L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Govt decision on Bt brinjal is welcome

The editorial “Bt Brinjal on back burner” (Feb 11) presented a balanced view and supported freezing of introduction of crop till comprehensive scientific studies establish its safety on health and environment. The GEAC’s clean chit on the commercial introduction of Bt Brinjal has put a big question mark on its credibility.

It seems to have depended on the data from the stakeholders in Bt Brinjal commercialisation and overlooked 30 mandatory safety tests of which only 10 per cent were conducted.

Since ample scientific evidence now exists to prove that GM crops have harmful effects, what India needs is an independent regulatory body insulated from the commercial interests of multinationals.

Genetic engineering is a powerful technology, but reckless embrace of genetically modified crops without any transparency about the process of clearance, bio-safety tests and long-term feeding studies, is a recipe for disaster and could have disastrous impact on the health of our population.

Dr VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda

Sena’s vandalism

Indeed, the Maharashtra Government is spineless and has failed to deal firmly with Shiv Sainiks, led by Bal Thackeray and his accomplices (editorial, “Vandalism in Mumbai”, Feb 12). While no one can doubt the allegiance of Shah Rukh Khan to India, the ruckus created by the Shiv Sena was abominable.

GURMIT SINGH SAINI, SAS Nagar

Retired isn’t tired

JL Gupta’s middle “Retired but not tired” (Feb 5) was interesting and apt. Indeed, the sun sets to make way for the moon. Through meditation, reading, writing and listening to the religious hymns one can ward off thoughts of death and lead a fruitful life in old age.

SUNDER SINGH GIANI, SAS Nagar

II

The learned writer has given tips for a healthy life. Wear and tear due to advancing age has been described metaphorically yet in a lucid manner. Due to our shallow knowledge, we impose various restraints and taboos and make the retired life bereft of joy. Good taste and penchant for good things add lustre to the drab life in grey age.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

Small steps can build trust The credit goes to India for making an offer to initiate dialogue with Pakistan with the sole intention of resolving at least some of the issues (HK Dua’s front- page editorial, “The importance of taking a small step”, Feb 10). It is imperative that some areas of convergence should be worked out at the foreign secretary level and ground must be prepared for taking few mutually agreed upon issues to their logical conclusion. Discussing Kashmir and water issues would be tantamount to sidelining important issues, especially dismantling of terrorist infrastructure which can be mutually agreed upon. First priority should be given to economic and cultural ties as people on both sides of the border want interaction. Mr Dua has aptly made reference to the Pakistan Prime Minister’s tendency to score brownie points in public that do no good to the peace process. Let us hope that politics does not become an overriding factor. Enough is enough. There should be no war of words. Pakistan and India are siblings and as such it is their moral and political imperative to live peacefully and shun distrust and hatred through meaningful dialogues. Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar