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Journalism of Courage
• While India and the rest of the world may have certain expectations of Nepal I think that priority should be accorded to the expectations of the Nepali people. Since 1990, the political leaders have squandered the faith reposed in them by the Nepali people. It can be said that every politician since has been corrupt and failed to act in the interests of the Nepali people. The Maoists have caused enough bloodshed and disruption to the economy through strikes and extortion. India and the world must not burden Nepal with their expectations. They must let it chart its own course.
— Jyoti Rijal Sydney
All the same
• Apropos of ‘A carnival of greed’ (IE, February 10), congratulations to the columnist for his excellent piece. Advani and Vajpayee should read this piece carefully before crying hoarse about the murder of democracy in Goa. The Congress has only repeated what the BJP has done earlier. Like many other Goa CMs before him, Parrikar was an illegitimate chief minister. The best course is to declare President’s Rule for a decade so that all these politicians are on the streets.
— Harish H.V. Bangalore
Please wake up
• I don’t know much about tigers. However, I agree with recent articles in your newspaper that Rajasthan must not allow its tiger population to become extinct. I was extremely lucky to visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve several times a few years ago and actually saw some tigers. One of the main reasons for Europeans visiting Rajasthan is to hopefully catch sight of the rare beast. Long may this last, with more protection from the Indian government. By the way, I love your country and your people.
— Alan Sprowell Wales
What now?
• T.V.R. Shenoy’s ‘Lessons in geography’ (IE, February 10) is an excellent piece. However, it would have been more prudent if the author could also spell out the line to be followed by India to escape playing dodo.
— Shashank Ranjan Delhi
Three options
• This refers to your editorial ‘Waffle man’ (IE, February 9). When it comes to Naxals, there is no clarity in the government’s policy, or actions or even in media reports. What is the government’s policy? Does it want to sweep the problem under the rug for the next government? Did the media do a thorough analysis and evaluate all the options? One option is similar to what Sardar Patel might have done. March the troops in and take control. Let government, people, and the Naxals face the consequences. Option two is for the government to withdraw its forces from areas as the Naxals advance. In Andhra’s tribal areas, according to media reports, the state government has virtually lost control of law and order anyway. Option three is for the government to cede control of the tribal areas to Naxals until the next elections in the state in return for ending armed struggle and the surrender of all arms. The government could pay funds earmarked for the development of tribal areas and agree to a former supreme court judge to supervise the operation of the agreement. In the next polls, the people of the tribal areas will decide who they would like to represent them. Elected civilian leaders can bargain for a degree of autonomy acceptable to both sides.
— Som Karamchetty Columbia
