Letters to the editor

Sense and science8226; THIS refers to 8216;Nuclear debate in free fall8217; by G. Balachandran IE, December 19. It elaborates the well-...

Sense and science

8226; THIS refers to 8216;Nuclear debate in free fall8217; by G. Balachandran IE, December 19. It elaborates the well-known point that the testing, manufacture and deployment of nuclear weapons are decided by the rulers. Prior to deciding on any of them they would have considered the cost before the event and the 8216;possible8217; consequences. Before India gets into the manufacturing mode for nuclear weapons we have to complete our testing and designs, which have been put on hold since 1998. This has been a voluntary decision and the present government is maintaining the position. The Indo-US deal is likely to disturb this position of voluntariness.

The retired scientists of our atomic energy establishment are concerned about some aspects of the deal. They have come out and voiced their concerns. The freedom to air their opinion in their support is not available to government servants, a fact overlooked in the comments by the media. Balachandran has asked retired scientists to be specific so that their concerns can be addressed before finalising the deal. It is heartening to note that he has given due recognition to the stature of these scientists. The senior scientists have been specific in their views, but all the same it may be worthwhile for them to repeat themselves for those who had refused to hear.

Former government servants are not expected to determine policy. This is a well-known practice all over the world. Ultimately the government may disregard the views of the scientists. That is fine, provided it makes a decision after listening to what the experts have to say.

8212; K. Raghu, Ahmedabad

Have a heart

8226; THIS refers to 8216;Delhi and the circle of unreason8217; by Ajay K. Mehra IE, December 19. The authorities in Delhi and UP 8212; in their responses to the 8216;bus row8217; stalemate 8212; appear unaware that parts of UP are covered by the NCR and that Delhi is known as NCT, and the concept is meant to help people living in nearby areas in Delhi and UP commute easily. Is it not possible that the 8216;on-again-off-again8217; water supply to Delhi8217;s Sonia Vihar is the cause for the row? Anyway, the small minds handling the matter should realise that wage-earners commuting to and from the Capital are put to much hardship. Have a heart.

8212; M. Chandrasekhar, Ghaziabad

Politics of seats

8226; THE news item on Muslim MPs seeking separate premier institutions for Muslims IE, December 20 is ridiculous as well as dangerous. Encouraged by both the Sachar Committee report and the proactive statements of our PM, history seems to be repeating itself. In the 1920s, when Gandhiji supported the Khilafat movement followed by the appeasement of Muslims by the British Raj, leaders like Jinnah emerged. The result, as we know, was the partition of the country.

8212; Nisthasri Awasthi, New Delhi

8226; THE demands of Muslim MPs for separate IITs, IIMs, reservations in jobs and so on are just and proper. Those Muslims who chose to remain in India at the time of partition deserve to have opportunities like other sections of the population. Muslims should also have reserved seats in municipalities, state assemblies, and Parliament. Hindu leaders persuaded Muslims to remain in India assuring them of equal opportunities. It is another matter that most Muslims do not want to join mainstream India, one of the reasons for their backwardness. M.A. Jinnah demanded a separate state for Muslims as he could foresee the dominance of Hindus over Muslims in free India.

8212; Sudhir K. Bhave , Mumbai