M A I L B A G

Defusing Indo-Pak tensions

MR H.K. Dua’s two-part article “Making peace with Pakistan I & II” (Jan 9 and 10) portrays the current trend on both sides to defuse tension and strengthen confidence building measures with a view to ensuring durable peace in the sub-continent. The SAARC summit at Islamabad emphasised the need for regional economic cooperation and for measures to collectively combat the menace of militancy in any form. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee commended Bhutan for its prompt action against the ULFA militants who had established bases in Bhutan to conduct nefarious activities against India.

The crowning success of Mr Vajpayee’s statesmanship has been his willingness for meaningful dialogue with General Musharraf who lauded his sincerity and openness in dealing with the Kashmir imbroglio. I have personal experience of the opportunities lost by our country in earlier times, because of our conservative foreign policy in not interacting with countries ruled by the military. Hopefully, as Mr Dua has rightly said, General Musharraf too may have learnt the bitter lesson that be-friending one’s enemy’s enemy does not always prove beneficial.

Brig H.S. CHANDEL (retd.), Malangar (HP)

II

Apropos of Mr H.K. Dua’s article (Jan 9 and 10), the pragmatic moves by both India and Pakistan to restore cultural, business and communication relations are a giant step forward to bring peace and prosperity in the subcontinent. There is no acrimony between the two countries except on the issue of Kashmir. So, wisely, the leadership of both countries avoided referring to it during the SAARC meeting at Islamabad.

For the first time in 56 years, the leaders of both nations have embarked on a realistic approach to create a congenial atmosphere which will immensely benefit both neighbours. The super powers have always exploited the strained Indo-Pak relations. Mutual understanding and cordial relations between India and Pakistan will go a long way in eliminating terrorism which is threatening peace in the subcontinent.

KARNAIL SINGH, Ranjit Sagar Dam

When Hegde put his foot down Ramakrishna Hedge, former Union Commerce Minister and Karnataka Chief Minister, who passed away at Bangalore on Jan 12, was an able and upright administrator. He had unique qualities. In 1984, when the Army entered Akal Takht in the Golden Temple premises at Amritsar, the holiest place for Sikhs, the Sikh sentiment was hurt. The Sikhs in Bangalore took out a procession in protest against the attack on the Golden Temple. And this protest march was led by a senior and dedicated IAS officer of Karnataka cadre, Mr Charanjit Singh. Subsequently, the Union Home Ministry directed Mr Ramakrishna Hedge, who was then the Chief Minister of Karnataka, to dismiss Mr Charanjit Singh from service. However, Mr Hedge refused to follow the directive of the Union Government. He maintained that as Mr Charanjit Singh was the most honest and dedicated officer of his state, he will not take any action against him. NARINDER SINGH, Chandigarh

It is B++

With reference of the news-item “NAAC recognises two colleges” (Jan 14), Dayanand College at Hisar has been awarded B++ grade instead of B+ as has been reported. The other Hisar college mentioned in the report, CRM Jat College, has been given the B+ grade. The grading by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore, has acquired great importance for institutions of higher education all over the country. I may add that Dayanand College, Hisar, is among 10 colleges of Haryana to have been accredited with the B++ grade.

SUBHASH SHARMA, Principal, Dayanand College, Hisar