Kolkata-based daily,Azad Hind,in its editorial on November 28,writes: This issue has been under discussion right from the days of the NDA government. Therefore,it is wrong to say that the Manmohan Singh-led UPA decided to allow FDI in a hurry,anxious about the falling rupee and rising prices. There is a clear need for foreign direct investment,and for industries to be set up,without which economic opportunities will be limited… (But) the government should go forward keeping in mind the interests of our own small businesses. Hyderabad-based daily Munsif,in its editorial on December 2,takes a dim view of FDI in retail: The retail trade sector is of concern neither to the ruling party nor the opposition. It is connected with the employment of lakhs of common people. If this sector is also handed over to foreign investors,these jobs would be displaced and the families dependent on them would be destroyed… The government should rehabilitate those who stand to lose their jobs.

Another daily published from Hyderabad and Bangalore,Siasat,writes in its editorial on December 1: If the government wanted,it could have tried to create a consensus at an all-party meeting before a cabinet decision. Even UPA allies were not consulted… Instead of paying any attention to the real problems faced by people,the government floated the FDI balloon (FDI ka shosha),intending to disrupt Parliaments winter session.

US-Pakistan rift

Commenting on the NATO attack on two posts in Pakistan that killed over 20 soldiers,Rashtriya Sahara writes in its November 28 editorial: The US has repeatedly demonstrated the extent to which it can go to achieve its objectives… While attacking these posts,the US did not think of its friendship with Pakistan or the consequences for their strategic partnership.

The paper adds: The anger of the Pakistani people against the US has intensified after the Abbottabad operation. They consider the American attitude an attack on their self-respect. There is annoyance within the ranks of the Pakistan army as well… The steps taken by the Pakistani government on the Afghanistan border,following the attack,can add to the problems of the US and the NATO.

Siasat,in its editorial on November 26 writes: NATO forces are mindlessly killing innocent citizens in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas. And this is being done by an America that preaches humanitarian values. NATO should stop such acts,which can destabilise the entire South Asian region.

Assault on our values

While condemning the recent physical attack on the Union agriculture minister,Sharad Pawar,Siasat writes on November 25: Although this incident is regrettable,it could be a glimpse of popular anger against corruption… There is no place for such incidents in a democracy. But the government will have to understand the significance of this despicable act. Unless the government comes out with an effective and unflinching strategy against corruption,it is not possible to put an end to this type of evil… (but) there is need to work within the parameters of the law.

Shakeel Shamsi,the editor of Inquilab (published from Mumbai,Delhi,Kanpur,Bareilly and Lucknow),writes in his November 26 column: There is no precedent for such acts in our country. Peoples anger against politicians should be expressed through public meetings,demonstrations and rallies,as is the democratic norm. But the glut of TV channels and the free publicity they get is a goad for those who resort to such actions.

Azad Hind writes on November 25: Harvinder Singh had briefed the media about his intentions before attacking former Union minister Sukh Ram. Even before attacking Sharad Pawar,he had briefed the media about his plan and complained that they do not cover such news items adequately. It is surprising that the security officials were unaware of these plans.