Violence can’t be the first and last resort in contentious cases

The report Jaitapur nuke plant protest turns violent, 1 dead in firing (April 19) is shocking. One fails to understand why the government fails to sort out the issue with protestors instead of resorting to violence at the slightest provocation.

Violence can’t be the first and last resort in contentious cases

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The report Jaitapur nuke plant protest turns violent, 1 dead in firing (April 19) is shocking. One fails to understand why the government fails to sort out the issue with protestors instead of resorting to violence at the slightest provocation. There is no information on whether the government has taken any steps to calm people, allay fears and gain their confidence.

Seema Chowdhury, via email

Not smooth as silk yet

With reference to the editorial New strands in the Silk Route (Our Take, April 19), India lacks a specific policy on Central Asia because it does not appreciate the region’s geo-strategic importance. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, India failed to take advantage of the overwhelming goodwill of the newly independent Central Asian countries, leaving the field open for other global players. Instead of pursuing the circuitous sea route via Bandar-Abbas in Iran, India, along with China, should try resurrecting the now defunct branches of the ancient Silk Route.

Lalit Ambardar, Delhi

Not for the record at all

Sarath Pillai in It’s off the records (April 18) throws light on the relatively neglected discipline of archival management in India. The rules of proper record-keeping are seldom adhered to in government offices. Record rooms are usually bug-infested and old documents lie piled on racks. Apart from introducing judicious changes to the archival policy, the government must sensitise officials about the need to maintain proper official records.