Deadly smoke

• Sir - Smoking is rampant in public places such as bus stops and railway stations in Calcutta. People smoke without any compunctions even in areas designated as no-smoking zones. Smokers must realize that they are risking their own lives as well as those of non-smokers. Passive smoking can be fatal as second-hand smoke, too, contains numerous cancer-causing chemicals. Smokers cannot feign ignorance about the harmful effects of smoking as cigarette packets in India carry pictorial and textual warnings.

But what flummoxes me is the reluctance of the police in enforcing regulations related to smoking in public spaces. It is not uncommon to see commuters puffing away while travelling by train. The authorities should treat this matter more seriously.

Abdul Hakim Khan,

Calcutta

Cruel act

• Sir - Terrorists recently attacked worshippers at a crowded mosque in Egypt's North Sinai province ("235 worshippers killed in Egypt raid", Nov 25). A bomb was set off within the Al Rawdah mosque. And as the worshippers were trying to escape, a group of 40 gunmen opened fire. The death toll from the terror strike has now crossed 300. Many children have also lost their lives. The ruthlessness of the attack has sent shock waves across the world.

This episode is a grim reminder of the fact that no country is safe from terror attacks. The international community must join hands to combat terrorism. Now is not the time to point fingers at one another.

Ramesh G. Jethwani,

Bangalore

• Sir - According to news reports, the Egyptian military conducted air strikes on hideouts of alleged Islamic State affiliates in the desert region of the Sinai peninsula. The raids were supposedly carried out in retaliation to the ghastly terror attack at a North Sinai mosque. The Egyptian authorities should have acted earlier. Then so many people would not have lost their lives.

Arun Malankar,

Mumbai

• Sir - Terrorism is a major problem not only in India, but also across the world. The terror strike in northern Sinai is a case in point. It also proves that the roots of terrorism run deep. At this juncture, it is impossible to eliminate terrorism completely. But with better coordination between governments, we can surely restrict it to an extent.

The real motive of terrorists is to sow fear in the hearts of people. This is the reason why they do not make any distinction between schools, places of worship and military bases.

Jubel D'Cruz,

Mumbai

Think again

• Sir - The West Bengal government has drafted a code of conduct for schoolteachers in state-aided secondary institutions ("Govt mulls teacher code of conduct", Nov 26). On the face of it, this appears to be a positive step. There should be clearly defined rules and regulations in all professions.

But what is of concern is that one of the rules prohibits teachers from writing a book. This is grossly unfair. Also, we have to remember that school management committees in the state are generally formed on the basis of political affiliations. Proper mechanism must be put in place to ensure that teachers are not victimized owing to their political choices. If the government does not make changes to the draft, then it will have an adverse effect on school education in Bengal.

Ratan Kumar Halder,

Calcutta

Protect lives

• Sir — It is a matter of shame that the prime minister and the president have not yet spoken out about the plight of civic workers who have to clean sewers without any protective gear ("VIPs' silence on killer sewers rued", Nov 27). Over 100 such workers died in the past one year.

The municipalities and other local bodies must provide jackets and masks to the workers as a protection against gas poisoning and suffocation. In case of negligence on the part of senior functionaries, stern steps should be taken. The State has a duty to protect the lives of such workers.

Jahar Saha,

Calcutta

Ace spinner

• Sir - The Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, created a new world record in cricket. At the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur, he picked up the 300th scalp of his Test career. He took 54 Tests to reach the milestone and, in the process, broke the earlier record held by Dennis Lillee. The legendary Aussie pacer had taken 56 Tests to claim 300 wickets. Ashwin should continue to play the way he has all this while. He can go on to become the highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.

G. Ramachandran,

Chennai

Parting shot

• Sir - Manushi Chhillar did India proud by winning the Miss World pageant. Interestingly, at the contest, she talked about the sacrifices that women make for their children deserving maximum pay. However, all said and done, men should also contribute equally in bringing up a child. Why should only mothers make sacrifices?

Esha Mukhopadhyay,

Calcutta