Killing the beast

The US and Pakistan’s proxy war in Afghanistan had opened a quiet front against India, which would help the Kashmir militancy. In their scheme of things, it didn’t occur to the Pakistani establishment that they were breeding a Frankenstein — Al-Qaeda and Taliban — that would soon turn on them. Pakistan needs to introspect and its president, Asif Ali Zardari, needs to rein in the ISI and tell the army that enough is enough. But does Zardari have the nerve and power to do so?

— Prasad Malladi

Nidadavole

For the people

This refers to the editorial ‘Ways of tribute’. The outburst of public sentiment at M.C. Sharma’s funeral was evidence of the dedication and determination of our police forces. Sharma laid down his life to save the aam aadmi. The Government has a duty to adequately compensate his grieving family.

— Deepak Chikramane

Mumbai

Fast forward

I agree with Yoginder K. Alagh that the access to fast-breeder technology is India’s real gain from the nuclear deal (‘Old deal’, IE, September 20). Besides, we need to honour scientists like Placid Rodrigues. Perhaps soon our nuclear scientists will find the means of generating cheap electricity from our own thorium-based technology.

— G.V. Mallan

Pune

Politics matters

Bibek Debroy’s article, ‘How not to do business’, accurately highlights the problems of starting a business in India. However, it is another matter altogether that even the layman can tell that the World Bank report was the result of mostly “desk work”. Among the many important parameters left out of the report, the political context of the country concerned is rather significant.

— Amit Kishore

Patna

Helpless

Whenever natural disasters struck India, our never-say-die attitude saw us through. However, the disaster management by our governments has been dismal, and it’s very sad that even after 60 years of independence there is no tangible mechanism in place to save the lives of citizens in such emergencies.All we need to do is take a look at Bihar and Orissa. Can’t our leaders rise above their petty politics and help the marooned and suffering people shattered by the devastating floods?

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