Letters to the editor

The president’s secretariat, rather than Union home ministry, should directly handle selection of Padma nominees in a federal structure like that of India. The selection committee for Padma awards should be constituted with the consensus of the prime minister and leader of the Opposition. Padma aspirants should first be cleared by the intelligence and tax authorities before figuring in the list of the selection committee. This will avoid unnecessary embarrassment later.

— S. C. Agrawal Delhi

Review what?

• Apropos of the report, ‘Cong ready to debate statute review’ (IE, January 24), the biggest thorn in the flesh of our politicians is the judiciary. They have done everything possible in their power, and left no stone unturned to malign it and keep it as ineffective as possible by not providing enough judges, manpower and infrastructure, and turning judgments on their heads by passing ordinances and legislation to suit themselves. But they have failed to rein in the judiciary.

This has ruffled many political feathers, including that of Karunanidhi. Hence Congress has no choice but to go in for a review of the statute.

M. Karunanidhi wants a new Constitution, so that politicians like him become all powerful, and can do what they please. Indira Gandhi did the same thing when she declared the Emergency. There is no need whatsoever for any review of the Constitution. What needs to be reviewed and thoroughly examined is the character, behaviour, and the actions of our politicians.

— Behram Aga, Mumbai

Pak terror error

• Afghan allegations based on disclosures made by captured Taliban commander,

Mohammad Hanif, regarding the Pakistan ISI sheltering Mullah Omar in Quetta, Pakistan, are disturbing. But there is no denying that the Afghan war cannot be won without Pakistan’s help. General Musharraf said as much in the UAE recently. He has cast his lot with the US, antagonising the right-wing Islamists and he cannot return to their fold even if he wants to. Though hardcore Islamists are in a minority, they have a tremendous nuisance value and also access to recruiting, funds and arms from a large part of the Islamic world. They have been difficult and can prove more difficult in fighting terrorism. Musharraf has been doing his bit and should be encouraged to take on the Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

— R.J. Khurana New Delhi

Field-day Iraq

• The US President George Bush has shamelessly admitted his administration’s strategic failure in Iraq (‘We will not fail in Iraq: Bush’, IE, January 25). His mistake killed more than 3,000 US troops and maimed many more. With his plan to deploy 21,500 more troops, Bush is headed for yet another failure. I wonder why the discerning US citizens are not stopping Bush when he offers fellow citizens as sacrificial goats in the killing fields of Iraq!

— K.P. Rajan, Mumbai