Terror by our own?

Nuke tics

8226; The historic nuclear deal has given Indians reasons to smile. But before we exult over the fact that we have been recognised as a nuclear power, there are numerous issues to be sorted out. Australia8217;s inability perceive us as a unique case and Iran and Pakistan harping on discrimination might impede India8217;s endeavours.

8212;Anuja Seith, New Delhi

Jaya, step down

8226; The Election Commission8217;s recommendation to disqualify Jaya Bachchan as a member of Rajya Sabha is perfectly justified. In a democracy of a billion people, with an abundance of talent and experience, it is patently wrong to misuse privileges like this at taxpayer8217;s cost. Our governments, over the decades, have been doling out favours to the chosen few without the slightest consideration for administrative need or efficiency. In the case of Jaya Bachchan, it makes little economic sense to appoint a Mumbai-based person to head Uttar Pradesh Films Division Board. Even if she does not get a salary, it amounts to an office of profit. Her allegedly backdated resignation and subsequent re-appointment indicates that those who appointed her were aware of the law. She is not the lone instance of such violations. Now that the issue has surfaced, let us take it to its logical conclusion. Perhaps the actress should set an example by gracefully stepping down.

8212;Kishore Karnad, Baroda

Come round, Cong

8226; This refers to Manini Chatterjee8217;s report 8216;Godhra whitewash8217; and Pratap Bhanu Mehta8217;s brilliant article, 8216;Dividing to rule8217; both in IE, March 7. The competitive politics for minority votes can lead to a Hindu backlash and already the country8217;s mood is changing. Secularists can do nothing if the Congress, the only pan-Indian party, messes it up.

8212;Pranav Sachdeva, New Delhi

Persian plea

8226; This refers to 8216;Persian Puzzle8217; by Rajeev Shukla IE, March 6. Iran has never let down friendly countries, such as India. The two countries have always coordinated their actions at regional and international forums. So the claims that Iran neglected India8217;s national interest over the Kashmir issue, and did not condemn the attack on the Indian parliament are a travesty of facts.
Iran was among the first nations to condemn the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001. The spokesman of Iranian ministry of foreign affairs called the act as the attack on the symbol of democracy. It may be recalled if the UNHCR in Geneva in April 1994 had adopted the resolution condemning India for alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, that would have paved the way for India8217;s detractors to refer the Kashmir issue to the UN. But the then prime minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, sent his foreign minister, Dinesh Singh, to Tehran to seek Iran8217;s support. As a result of Iran8217;s efforts the resolution was not tabled, and that was the last time any resolution was to be tabled in the UN over Kashmir.

8212;Saeid Asadi, Press Attache Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi