Moreover, a security official at the US airport cannot be expected to recognise an Indian film star. Let us not forget that the US has not allowed the repeat of 9/11 on their soil. Instead of crying hoarse over the SRK incident, we need to learn lessons from the US security system. Ms Soni needs to speak rationally. It is shocking on her part to say “tit for tat”. What does she mean by that? To detain every American and leave out the suspects! 

VIMAL SUMBLY, Ludhiana

III

The media is unnecessarily hyping the incident. It is like making a mountain out of a molehill. Anyone who has travelled to the US knows that these are routine procedures and part of precautionary measures. Yes it is certainly shocking to note that he was discriminated because of his surname “Khan”. But then the entire issue should have been handled in a wise manner leaving an effective message rather then making hoopla out of it.

Such “insulting” procedures are the same for every passenger but are noticed only when some bigwig is involved. The Indian government should take appropriate measures for the hassle-free journey of Indians anywhere in the world. But at the same time we must not forget that the US immigration officials have proved that rules are the same for all—-be it a common man or an icon.

Dr KAMALJEET KAUR SEKHON, Patiala

IV

We should remember that after the 9/11, the US has taken tough measures and since then no untoward incident has taken place in that country. The US security officials stick to procedures. So there is nothing wrong if the US immigration officers detained Mr Khan for few hours.

Checking does not mean disrespect to the passenger. Every visitor has to follow rules and procedures of the country he is visiting. The government reaction over the episode has been sharp and it has suggested a “tit for tat.” Certainly. Our immigration officers like their counterparts in the US should also check each and every visitor thoroughly, treating everyone equally. But for that there is a need to change the VIP mindset.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

V

Yes, most of the time security measures are troublesome and cause both discomfiture and harassment to passengers. But why is that only when a VIP is harassed that it becomes news. No one reacts when the common man is humiliated in the name of security even in his own country.

M KUMAR, New Delhi

VI

The treatment meted out to Shah Rukh Khan at Newark Airport is being unnecessarily blown out of proportion. It is a standard practice of the US immigration authorities to screen and scrutinise passengers. 

B K CHAUDHARI, Worcestershire (UK)

Independence and after The nation celebrated its Independence Day. But what have we achieved in the past six decades? A large section of our population is still living below the poverty line. We have not been able to control the rapid population growth. Corruption has become the order of the day. Today, our leaders are more interested in self-glorification and spend million of rupees on parks and statues, rather than on the welfare of people.The gap between the poor and the rich has widened. The only silver lining is the educated youth who are playing a positive role in politics and are contributing to the development of the country. Let us all work for the glory of our country and cherish our hard-won freedom. RAJESH SHARMA, Jalandhar Cantt

Gas-pricing

The gas-pricing dispute (article, “Pricing of gas: Deora’s role has become questionable” by Nirmal Sandhu, Aug 12) has once again highlighted the politician-industrialist nexus.

On the one hand the government talks of corporate social responsibility and on the other hand we have a minister who is befooling Parliament on such an important issue. It is high time the PM took action against the minister concerned.