Sir — Lakhs of forest dwellers across the country must have heaved a sigh of relief when the Supreme Court stayed its order to evict them (“Stay on forest eviction with rap on govt”, March 1). The previous order had been issued on February 13 after the claims of the forest inhabitants over the forest land had been rejected by the committees concerned. Fortunately, the three-judge bench considered the larger interest of the people who would otherwise have been rendered homeless.

The tribal population can be expected to understand the ecology of their habitat better than others. They surely know how to take care of the environment. Displacing them would cause more harm than good. Once they are removed from their dwelling place, the land is likely to be taken over and the environment destroyed by powerful people for their selfish gains. Forests will be replaced by corporate constructions. Now that the order has been stayed till July, there is, once again, a chance for the inhabitants to prove their claim to the forests and their produce.

T.K. Nandanan,

Kochi

Sir — The Supreme Court’s decision to stay its order on the eviction of forest dwellers is welcome. Without this, the lives of about one million people, dependent on forests, would have been disrupted. The court has rightly reprimanded the Centre for not taking the matter seriously until now. After all, it is the responsibility of the government to facilitate the administrative processes for people who are not well-acquainted with the law or paperwork.

However, the Centre should by no means return to its complacent stand regarding the conservation of forests or the future of the forest dwellers now that the order for eviction has been stayed. Instead, steps should immediately be taken to resolve the crisis. Sloppiness on the part of the bureaucracy should not be tolerated. The approach must keep in mind the need to rehabilitate the people who do not possess the necessary documents. Every state should also take on awareness programmes in order to establish a healthy relationship between the forests and the communities.

Pramit Deb,

Calcutta

Think bigger

Sir — The two nuclear-armed countries, India and Pakistan, must commit to resolving the present crisis peacefully (“Calm the storm”, Feb 28). In this context, the appeal of Mita Santra, the widow of Bablu Santra, who was slain in the Pulwama terror attack, to give dialogue a chance instead of resorting to war is most impressive. She has stuck to her stand in spite of being criticized and trolled on social media.

Besides causing the loss of innumerable lives, war leaves an indelible mark on the economic and social front, affecting the people of both the countries. It is regrettable that television anchors continue to press for war even when many politicians, the media and civil society are calling for ‘restraint’ in India’s stand-off with Pakistan. After Imran Khan’s pitch for talks and the release of the captive Indian pilot, India should reciprocate the gesture of peace.

The disputes between the two countries can only be resolved through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue. Simultaneously, India has to take all the precautionary steps to prevent a counter-attack from Pakistan. In no way should war be used as an electoral tool.

S.S. Paul,

Nadia

Laugh it off

Sir — Stand-up comedy is becoming increasingly popular among the youth. Even though it seems to be a relatively new import, some Indian performers have taken to it like naturals. In the current atmosphere of intolerance and hate, stand-up comedy is a much-needed relief. However, much of Indian stand-up comedy is based on inane subjects. Desi comedians should try to provide social and political commentary through their jokes. It can prove to be a good way to involve the general public in a political discussion. Moreover, hate and divisive strategies need to be combated with humour. Perhaps laughter, known as the best medicine, is what we need right now.

Srabani Deshpande,

Calcutta