Taking a wrong turn

With reference to Who let the cat out? (August 6), the statement that ?fingers are also being pointed at another probe panel counsel who served as additional solicitor general during the NDA rule? obviously refers to me.

With reference to Who let the cat out? (August 6), the statement that “fingers are also being pointed at another probe panel counsel who served as additional solicitor general during the NDA rule” obviously refers to me. I must make it clear that my role as senior counsel to the Justice Pathak Authority ended with the questioning of witnesses and advising the judge on the evidence. I have had no access to the report. There can, therefore, be no question of my having disclosed its contents. The same is the position with my colleague Sidhhartha Dave. To cast aspersions on his integrity merely because he is married to a CNN-IBN journalist is unfair and unwarranted.

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R Ramachandran
New Delhi

Bad blood

With Pakistan’s expulsion of Indian diplomat Deepak Kaul, Indo-Pak relations is likely to run into rough weather. India has already been suffering from Pak-sponsored terrorism for many years. And now, Pakistan has violated the Vienna Convention by taking the diplomat hooded and handcuffed to an unidentified location. This hardly promotes a conducive atmosphere for improving bilateral relations.

KV Seetharamaiah
Hassan

Apologise for what?

With reference to the editorial Loosen Up (August 5), there was no need for the PM to apologise to Asma Jahangir for what was only a routine security check. He should have just clarified that such procedures are followed without exception in the case of all foreigners. The PM may recall that former Defence Minister George Fernandes was put through a brusque airport security drill during his visit to the US. There was no apology offered by either President Bush or the US government. We must continue to tighten our security procedures and this must be applied to every person irrespective of status or personal connections.

House in disorder

Sagarika Ghose’s article on the state of the nation was excellent (House of spirits, August 4). How can 500 parliamentarians be so irrational and insensitive. Ghose must continue to highlight the problems being faced by India, be it population, education or infrastructure.

Rameshan Kannoth
Mumbai

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