Agree to disagree
Sir — Arguments are inevitable even in the healthiest of romantic relationships. One of the practices that couples often adhere to for resolving conflicts is not ‘going to bed angry’. Apparently, dealing with the issue before hitting the sack not only reduces resentment but also ensures peaceful slumber. But recent studies have upended this conventional wisdom, suggesting that cooling-off periods and ‘weekly appointments’ are more helpful when it comes to conflict resolution. While communication is the key to a happy relationship, such a formal approach can ruin the fun of disagreeing with one’s significant other.
Sanjana Desai,Delhi
On the boil
Sir — The violence that erupted in France last week over the killing of Nahel Merzouk, a teenager of Algerian descent, by the French police is unfortunate (“France deploys elite forces”, July 5). This has posed a significant challenge to the leadership of the president, Emmanuel Macron. His inability to ease the situation can severely dent his standing among other European leaders.
The rioting and vandalism have brought to the fore the deep-rooted anger of the poor and the racially-mixed urban communities over unemployment, racism and police violence. France has a long-standing reputation of being a protector of democratic freedoms. The leadership should thus strive to restore peace by ensuring justice for the wronged.
M. Jeyaram,Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Sir — France is on the boil after the recent police killing of a teenager in a Paris suburb. Like in the United States of America, systemic racism and police brutality against people of colour are common in France. The law enforcement authorities are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring people’s safety. The government must implement strict measures to end police violence.
Kirti Wadhawan,Kanpur
Sir — The riots in France are a result of social disenchantment owing to poverty and racial disparities (“The Centre shifts”, July 6). This is not specific to France; several other countries have been experiencing similar unrest as a result of deepening inequalities. There has been a marked rise in right-wing governments across Europe. Their protectionist agendas have further widened social fissures.
R. Narayanan,Navi Mumbai
Sir — One cannot help but recall the global backlash following the murder of George Floyd in the United States of America in 2020 after reading about the ongoing French riots. France must utilise this opportunity to reform its law enforcement and ensure a more egalitarian society.
Tanmay Gupta,Delhi
Vital concerns
Sir — The concerns expressed by a group of retired bureaucrats to the Union home minister, Amit Shah, about the continued harassment of non-governmental organisations are justified (Call to stop harassment of NGOs”, July 5). In the past nine years, the Narendra Modi-led government has either cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act licenses — it is mandatory for receiving foreign funds — of several NGOs or deprived them of tax exemptions. This has led to many NGOs shutting their operations. The ruling dispensation’s aversion to dissenting views will ensure that NGOs continued to be targeted.
Kamal Laddha,Bengaluru
United front
Sir — The upcoming meeting of Opposition leaders in Bengaluru is going to be a test of their unity. The fact that most Opposition parties have felt the need to join ranks despite their ideological differences is a testament to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s misrule.
Further, the parting of the Aam Aadmi Party from the alliance is a blessing in disguise. This is because the AAP chief and Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is not known to be a reliable partner — after vehemently opposing a Central ordinance pertaining to Delhi, he voiced his support for the Union government’s controversial bid to implement a uniform civil code. Given Kejriwal’s penchant for the limelight, it is also unlikely that he would have played second fiddle within the unified Opposition.
Shovanlal Chakraborty,Calcutta
Rainy days
Sir — The arrival of the monsoon often brought a frantic search for old, slightly damaged umbrellas. It also heralded the arrival of umbrella menders who would walk or cycle through localities with their familiar trade cries. But umbrellas have now become fast fashion too. Hawkers selling cheap umbrellas on the footpaths are now a common sight. Few people choose to invest in good quality umbrellas that will last or to preserve old ones.
Buddhadev Nandi,Bankura
Sir — The India Meteorological Department had predicted a normal monsoon for this year. So far, its prediction seems to be on point. This augurs well for Indian farmers who already deep in debt owing to inflation and the vagaries of climate change.
Mrinmoy Das,Calcutta