Mind your language

It is a pity that the US ambassador is creating useless controversy by his undiplomatic behaviour (Mind your words, Left to Mulford, January 30). Mulford was summoned to the Foreign Office to lodge India's protest against his remarks about the impact of the Indian vote on the India-US nuclear cooperation.

It is a pity that the US ambassador is creating useless controversy by his undiplomatic behaviour (Mind your words, Left to Mulford, January 30). Mulford was summoned to the Foreign Office to lodge India's protest against his remarks about the impact of the Indian vote on the India-US nuclear cooperation. Now he has criticised the Left's stand against opening up of retail and liberalisation of FDI in banking and insurance.

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The envoy's meddling with our internal affairs is unfortunate at a time when India and the US are enjoying the best of mutual ties.

Tarlok Singh, Delhi

II

The statement by Mulford about some of India's economic and political decisions is an attempt to bully India to vote for sanctions against Iran. It is unfortunate that a diplomat has chosen to interfere in the policy matters of a sovereign country. This is in bad taste and may become an embarrassment to Manmohan Singh and George Bush.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Aligarh

Shuffling interest

The recent reshuffle of the Union cabinet seems to be an exercise to please vested interests. The shifting of Mani Shankar Aiyer from Petroleum Ministry is intriguing as he is considered one of the best performing ministers. By ousting Aiyer, the UPA has sent out a message that the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline will remain a pipe dream.

II

The Prime minister has inducted 19 new members in the cabinet. As the new inductions have been made to give representation to all regions, it would have been wise to appoint a minister from the states of Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal also.

Nikhita Aron, Delhi

Welcome decision

The reduced school timings, if implemented, would bring cheer not only to children and their parents but to teachers as well (Timing it right, January 30). Children need some respite from the school activities. They need to be on their own without any outside supervision for their mental and physical growth. The reduced school hours will be a welcome change for anybody related to schools.

Gayatri Gahlaut, via e-mail