UnderThe world: Off the record

Several terror cases have been cracked and a number of alleged terrorists arrested in Maharashtra over the years. While announcing these arrests and divulging details of the conspiracies, officers display a common peculiarity.

None of them generally wants to be quoted about a direct Pakistan link to the terror plot or about support from the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Many officers prefer to use the term 'a hostile nation' while referring to Pakistan at official press conferences, and typically choose to speak 'on condition of anonymity' about the involvement of ISI officials in a terror attack.

Who'll blink first?

A few scribes were discussing what could be a logical solution to the stalemate in the much-delayed Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd elevated Metro with MMRDA Commissioner Rahul Asthana. The construction of the corridor, to be completed in 2014, is yet to start due to differences between MMRDA and the Reliance Infrastructure-led consortium over suitable land for the car depot and acquiring full right of way. Can the contract be axed, who will take the first step, the reporters asked.

One said, "Is it just a question on who will blink first?" Slightly amused, the MMRDA Commissioner replied, "Yes, but the government never blinks."

For some fresh air

Habits, they say, are difficult to give up. Officials working in the vicinity of Oval Maidan do not seem to be happy these days. For years, they enjoyed the breeze blowing in through their office windows. But with their workplaces being renovated and centralised air conditioning in place, this simple pleasure has been lost. One can often see the officials outside, soaking in fresh air. Nostalgia seems to have taken over. There were dark cramped spaces, but there was a closeness officials shared. The daily cuppa does not seem to taste the same.

... contd.

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