I was surprised to read in an otherwise perceptive article by Sagarika Ghose (2½ years, 8 per cent what?, November 24) a surprisingly cavalier statement: “Towering over the reforms process is a certain deafening silence on the part of Manmohan Singh on the needs and the ambitions of the 21st century Indian reformer.” Apart from the fact that the PM’s did address some of the issues raised by Ghose at the HT Leadership Summit, he has also made other important statements on all the issues that Ghose wants a 21st century reformer to address.
Ghose refers in particular to urban renewal and police reforms. Not only has the PM spoken on both issues, he has also spoken of the need for humane urbanisation. The PM has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and has also set up a mission on police reforms.
Sanjaya Baru
Media Advisor to PM, Delhi
Force farce
With reference to Army shortchanges Kargil heroes (November 25), it is shameful that our heroes are being given a raw deal in the army. The army’s promotion policy needs to be changed.
Gopal Verma
via e-mail
II
This is an unkind cut. Unless armymen are accused of misconduct, they should not be denied promotion. What message are we sending out to serving officers?
KK Kutty
via e-mail
KK Kutty
via e-mail
Lack of ethics
Apropos of Brahma Chellaney’s Mastering martial arts (November 27), China is not likely to give up its claim on Arunachal Pradesh or recognise Jammu and Kashmir as part of Indian territory. Distancing ourselves from Tibetan refugees will not help matters.
JL Ganjoo
Delhi
II
The suppression of Tibetan protestors during Hu Jintao’s visit was unpleasant. It is clear that Indian policy is governed more by trade and less by ethics.
JM Manchanda
via e-mail
Readers may e-mail letters to the editor at:letters@hindustantimes.com