M A I L B A G

Arrogant bully

The self-appointed world marshal, the United States of America, recently bombed Iraq yet again. It clearly demonstrates the arrogance of a bully, secure in the knowledge that none can oppose it. It also affirms that Mr George W. Bush is his father’s son.

The United Nations’ and the world are consistently turning a blind eye to the pitiable plight of the ordinary people of Iraq. Sanctions have hit the Iraqi people hard. Countless children are dying of hunger. The sick fail to get treatment for want of essential medicines.

Undeniably, the U.S.A. has managed to hijack the United Nations. And the rest of the world seems too scared to stand up and speak against the bully. At the slightest provocation, the USA bares its fangs to intimidate anyone who dares to differ with its lust for oil, more oil, and all the oil, in the world. And God help those who come in its way.

If no nation dares to stand up and speak for the dignity and human rights being denied to the Iraqis, then the day is not far when some other nation might have to bear the burnt of the big bully’s dictatorial attitude. How long can the rest of the world afford to remain mute spectators to this destruction, and allow this situation to continue? Perhaps it is time that the world paid heed to Pastor Neiemoeller, who warns succinctly:

First they came for the Jews

and I did not speak out —

because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the communists

and I did not speak out —

because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists

and I did not speak out —

because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me —

and there was no one left to speak out for me.

VIVEK KHANNA, Panchkula

Repeated appeals President Narayanan has accused Pakistan of not responding to our unilateral ceasefire, and continuing the massacre of Indians. Earlier, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and other leaders made appeals to Pakistan to reign in the terrorists. Do these Indian leaders think that Pakistan is responsible for the law and order situation in India? Is Kashmir a state of Pakistan? Have the Indian people elected Musharraf as their CEO? Why are our politicians depending on Pakistan to solve our problem? We and our leaders know that Pakistan is at the root of the problem with its active support to terrorism. One appeal to the enemy is fine, but when Pakistan has repeatedly shown that it is bent on destroying us, continuing our appeals without taking any action is ridiculous. The Vajpayee Government must stop making appeals, and order the Army to finish the terrorists. Y. RANGACHARI, Hyderabad

Ordeal in train

On February 9, I travelled by Rajdhani Express from Nizamuddin to Bangalore. The journey was made horrible by the abundance of cockroaches on the floor and in the corners of the berths. Other fellow passengers had also to face the same problem.

The encounter with cockroaches was also unavoidable on my return journey from Bangalore to New Delhi on February 19, while travelling in Karnataka Express.

Moreover, the coach attendant and the checking staff conveniently refused to hand over the complaint book, saying that it was with the train guard.

If this kind of nuisance is inflicted on passengers of long-distance prestigious trains, what will be the state of cleanliness in other trains?

DHARMENDRA NATH, Faridabad

Beggars and eunuchs: I happened to travel from New Delhi to Bangalore by Karnataka Express recently. During the entire journey of nearly two days and a half, beggars and eunuchs kept getting on and off the train, especially at small stations.

The eunuchs created a nuisance, using vulgar gestures and language, insulting those who refused to give them money.

I hope the railway will do something about this nuisance.

PRAMOD SOOD, Shimla