Dark and light

Sir — In Greek mythology, Tartarus, the deep abyss that lay beneath the underworld, was used to torment sinners. While present-day prison cells are not subterranean, they remain equally dark and repressive. Little wonder then that while millions across the world viewed the total solar eclipse on Monday, over two million prison inmates in America were restricted from viewing the celestial event owing to a lockdown citing security concerns. Hearteningly, six inmates from New York had the courage to sue the State authorities and were allowed to view the eclipse. The fact that they were granted such a right is encouraging. Prisoners around the world, especially those in India, can take heart from this incident and raise their voices against prison injustices.

Dipshikha Ghosh, Calcutta

War of words

Sir — The ruling Trinamul Congress in West Bengal had previously opposed a Central probe into the 2022 Bhupatinagar blast case that killed three people. After two local TMC functionaries were picked up by the National Investigation Agency two days ago in connection to the case, the TMC alleged a conspiracy between the Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation at the Centre and the NIA (“TMC cries BJP-NIA nexus”, April 8). This seems like the TMC’s alibi to save its skin. The NIA team was attacked by villagers when they arrived to arrest the two suspects. The chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, however, has asserted that the NIA officials themselves orchestrated the attack. Such an allegation is untenable and detrimental to the state’s security.

Previously, the Enforcement Directorate team was similarly attacked by the villagers of Sandeshkhali when they came to pick up the local TMC strongman, Sheikh Shahjahan. It seems that the TMC will go to any length to protect its corrupt leaders. The party must prove its wild accusations in court, failing which it must be reprimanded for perpetrating attacks on Central agencies.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Sir — It is evident that the Bengal government has been defying the federal structure by posing challenges to Central law enforcement agencies (“Blast-trail NIA team attacked”, April 7). The attack on the NIA team in Bhupatinagar shows that the law and order situation in the state has been completely taken over by criminals who are protected by the ruling party. The district administration should have extended all possible cooperation to the visiting Central team. Prevention of crime and maintenance of public order are the legal responsibilities of both the Central and the state governments.

Yugal Kishore Sharma, Faridabad

Sir — West Bengal has become a target of Central agencies that have been repeatedly raiding the houses of TMC leaders without providing any prior intimation (“CM: Resistance against torture by BJP police”, April 7). Mamata Banerjee has pertinently enquired whether the NIA team had legal authority to enter the houses of villagers at night. Her contention that the provocation by the NIA team was responsible for triggering a spontaneous retaliation from the villagers is justified.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Ideal state

Sir — In “A spirit that shines” ( April 6), Ramachandra Guha describes his recent visit to the idyllic and law-abiding Mizoram capital, Aizawl. Mizoram not only has the second-highest female literacy among the Indian states but has also instituted measures to ensure gender equality. This is impressive.

Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly

Political privilege

Sir — Faisal C.K. makes a case for the discontinuation of State honours such as the Bharat Ratna and the Padma awards in his article, “A few chosen ones” (April 5). The conferment of State honours on certain individuals makes them more distinguished and illustrious than the rest. This goes against the notion of Constitutional equality.

More often than not, these State honours are conferred on a chosen few for considerations other than public service. Recent instances of the government conferring the Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur and L.K. Advani have illustrated how the awards are linked to garnering electoral support. In a republic, publicly rating some people worthier than others must be best avoided. India abolished titles which were a relic of feudalism. The abolition of the civilian awards is long overdue.

G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Narrow choice

Sir — Mukul Kesavan has correctly stated that “As boys become men in India, and make their way through professional and corporate careers, the friends they make are caste and class clones of themselves” (“Fraternity foretold”, April 7). Caste favouritism afflicts every sector, including academia.

There have been reports about upper-caste PhD guides showing a preference for scholars from their own community. On the other hand, upper-caste research scholars have a penchant for preferring higher-caste teachers and guides. Caste quotas should be implemented in every sector to eliminate such biases. Reinforcing reservation is the key to fighting caste-based discrimination.

Sujit De, Calcutta

Perfect pitch

Sir — The April 2 Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants was historic for introducing sign language in cricket commentary. Now even the hearing-impaired can enjoy the adrenaline-boosting cricket matches.

This is a revolutionary step for a country where disability rights are still at a nascent stage and inclusivity is confined to conversation and lip service rather than concrete legislation and enforcement.

Vijay Singh Adhikari, Nainital