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Uncle Sam must apologise

This refers to the editorial "Immunity & entitlement: Now let the diplomats sort it out", (December 20). It is unfortunate that such a humiliating episode of arresting and "strip-searching" of a female Indian diplomat took place in the US. The way Indian Deputy Council General Devyani Khobragade was treated by the US marshals is shameful. It defies all niceties of manners and diplomatic decency. Whatever the reasons or actions of Khobragade that went against the US laws should have been politely brought to her notice and a remedy sought. Arresting a diplomat, in front of her children, while she was dropping them at the school, is certainly a condemnable act.

As the mistake has been accepted and the episode regretted by US Secretary of State John Kerry, it should be put behind as a "bad dream". Both sides should ensure such incidents are not repeated. Cordial relations between India and the US must be maintained.

The US must apologise for the ill treatment meted out to Devyani Khobragade.

RK KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Extend Shatabdi

This is apropos the news report that the third Shatabdi between New Delhi and Chandigarh is not running to its full capacity and the Railways is contemplating early departure from New Delhi. At present, it departs from New Delhi at 7.15 pm. The railway officials should understand that this schedule suits those working in Gurgaon, Noida, New Delhi, etc. To run this train to its full capacity, it could be extended up to Ludhiana. This way, Ludhiana will get one more Shatabdi departing late evening from New Delhi. This has been persistently demanded by Ludhiana citizens. With this, Chandigarh will also get connected to Ludhiana through the Shatabdi. This will also enhance the utilisation of the Shatabdi rake which remains idle for more than 12 hours at the Chandigarh rail terminal.

MP SINGH, Mohali

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