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. One must instead praise the US for their uniformity in enforcing security regulations. Not only is that democratic,it also ensures security. India has seen diplomatic immunity being misused. Why should diplomats not be treated like everyone else? They should rather willingly undergo security checks and set an example.
R. Gupta
Chinese riddle
Regrettably,the editorial Staying engaged (IE,December 17),on the Chinese premiers visit,was disappointing. Its a pity that positive atmospherics without substance seem to have satisfied you. While the banality of phrases like mutual respect and sensitivity to each others concerns has been conceded,its not explained what Wen Jiabaos ownership in Beijing for the relationship with India has achieved. Even if Jiabao raised the issue of stapled visas for J&K residents,why do we seem so reassured? What deterred him from announcing its revocation in a friendly gesture? Thankfully,the editorial recognises the joint statement has fallen short of noting our major concerns: Pakistan-based terror networks and our permanent UNSC seat. Regarding trade expansion,theres no guarantee that the huge imbalance against India will be corrected. Given the record of our casualness on strict reciprocity in bilateral relations,the Chinese may again outsmart us.
M. Ratan
New Delhi
Trading ties
The editorial Staying engaged is apt. Laying aside the ghost of 1962,we must cultivate friendship and strategic ties with China despite the many irritants. A growing economic relationship is a good antidote to problems,and may even prevent Pakistan from fishing in troubled waters. A strong economic engagement was the glue which wove the warring European nations into one economic unit.
John Alexander
Nagpur
Cart before horse?
The Supreme Court placing the CBI investigation under its supervision has brought a sigh of relief all round,particularly for a beleaguered UPA (A matter of trust,IE,December 17). Increasingly,a cavalier attitude towards corruption,arising out of indifferent governance,is inviting a reluctant judiciary to expand its oversight. However,Parliament should have undertaken the burden of guidance and the government,the footwork. We seem to be putting the cart before the horse. The judiciary ought to have come in ideally at the end to address the legal and constitutional knots.
R. Narayanan
Ghaziabad
Sooner than later
This refers to the report Cong marathoner Arjun decides to hang up political boots (IE,December 17). We are relieved that Arjun Singh has decided to quit politics
for good. How relevant he was to the posts he has
held over years is still a conundrum. He called Rahul Gandhi the next PM and earned the title of sycophant. There was also the issue of reservation. His handling of Warren Anderson was another feat.
Raghu Seshadri
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