Opinion VIP closure
There is a needless fuss over pat-downs of diplomats and VIPs.
VIP closure
There is a needless fuss over pat-downs of diplomats and VIPs (Barrier test,IE,December 14). One must instead praise the US for their uniformity in enforcing security regulations irrespective of status. Not only is that democratic,it also ensures security. India has seen diplomatic immunity being misused for espionage,smuggling,etc. Why should diplomats not be treated like everyone else? They should rather willingly undergo security checks and set an example. We should extend the same courtesy to American VIPs,not in retaliation,but as a step towards curing our VIP obsession.
R. Gupta
Two recent incidents showed India hasnt learnt from the past. The Varanasi blast and the pat-downs of two Indian diplomats in the US. Time and again,we have seen our government fail on security. Its time we learnt from the US. Their security system is not only strict but also effective. Their laws are equal for all. Post 9/11,the US didnt witness another terror attack. But here in India,we have been ineffective in our fight against terrorism.
Amanvir Singh Tiwana
Patiala
Being firm
This refers to Harsh V. Pants The border of discontent,(IE,December 13). Although Beijing has been signing agreements with Delhi year after year,China has been in a state of distrust vis-a-vis India. Chinas behaviour has always raised an alarm in India. Chinese interference in issues relating to India is a blow to Delhis prestige on the global platform. Although India has always been modest,it should deal with China in a firm way.
Himanshu Khattar
Status change
There was a time when politicians were heard with respect and people practised what politicians preached. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too enjoyed that respect,but his silence regarding the 2G scam has deprived him of that status. His latest comment about the ethical deficit in the corporate sector (PM flays ethical deficit in India Inc, IE,December 14),is received now with a chuckle.
S. Rajagopalan
Direct debit
The Supreme Court has found Vilasrao Deshmukh,former Maharashtra chief minister and now a Union minister,guilty of shielding Congress MLA Dilip Kumar Sanandas father,Gokulchand Sananda,a private money-lender (Maharashtra fined for Vilasrao shielding Cong MLAs moneylender father,IE,December 14). The state government has been fined Rs10 lakh. Though the action taken is laudable,the fine
to be paid by the state is troubling. People will have to bear the punishment for the wrongs of a CM. Would it not have been appropriate if Deshmukh were to pay the fine himself?
Anil P. Bagarka
Share
