All for women
The report ?No pictures of women in Saudi papers? (May 18) is a misrepresentation of what King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz said in an address to Gulf Press Association members.
The report ‘No pictures of women in Saudi papers’ (May 18) is a misrepresentation of what King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz said in an address to Gulf Press Association members. The king advised the Gulf media to cut down on the publication of obscene pictures that lower the dignity of women.

It is unwarranted to see it as a sign of reversal of reforms in Saudi Arabia. Women’s presence is very much visible in all government and private enterprises especially in the media. They participate side by side with their male counterparts in various debates on current issues. The AP report is incorrect.
Saleh Mohd
Al-Gham di
Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Fanaa frenzy
It’s strange that the media find it necessary to blow out of proportion calls for banning a film or book by any political riff-raff. Surely this is also the ‘lunatic fringe’ that has called for the ban? Then can we now expect ‘liberal Hindu voices’ to speak up and tell the world that theirs is not a community held to ransom by the ‘lunatic fringe’? The call for a ban by the BJP’s state youth wing seems an absurd ploy for 15 minutes of fame via a gullible media. As for Aamir Khan, he’s now playing marvellously to the gallery.
Arjun Sen
Delhi
II
There is no need for Amir Khan to apologise. What he has said is reasonable and what any sane, forward-thinking citizen should stand by. Unfortunately, our politicians cannot hear the voices of reason and know only to rake up controversies where there are none.
Nitin Mathur
via email
Cost of a certificate
Only the holder of a caste certificate issued by the government is recognised as a Dalit. But for the downtrodden to get caste certificate is an intricate task for they are neither aware of the formalities involved nor do they have the capacity to grease the palm of sarkari babus. Apparently, the ‘rate’ for a caste certificate is Rs 500 upward depending upon the area.
D Kumar
Delhi
Readers may e-mail letters to the editor at: letters@hindustantimes.com