Mumbai?s slums

Something needs to be done about the increasing number of slums in Mumbai. Politicians encourage the expansion of slums, at the same time, making promises of a swank new airport that?ll cost Rs 25,000 crore.

Mumbai’s slums

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Something needs to be done about the increasing number of slums in Mumbai. Politicians encourage the expansion of slums, at the same time, making promises of a swank new airport that’ll cost Rs 25,000 crore. It’s a Catch-22 situation. There is little chance of slums being removed from Mumbai, as their inhabitants make up the politicians’ vote base.

Prahlad Kakkar, Mumbai

Sovereign right

regarding iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran has the support of a large part of the international community, especially the 114 non-aligned countries. The latest developments between Iran and the IAEA on the one hand, and the US and Europe on the other, have borne fruit. Iran’s position is legal and correct given that the IAEA has found no evidence of diversion of funds or research for military purposes. There have been attempts from some sections to link Iran’s programme with Abdul Qadir Khan. The fact is that the Iranian programme has enjoyed support from the big countries of the West before the Islamic revolution and from the major powers of the East since then.

SZ Yaghoubi, Ambassador of Iran, Delhi

With the increasing threat of civil war in Sri Lanka, it is time we considered our options (Sri Lanka lost in shadow, June 23). Refugees have started arriving from across the shores and a 1971-type situation cannot be ruled out. India should encourage the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government to find a permanent solution. We should perhaps use our resources to help Colombo and block logistical support to the LTTE.

Navneet Dhawan, Delhi

Protect our interests

I agree with Brahma Chellaney (Dragon designs, June 22) that there are dangers in getting too cosy with China over trade routes. Given our past experience, we could be caught in a Catch-22 situation. To protect our interests, India must ask for Chinese support on the Kashmir issue and also insist that it recognise Sikkim as a part of India.

JL Ganjoo, Delhi

Pulse of people

Apropos of the report Import of wheat, sugar unshackled (June 23), the rise in prices of essential commodities like vegetables and pulses is the direct result of the UPA government’s policies. It proves that this government’s policies are causing inflation. It must ensure that farmers get the right price for their produce and wholesalers and retailers do not add too much margin. The government should open retail shops to control prices.

Mahesh Kumar, via e-mail

II

The government has failed to curb inflation. Despite including top economists in the government, it hasn’t been able to do anything about the disparity between various strata of society, or even control its own finances.

Hitesh Jhangiani, Delhi

Indian at World Cup

Despite THE French team’s dismal performance so far, Vikash Dhorashoo’s presence in the Fifa World Cup has proved his talent beyond doubt. It proves that wrong policies and not genes are to blame for India’s poor performance. Proper grooming and good management can do wonders, as has been the case for Dhorashoo.

Maaz bin Bilal, Delhi

Time to take stock

It is surprising that Chief of Army Staff Gen J.J. Singh has not commented on Lt Sushmita Chakravorty’s suicide (Army can do without women, says vice-chief, June 17). All suicides and fake encounters in the army show all is not well there. Poor leadership and sycophancy are taking their toll. It is time our generals took stock of the situation instead of playing to the gallery.

Natasha Budhwar, via e-mail

Too many holidays

Apropos of the editorial Criminal delay (June 23), I would like to ask whether the number of working days in courts are in line with other working offices. The number of holidays in courts are almost as many as in schools. Wouldn’t the courts be better able to clear the backlog of cases if the number of working days were made in line with other government offices?

Sundeep Sinha, via e-mail

Autocratic functioning

Apropos of the editorial Thirty years ka experience (June 23), you have rightly smelt a rat, detecting a message for Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in Jyoti Basu’s anxiety to dispel the oft-repeated criticism that his 23-year-old tenure was autocratic. I agree that Basu’s reaction is similar to his successor’s actions, which lack approval from many of his colleagues.

Tarlok Singh, Delhi

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