Envoy’s vision

Further,Pakistan must no doubt feel ashamed of being branded as the breeding ground for terrorists; perhaps it is after the recent bombings and Holbrooke’s tough stance that they might opt for a different approach.

— Ahim Jurry

Dharamshala

Inconsistent policies

• This refers to ‘Pak rejects US proposal for joint ops…’. It appears as though the Pakistani establishment deceives its own people by adopting a tough stance against the US. This policy is inconsistent given that the establishment shows displeasure at the prospect of foreign troops on its soil whilst allowing US drone attacks. Further,by discarding joint operations with the US it appears as though the Pakistanis are reluctant to fight terrorism.

— Deepak Chikramane

Mumbai

Our Mandela?

• In order to bring about reconciliation over the 1984 Gujarat riots one needs a leader who can pave the way. Comparisons to South Africa’s experience may be apt; however one key variable is amiss: South Africa had a larger-than-life leader,Nelson Mandela,towering over the process. His position was unrivalled; India does not have that luxury at present.

—Tajinder Bains

Delhi

Law’s ways

• Minutes before a journalist flung his shoe at Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram,he had stated that the innocence or guilt of Jagdish Tytler had to be established in a court of law. The plea that the law must run its course is only a cliché since the legal process delivers only to the rich and powerful.

— J.M. Manchanda

New Delhi

Tit for tat

• It is not difficult to find demagogues in Indian politics for one often exposes the other. More than the defence of secularism,Lalu Prasad Yadav’s remarks against Varun Gandhi’s hate campaign unwrapped his true intentions of deriving leverage out of identity politics. When ideas are scarce,politicians conveniently resort to mud-slinging. Unfortunately,thanks to such leaders people are forced to respond to the noise rather than substance.

— Ashwani Sharma

Ghaziabad

Feet on ground

• There is a dire need for clarification over the terminology of hunger. The real problem is that world renowned experts and international organisations publish reports without visiting villages which suffer hunger and malnutrition.

— S.C. Aggarwal

New Delhi