:: Letters to Editor

The dragon and the boundary

Oct.21 : Sir, This is with reference to the editorial It’s time to speak frankly to China (October19). By raising the boundary issue, it appears that China wants to create an obstacle in bilateral relations with India. Arunachal Pradesh is sought to be converted into another Kashmir, or disputed territory. It is surprising why countries like Pakistan and China will not accept the existing boundaries, and maintain status quo. We should bear in mind that any war in this nuclearised region would be disastrous for everybody. China’s frequent objections in the boundary context surely presage a deteriorating situation which, if not handled carefully, may go from bad to worse.

Rajiv Bhosekar

Via email

 

Sir, Statements of Chinese functionaries that Beijing has always promoted good neighborly relations with India, continues to adhere to the five principles of co-existence, and will not seek expansionist policies, fly in the face of the latest Chinese protest over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Till now China has not expressed a word of contrition over the perfidious invasion of its unsuspecting neighbour in 1962. Until that happens, even the most positive statements emanating from Beijing will fail to dispel the deep-rooted distrust in Indian minds regarding China’s intentions. It would seem that China has developed a huge national ego and expects India to toe its line on foreign and domestic policies. One cannot fail to espy a Pakistani imprint in the whole of Chinese behaviour pattern.

P. Krishnan

Via email

A clean chit from the cbi

Sir, This refers to the mysterious death of Ashutosh Asthana, the main accused in the multi-crore provident fund scam (Key PF scam man dies in custody, October 19). All the beneficiaries, like many senior judicial officers, can now stand in a line to receive a clean chit from the Central Bureau of Investigation.

P.G. Menon

Via email

A shocking incident

Sir, This is with reference to the news report After fighting blaze, six firemen choke to death (October 19). This is a most unfortunate and tragic incident. A thorough enquiry should be conducted, and the exact reasons for the non-functioning of the lift should be identified. Remedial follow-up action should also simultaneously be taken to prevent such mishaps in future.

M.K. Ramaswami

Via email

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Develop the naxal areas

Sir, This refers to the article Notes on Indian Vietnam (October 19) by Shiv Visvanathan. Life in most villages affected by Maoist violence is "nasty, brutish and short". The benefits of Central schemes are not reaching them due to corruption and maladministration. Further, the new push for commercialisation of Bt brinjal is raising concerns that agricultural production might eventually be controlled by MNCs like Monsanto. The market economy is clearly increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. It is this which fuels the Maoist insurgency. Instead of Vietnamising the affected population, the government must try and raise their living standards.

K.R. Narasimhan

Via email