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Letters to The Editor — May 13, 2025

Letters to The Editor — May 13, 2025

The Hindu12-05-2025
The guns fall silent
The sudden cessation of military actions between India and Pakistan has left several people in disbelief. In this, how extensive was the involvement of external forces? India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has himself become the unfortunate and undeserving victim of jingoism while he has only represented the government before the media. Some, and these include TV 'studio room warriors', even went to the extent of calling for Pakistan's Balkanisation while India made it clear that terrorists, their installations and infrastructure were the targets. War-mongers seem to believe in the Orwellian paradox that war is peace. Even though the war clouds may have blown over, the battle is far from over. The terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror strike are still at large.
Abdul Assis P.A.,
Thrissur, Kerala
Retirement
Virat Kohli's retirement from Tests will bring to an end one of contemporary Indian cricket's great chapters. He was known for multiple things — as a successful captain, stylish batsman, great fielder, on-the face and aggressive. He was the face of the new India and will be more remembered for his immense contribution to Test cricket. His aggressive captaincy ensured that games were always engaging. Test cricket will miss one of its best protagonists.
Subash Balakrishnan,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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