Drugging the Masses"Nawaz Sharif's decision to enforce the Shariat represents a religious dictator trying to drug the people with the opiate of Islamisation."Rahul Jain,on e-mail from AgraFanatical OverdrivePakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has embarked on Islamisation of his country as a last resort to save his Government from an impending collapse ("In a Holy Mess", September 14). This is like a drowning man trying to clutch at straws. However popular, no government can stay in power by going into a fanatical overdrive. It is no wonder then that Sharif's move has been condemned by well-wishers and adversaries alike. No man can become a law unto himself. By making this move, Sharif is only hastening his fall.V.C. Joshi, HyderabadThe cover story is an eye opener for all those who continue to remain nonchalant. A country of India's size should be more assertive in the national interest. It is notable that Iran did not hesitate to carry out military exercises on the border with Afghanistan despite UN pressure because it did not want to play into the hands of the global "peace keepers". India too should have a more pragmatic approach when it concerns Pakistan. We cannot continue to be at the receiving end. For once let us forget the unilateral approach and take a firmer stand.Gaurang Jalan, CalcuttaRecent developments in Pakistan are a cause for concern. The issue at stake is not just the freedom of the people but the possibility of Pakistan sharing its nuclear technology with other Islamic fundamentalist countries. One can only hope that some rational leaders will oppose Nawaz Sharif's efforts at Islamisation of the country. The Shariat enforced in Pakistan could portend danger for neighbouring nations.Balaji Subramanian, BangaloreSorry StateThere will always be room for another medal on any talented sportsperson's shelf ( "A Shot at Gold", September 14). If the Centre cannot provide the required funding for India's star shooter, Jaspal Rana, the least it can do is to provide some incentives for sponsors to come forward. National honour notwithstanding, a company can do little without being assured of a profit. This is just another sad reminder of the deplorable status a sportsperson is given in India.Sriram Peri, on e-mailMere ConjectureThe article highlighted the differences in opinion between the RSS and the BJP ("Sangh vs Sanghi", September 14). However, this is true only where economic policies are concerned. The report then deviates from facts to conjecture. Obviously, the media takes every opportunity to talk about the "pseudo" war between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani.Sameer Kuppahalli, on e-mail from Arizona, USAIt's in Our HandsInstead of focusing on the solution to India's economic problems through the Government and big businesses, it would be better to point out the merits of individual initiative ("The Great Depression", September 7). While the report on the state of the Indian economy was very true, such negativity will only make people more cynical. In the long run it is the attitude and action of each individual which will determine whether "Mera Bharat" is truly "mahan".L.P. Raman, on e-mail from Boston, USAThe fundamental premise of growth, according to economists, is to see a bright economic future for the country. P. Chidambaram has rightly pointed out that the wait and watch attitude of Indians is not good enough. The Government should anchor its activities in such a way so as to give the citizens a boost-this will result in every individual contributing to both human and material capital investment.Sonali Malhotra, on e-mailWrong FactsThe article erroneously reported that rescue columns could not start northwards from Dharchula for 48 hours ("Hills of Death", August 31). I was one of the members of the army team coordinating the induction of manpower with the air force. The information of the tragedy reached Dharchula at 6.30 a.m. on August 18 and at 9.30 a.m. the first column of the army moved out, reaching Jibti at 4.00 p.m. the next day. They were trying to reach the site but were blocked by debris 20 m high. On the northern side, jawans of the ITBP and army had been there from August 18. The army covered 51 km in torrential rains to reach the place. Also, the names of the places have been misspelt. It is not Jhipti but Jibti, not Chhinlek but Chhiyalekh and not Bundi but Buddhi.Major V. Mahadik, Kumaon Scouts, 56 APODiscipline the DebtorsThe adage "be you ever so high, the law is above you" obviously does not apply to politicians who refuse to settle huge amounts they owe to the national exchequer ("Eat Now, Pay Never", July 27). Phone bills, power and water bills, hotel bills, use of air force planes-the arrears continue to pile up. Intermittently the high courts attempt to awaken the sleeping politicians but to no avail. A simple solution lies in reasonably increasing their salaries and discontinuing all their free perks. They should be forced to pay for every facility out of their own earnings. The outstanding dues together with penal interest at the rate of 18 percent must be collected. This would automatically discipline these debtors.Govind Jhaveri, Mumbai"The reasons for which the US chose to be friendly with Pakistan no longer exist. Pakistan is a threat to world peace.The US should now focus on improving ties with India." Sharad Joshi, BangalorePatent UntruthJairam Ramesh's suggestion that changes in our patent laws-as demanded by the West-be made immediately is surprising ("Use WTO, Don't Abuse It", July 6). The Gujral Committee had viewed with concern "the grave impact" the proposed patent regime would have on drug prices in the country. That this is no idle apprehension is corroborated by the prices at which the same medicine is available in India, which has a process patent law, and Pakistan, which has a product patent law. For instance, Ranitidine which is sold by Glaxo in India for Rs 14 is sold by the same company for Rs 241 in Pakistan. Where is the compulsion to change the patent law when the World Health Organisation itself allows a transition period up to the year 2005? The WTO too has recommended that developing countries should make the fullest use of the TRIPS agreement in their domestic law because by 2005 a monopoly situation could lead to an increase in drug prices. The uncalled for gibe at India for having been taken twice to the Dispute Redressal Forum of the WTO was hurtful coming from a compatriot. May I remind Ramesh that the US has been hauled up 17 times but is stubbornly refusing to comply with the directives of the forum.Justice (RETD) Rajindar Sachar, DelhiUnreasonably Sidelined by Meddling BureaucratsAfter three years of trying to float their airline in collaboration with Singapore Airlines, the Tatas have reached a dead end ("Jettisoned for Nothing", September 14). It is ironical that they have been sidelined - they pioneered the aviation industry in India. Jet Airways' Naresh Goyal appears to have been given the green signal because he happens to be in the good books of those who matter.N. Vijayaraghavan, Dubai, UAEWe have reached such a state that the Tatas with an impeccable business record are denied permission to start an airline. On the other hand, crooked financiers continue to flourish. It's time we let new businesses begin instead of grounding them on some ridiculous pretext or the other.V.P. Sridharan, on e-mailWe can have potato chips and cigarettes with 40-100 percent equity but India's most respected business group will be made to grovel at various bureaucratic committee meetings before they are allowed to partake in what is essentially a service to the country. Despite being a hardcore Sangh supporter, I'm convinced that the BJP is foolishly allowing bureaucrats to have their own way. There's just no political will.Anurag Sangal, on e-mail.preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}Published By: AtMigration Published On: Sep 28, 1998--- ENDS ---
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