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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — May 30, 2025
Manipur situation The intent by some in the National Democratic Alliance 'to form a 'popular' government in Manipur' is strange (Page 1, May 29). That these people are unaware of the ground reality is cause for concern. The consensus of all stakeholders and a proper settlement of the ethnic conflict is what will pave the way for a conducive environment. One expects the government of the day to engage with the warring factions and find a lasting solution to the crisis. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru MP's line Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has done a good job of turning the defence of India's position vis-à-vis Pakistan into an unqualified eulogisation of the top leader in the course of India's diplomatic outreach (Inside pages, 'Shashi Tharoor faces flak from his own party for remarks on LoC breach', May 29). Reading between the lines, one can say with certainty that the MP awards more marks to the government of the day than previous Congress governments in dealing with Pakistan. For all his scholarship, sophistication, sensitivity and sensibility, are his words laced with the belligerence typical of right-wing hardliners? Is there a desperation to demonstrate that he wears his patriotism on his sleeves? A poet dreamt that he was a butterfly and was left to wonder which way he was dreaming. The MP seems to share the poet's predicament. G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu Had the erudite leader remembered the India-Pakistan war of 1965, he would have known that the Indian Army had not only crossed the ceasefire line but also captured the entire Haji Pir bulge in the Battle of Haji Pir Pass. It marked a turning point in the conflict and held until vacated under the Tashkent Agreement. Not recognising such significant military achievements would be more than unfair to the valour and the sacrifices of India's armed forces. S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru The MP's statements have sparked understandable outrage within his own party. While political maturity involves acknowledging national achievements beyond party lines, it is troubling when such statements blur ideological boundaries and confuse people. By appearing to align with the ruling party's narrative, the MP risks weakening the Opposition's position and inadvertently bolstering the BJP's propaganda. It is essential for Opposition leaders to maintain clarity, consistency, and an accountability to the values their party stands for. Rukma Sharma Jalandhar, Punjab Digital literacy Digital literacy in rural India is essential. Many lack Internet access and basic digital skills. Governments and schools must provide the necessary infrastructure and training. Bridging this divide ensures equal opportunities for education, jobs, and growth. As a student, I believe it is time to act. Buvan Doolla, Mumbai Inadequate Torrential rainfall following the early onset of the southwest monsoon has undoubtedly exposed the creaky drainage infrastructure of Indian cities. There is no doubt that several of India's metropolitan cities do not have well-equipped drainage systems to deal with the recent changes in weather patterns. With weather vagaries becoming the new normal, cities have to invest more to revamp their drainage systems to avoid the flooding that affects livelihoods and causes damage. M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu


The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — May 26, 2025
Centre-State synergy It is a fact that the Centre's relations with some States have not been cordial ever since the National Democratic Alliance came back to power. Therefore, the Prime Minister's clarion call, at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, for synergy between the Centre and the States and to work together 'like Team India' is unlikely to have many takers (Page 1, May 25). If the States are collectively expected to agree to contribute to what the Centre is propounding, the Centre should see to it that the grievances of some States such as sharing central tax returns are addressed at once. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru The Prime Minister's assertion that no goal is impossible if the Centre and States work together as a team is true by all means. But can his government explain how non-National Democratic Alliance State governments are being troubled by the acts of some Governors and the 'misuse' of the Enforcement Directorate and some other central agencies? These are well known to the nation. Therefore, the Centre must practise what it preaches. Similarly, States should stop the indiscriminate distribution of freebies and avoid an overdependence on the Centre. A healthy relationship between the central and State governments is vital for national unity and development. Kshirasagara Balaji Rao, Hyderabad Unfortunately, the ground reality is different. There is definitely a chasm between the Centre and Opposition-ruled States for which the Centre is largely responsible. This arises due to a differential fund allotment and hindrances created by Governors. The change in attitude is obvious as seen when the Bihar Chief Minister was within and outside the NDA. And who can miss the Centre's 'cosy relations' with the government in Andhra Pradesh. V.P. Bhaskaran, Kozhikode, Kerala Miss World contest The Miss World organisation will have to go beyond dishing out a routine defence of its systems and environment in light of the 'ethical issues' raised by one of the contestants, Miss World England 2024. Ms. Magee has raised some very troubling practices (May 25). Saurabh Sinha, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh A book in hand The article, 'With books for company' (Open Page, May 25), took me back to the golden years of the past, where knowledge was gained in silence. Visits to libraries were very frequent and the ambience and the atmosphere were ideal to read, learn and gain knowledge. Libraries taught us the value of silence that could easily translate to concentration — one which is a paramount need for academic success. Sadly libraries are on the decline, and information is sought instantly and then forgotten easily. In the past, a book was a favourite companion during train travel. Today, it is the mobile phone, with nothing to converse about. Balasubramaniam Pavani, Secunderabad The new captain The selectors have taken a bold decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team but he will have the onerous task of leading India in challenging times. Shubman should be as bold and assertive in his captaincy as he has been with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. Thomas Palocaren, Vellore, Tamil Nadu By handing over the captaincy of the Test matches for India's England tour to Shubman Gill, the selectors seem to have laid the foundation to give the team a permanent captain. He is a reliable player and has displayed his batting prowess. One hopes that he climbs the ladder further and captains all formats of the game. Arvind Rawal, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh


