modelling change

Sir — Recently, Mattel unveiled a Barbie modelled after Sarah Gilbert, the co-creator of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, in an effort to inspire young girls to work in STEM subjects. Over the years, Mattel has attempted to launch inclusive toys, but research has shown that playing with Barbie — its portrayal of the female body is problematic — can reinforce cultural stereotypes about women. While the toys may not have the desired impact, financial donations by Mattel to organizations dedicated to the education of women can go a long way in contributing to their welfare.

Aishi Sengupta,
Calcutta