•Frisking a former president of India was not merely an insult to him, but to the country as well (‘Kalam frisked at Delhi airport...’, IE, July 22). But is there any need to publicise the issue? The political elite may be annoyed, but Dr Kalam himself has not turned it into a controversy. This points to his simple nature and, above all, his decency as a human being. But what happens to a former head of state is in the public domain, fortunately or unfortunately. Continental Airlines must now answer if they would have frisked a former US president. They must, at least, apologise.

— M.C. Joshi

Lucknow

•India’s political leadership is clearly upset about former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam being frisked at the Delhi airport by an American airline. Not long ago, George Fernandes and Somnath Chatterjee made headlines over something similar. However, so many their compatriots go through airport security daily and view it as necessary for their own protection and that of others. Do we lose our dignity when we are frisked? It should be noted that Dr Kalam’s reaction is distinctly different from those “outraged” at the “insult” to him.

— J.S. Bandukwala

Vadodara

Open and honest

n US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s India visit certainly positive vibes over a range of issues. It’s satisfying to know that she made encouraging statements on security and terrorism. But, the Indian government must persist in urging the US to exert pressure on Pakistan. Despite Clinton’s successful visit, there’s a danger in viewing things through rose-tinted glasses. We do differ with the US on a number of issues, and our interests must remain paramount. What India must do at the moment is engage in more open and honest dialogue with the US.

... contd.