Opinion Minority report
During election season,all kinds of political parties become sympathisers of minorities.
* During election season,all kinds of political parties become sympathisers of minorities at a superficial level. In substantive terms,minorities continue to bear a double burden. They are labelled anti-national and are appeased at the same time.The continued ghettoisation of Muslims should be a cause of concern for every right-thinking citizen. On the eve of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections,Muslims are faced with a dilemma. Should they support the so-called secular brigade or the much-maligned BJP? Communal riots have been a recurring feature in India. But there are other minority issues,such as development and inclusion. Muslims continue to languish in ghettoes in Ahmedabad,though Gujarat is touted as the model of development. Indias spurious brand of secularism,which focuses on creating fear among minorities,has only served to sharpen communal boundaries.
Mahfooz Alam
Healthy measures
* This refers to Tried,tested and failed by Amar Jesani (IE,October 28) and Drug trials: Lax regulations cost country dear (IE,October 28). Through the active intervention of the Supreme Court,the distressing story of clinical trials in India is being rewritten. Even AIIMS is not above board 49 children died during clinical trials at the premier medical institution. Leading medical journals question the ethics of testing drugs intended for affluent nations on people in developing countries. Of the billions spent on drug research,a minuscule amount is used for research relevant to countries like India,which suffers from neglected tropical diseases. When these drugs are approved,how many of us can afford them? They will be covered by patent laws and are beyond the reach of the common man. Clinical trails are essential to advances in medical knowledge and improved healthcare. Many pioneering medicines have saved lives. The fear is that norms and procedures are being violated. They are not rigorously enforced in India to begin with.
H.N. Ramakrishna
Rallying around
* Rahul Gandhi has shown his political immaturity in rallies. There is no place for emotion in politics. An election campaign requires a shrewd strategy. Today,even rural and small-town voters,exposed to television as well as print and digital media,are more discerning. They are not likely to fall for emotional rhetoric. Gandhi would do well to concentrate on development rather than make statements on minorities.
M. Kumar
Delhi
On guard
* PM Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to China was considered satisfactory. In spite of the new border agreement,India needs to be cautious. China has shown expansionist tendencies in the recent past,coming into conflict with Hong Kong,Taiwan and Japan. History shows that China,like Pakistan,is not a reliable neighbour.
R.P. Shahi,
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