Art of appeasing

The art of appeasing
Sir, - The government's decision to procure substandard paddy from Punjab farmers at the minimum support price is devoid of any rationale or logic. The plea that non-acceptance of the demand of the Punjab farmers will lead to revival of terrorism can be misconstrued as a tacit support to terrorism. Of late, governments both at the Centre and in the States are showing a dangerous tendency of bowing to pressure tactics and finding short-cut solutions to problems without realising the fact that it will sow the seeds of discontent leading to far- reaching and disastrous consequences. The government has already bowed to Haryana farmers' similar demands, virtually opening a Pandora's box. This will misguide the people who agitate for their legitimate demands to change their track to violent and disruptive methods.
Since Punjab farmers are very rich, compared to their counterparts in the rest of the country, they could have set a good precedent and exhibit excellent sportsman spirit by taking the loss (which is not due to any natural calamities) in their stride without burdening the public exchequer in the wider national interest. According to newspaper reports, substandard paddy was a result of premature harvesting for which they themselves have to blame. Why should a nation which is already under severe financial strain give undue benefit to the farmers when it does not have money to provide basic minimum facilities to people who lost everything in natural calamities?
Left parties reportedly supported the agitation by Punjab farmers. It is paradoxical that a party which claims to be saviour of the poor and downtrodden is espousing the cause of rich and mighty farmers.
Having decided to procure substantial quantity of substandard paddy from Punjab and Haryana farmers, it is a moot question as to how the paddy will be disposed of. Will the poor rice eating States be forced to lift the substandard rice for distribution through the public distribution system, thereby creating unrest and agitation?
E. M. Adithyan,
Edapal (Kerala)