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Journalism of Courage
In his first remarks on the developments in the Best Bakery case where prime witness Zaheera Sheikh has retracted her statement for the second time, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was a matter over which people should ‘‘ponder and reflect’’.
‘‘We need to examine the system of criminal investigation in the country as well as the prosecution system. It is a matter we should all ponder and reflect upon… I think with due respect, people should reflect on what is going on,’’ he told reporters accompanying him to The Hague.
Singh was asked whether the Centre would consider enacting a general witness protection law in the wake of Zaheera Sheikh’s U-turn.
He also defended his decision to congratulate US President George Bush on his victory. While stating that it was just a courtesy call that was in any case expected of him as the PM of the country, he said: ‘‘We must recognise that we are living in a world of unequal power.’’
India must find a way to promote its own interests in that world, he said, adding that ‘‘we have to engage with the US through constructive dialogue.’’
Reacting to a question whether the opposition from the Left parties to his call would in any way create hiccups in the relationship with the US, he said, ‘‘We must recognise that the US is a super power. Their interests may not always coincide with ours but that only means we need to have a dialogue with them and see how best we can promote our own interests.’’
On Iran, he said India is always in favour of all countries honouring their commitments under international arrangements and hoped the issue will not get unduly politicised.
‘‘We have always believed we need to work towards a multipolar world, a world where multilateralism is strengthened in every sphere, trade or political,’’ he said.
On the performance review of his Cabinet ministers, he called it ‘‘heartening.’’ He said he found them in command of the situation. It was also an opportunity to get acquainted with some ministers of state, he added.
On the UN security council and India’s chances of getting a seat on the council, he called his government’s efforts ‘‘an essay in persuasion’’. A United Nations without India represented on the Security Council is not capable of meeting the challenges of today’s world. ‘‘But those with power do not relinquish it easily,’’ he added.
