Opinion Public faith
Much as one believes that the prime minister is on to something through the Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement....
•Much as one believes that the prime minister is on to something through the Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement,it cannot be disputed that Manmohan Singh operates out of an ivory tower (Two PMs,One Big Idea,IE,August 1). What he decides and what he intends,his plans and strategies are not accessible,let alone transparent. He is certainly not a mass leader like Vajpayee. Nevertheless,not unlike the former PM,Manmohan Singh is a man of vision. Notwithstanding the furore in Parliament and the initial lack of support from the Congress itself,one believes history will vindicate Dr Singh,as it did over the nuclear deal. Shekhar Gupta must be thanked for interpreting and explaining the thorny issue of the joint statement.
Sunil Dogra New Delhi
Ifs and Buts
•Shekhar Gupta is justified in arguing that both Atal B. Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh rightly understood that a stable Pakistan is in Indias interest. In that light,Vajpayee and Singhs attempts to go the extra mile to engage Pakistan in dialogue make sense. However,one must still ask: what is the price India will pay in the short term for peace with Pakistan? Vajpayee called it right in avoiding war with our western neighbour after the Parliament attack. Likewise,Singhs restraint after 26/11 was commendable. Yet,what about the numerous jihadis still trained in and waiting to operate out of Pakistan? The Lashkars,the ISI and the Pakistani military are as ill-disposed towards India as ever. Then,what will dialogue with Pakistan achieve?
Amish R. Shah
Not what it seems
•Those in live-in relationships are not adolescents should bear its consequences good,bad or ugly (On settlements,IE,August 1). Moreover,one should be concerned about the fate of the spouse and dependent children of a married man who enters such a relationship. What if the law ends up legalising their abandonment and deprivation? As it stands,the proposed amendment of CrPC extending the benefit of alimony to such women is regressive and dangerous. Its insulting to women and dangerous for a married mans legal family. It might de facto legalise something akin to polygamy. It must be worked upon. Such an amendment should be made only for protecting women who are coerced or deceived into such relationships.
Y.G. Chouksey
Stern logic
•This refers to Pvt airlines blink… (IE,August 3). First of all,the strike itself was a gimmick and would in no way have solved the financial problems of private carriers. For all we know,theyll continue to bleed in the near future because of the economic conditions. Since aviation is not a charity,those who fail to break even should shut shop,by stern capitalist logic. Competitive cost-cutting led to this predicament. Perhaps its time for smaller airlines to merge with bigger ones for cost effectiveness and price stability.
S.N. Kabra
Mumbai
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