The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — May 22, 2025
Letters to The Editor — May 22, 2025 letters to the editor Diplomatic outreach While India has strongly opposed any mediation in its engagement with Pakistan, the diplomatic outreach by India, which began on May 21 (Page 1, May 21), appears to contradict India stance on its bilateral ties with Pakistan as we are trying to justify and impress upon other nations the need to accept Operation Sindoor and be empathetic to what India did. Suppose other friendly nations, taking advantage of their relations with India, wanted to be involved in resolving issues between the two sides, would we accept these moves? So long as ''China backs Pakistan in defending its 'sovereignty'' (May 20), such exercises do not add up to anything but only heighten tensions between the two — as it has been the case for decades now. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru


The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — May 9, 2025
India's operation In India's Operation Sindoor, countless personnel and professionals have played their part: from intelligence analysts who have tracked targets for weeks, to drone pilots who have operated their missions under extreme stress, to the naval forces who maintained strategic positions off the coast, ready for escalation if necessary, to, finally, the Army and the Air Force too. To Pakistan, the message has been made clear: India's threshold for tolerance has shifted. Inaction is no longer the default. And to the world, this has been a reminder that India, when pushed, moves with calculated force, not chaos. It is not a celebration of war, but a celebration of deterrence — the kind born not from provocation, but preparation. This is an operation that will go down in history as a mission carried out with iron resolve. To every armed forces personnel, this is your moment. And the nation thanks you. K.J. Haroon Basha, Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu India has struck at terror bases inside Pakistan, but a real question that needs to be asked is whether India has really succeeded in hunting down those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The operations so far have achieved their purpose — decimating certain terror camps that were detrimental to peace in Kashmir and India. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru The first step to minimise escalation is for both sides to avoid playing to the gallery or taking a position for political one-upmanship. Operation Sindoor has achieved its limited objectives from the Indian point of view. It is for Pakistan to accept that terror attacks emanate from its soil. Wiser counsel should prevail upon India's neighbour. Pakistan needs to reflect upon what the Mahatma said: 'An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.' A.V. Narayanan, Chennai As expected, India's mobilisation of countermeasures following the massacre in Pahalgam has culminated in strong military action. This must serve as a lesson to Pakistan against nurturing terrorist elements on its soil, despite global pressure to take credible action against the UN-designated terrorists roaming free in that country. Pakistan's sympathisers would do well to educate that country about the new global situation and advise it to behave. Ratcheting up the rhetoric of war will not help anyone, and definitely not Pakistan which is facing economic distress and insurgency in some parts. Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai Operation Sindoor not only signals a new chapter in India's counter-terrorism doctrine but also marks a strategic shift in India's military response to terrorism, combining surgical precision, multi-service coordination and symbolic messaging. This is diplomatic and tactful action taken by India to expose Pakistan's status as a rogue nation which actively promotes and patronises terrorism worldwide. India's assertive retribution to the Pahalgam attack is only a first salvo of a seemingly long-drawn-out battle. R. Sivakumar, Chennai It is time for Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism and understand that further aggression will lead to punishment. A strong message must be conveyed: India's patience is not weakness. We will take all measures to ensure our national security. Lawrence Vadukut, Thrissur, Kerala