Torn apart

Sir — The global K-Pop sensation, BTS, has announced that its members will all enlist in their country’s military over the next couple of years. Their decision has reignited debates on mandatory military enlistment. Conscription in South Korea, which is technically still at war with North Korea, has existed since 1957. Every healthy male adult under the age of 30 is required to serve in the nation’s military service for a period between 18 and 21 months. Involuntary military service separates young males from their families against their will, enforces a pause on their careers, and can often leave them with severe psychological issues that they have to tackle on their own. As BTS members prepare themselves to enlist, South Korea must ponder these questions.

Esheeta Sanyal, Calcutta

Empty promise

Sir — Keeping lakhs of posts in government departments unfilled for years and then offering 75,000 appointment letters to job aspirants as a ‘Diwali gift’ is a cruel joke. What is worse, according to official data, there are 9,79,327 vacancies in the country at present, with the Indian Railways alone accounting for nearly three lakh vacant posts. Yet, only 75,000 of these roles have been filled. It is obvious that the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and the issues it has raised have spooked the Bharatiya Janata Party. This is why the prime minister packaged the appointment letters as a gift. Further, the announcement that more such ‘job melas’ will be organised in the future is nothing more than jumla.

S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru

Sir — The Rozgar Mela announced by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, is an attempt to divert attention from the growing unemployment in the country. The Congress is right in thinking that the Bharat Jodo Yatra compelled Modi to carry out this exercise. But he should know that there is a limit to fooling the public.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Tall ask

Sir — India’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 is improbable. The country is still heavily dependent on coal — the biggest contributor to carbon emissions. It is heartening, however, that the National Capital Region has decided to phase out coal from 2023. This will go a long way in achieving India’s goal. The biggest problem before the government is the mindset of a majority of Indians. People are averse to change. Making renewable sources of energy attractive will be a Herculean task. India will have to take baby steps towards a green future.

Noopur Baruah, Tezpur

Thrilling match

Sir — India-Pakistan matches are always thrilling. Their recent clash at the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup, too, was full of drama till the very last ball. Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya should be lauded — they stitched a partnership of more than 100 runs to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. At the end of 10 overs, India was tottering at 45 for 4. Although there is some controversy about a no-ball decision of the onfield umpires in the last over, none can doubt that India played well. This match may go down in history as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable T20 matches that kept viewers on the edge of their seats till the last ball.

Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta

Sir — India’s first outing at the T20 World Cup was nothing short of a fairytale. The match saw both sides fight tooth and nail for victory. Virat Kohli’s skills and calm shone through. This was encouraging as he had been all but written off. The bonhomie between the two sides in spite of the varying fortunes was heartening to watch too.

Rakesh Bajoria, Calcutta

Sir — The last over between India and Pakistan was highly dramatic. One-run, two-run, three-run, four-run, wide ball, no ball, free hit, catch, clean bowled, run out, stumping, the last over had it all. The Australian all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, spoke for all of us when he said “... we should just stop the World Cup there. Um, if it gets any better than that, we’re in for an amazing three weeks.”

Shamik Chakraborty, Calcutta

Heavy burden

Sir — The Union government recently hiked the dearness allowance for Central government employees to 38% from 34%. Assam and some other states have now made similar announcements. This selective showering of benefits makes no sense. The pension drawn by some retired civil servants, including arrears and retrospective or additional revisions, is mind-boggling. The Central government has admitted that pension expenditure will outstrip that of salary. This is worrying.

H.N. Ramakrishna, Bengaluru

Internal threat

Sir — Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s article, “Noble blood” (Oct 23), was beautifully articulated as usual. The struggle against British imperialism was marked by both violent and non-violent mass movements. It will not be out of place to quote the veteran politician, Jyoti Basu, who said, “The role of the great freedom fighters is an abiding source of inspiration to all future generations. At the present moment certain motivated and misguided elements are active to disrupt the unity and integrity of the country. The paramount need of the hour is to confront them collectively and foil their sinister designs.” The British have left, but a polarised India faces threats from forces within the country.

M. Guha Mojumdar, Calcutta

Parting shot

Sir — The British royal family is worried about its portrayal in The Crown. But as it undergoes a transition, the TV show can be an ally in its search for relevance.

Rima Roy, Calcutta