IN READINESS
   Date :20-Nov-2020

Time and Tide_1 &nbs
 
IN ANOTHER sign of its strong resolve to counter the aggressive moves by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army completed establishments of habitat facilities for all troops deployed in eastern Ladakh. Availability of the upgraded habitat is a tactical move to ensure operational efficiency of the troops in the harsh winter months that see temperatures plummeting to minus 30-40 degrees Celsius coupled with snowfall up to 40 feet. Troops in the front-line are likely to remain stationed in the testing terrain as the diplomatic talks between China and India are yet to see a breakthrough on possible disengagement of soldiers and artillery from the friction points. India had already made its intention of readiness for a long haul clear the day the Chinese army embarked on a misadventure into the Galwan Valley. By completing the habitat establishments, New Delhi has yet again reminded Beijing that it is not ready for any compromise on its sovereign territory. The border stand-off is unlikely to be resolved soon and India would be absolutely within its rights to scale up men and machines required to safeguard its borders. It is for China now to realise the gravity of the situation and tone down its rhetoric.
 
MERITLESS PETITION
 
The Delhi HC’s decision of striking down the petition filed by Durga Jan Seva Trust in lieu of the Nov. 10 order of Delhi Disaster Management Authority requesting permission to hold Chhath Puja at public places, in the present situation, is indeed commendable. The bench, surprised at the fact that the petitioner had the temerity to request for a gathering of ‘at least a 1000 people’, very rightly upheld the AAP Government’s decision of banning the celebrations at public places. In today’s times when the COVID situation is once again threatening to bring the Capital region to a standstill, it is indeed surprising that the petitioner is completely unaware of the ground reality and is oblivious to the harm that such a gathering can cause. Notwithstanding the fact that the Govt., very recently, has allowed the religious places to open, the religious beliefs, during today’s times should be set aside by one and all for the overall safety of the community at large. The third wave of COVID is ready to put a plug once again on the lives of people, and thus it becomes important that gathering in public places must be avoided at all costs to deter the ‘super spreaders.’