II

China objecting to our Prime Minister’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh and going ahead with Pakistan in a project in Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is too much. It is none of business of China to pass a comment on our internal affairs.

PoK is a very much a part of India. Perhaps China thinks they are above the international law. India is much stronger than China in every aspect. China should remember that by having strained relations with India its economy shall be weakened too.

M. KUMAR, New Delhi

III

I read the report, “Arunachal Pradesh part of India, China told” (Oct 14). It is a matter of grave concern that China is repeatedly indulging in “verbal wars” with India on the boundary issue. Objecting to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunanchal Pradesh, the Chinese have disrespected India in the eyes of the world.

In a sense, China is playing the role of a Big Brother and waking up India to be alert from any attacks from anywhere. It wants its neighbour to be stronger in the event of inter-continental wars. We must take such instances as “wake-up calls” and do everything to strengthen our defences with modern arms and ammunition.

R.K. KAPOOR, Chandigarh  

IV

Air Marshal R.S.Bedi’s article “Dealing with Pak, China” (Oct 12) fully endorses the views of Gen Malik in his article, “Pak enhancing N-capability” (Sept 10). Both pieces have aptly cautioned India and voiced grave concern regarding security, stability and peace in Asia.

Surely, China and Pakistan are trying to damage India’s growth through incursions, infiltrations and intrusions. Pakistan has enhanced its nuclear capability by producing plutonium reactors and plutonium weapons. India needs to change its mindset and must rectify the imbalances in time. We have to abandon the policy of appeasing China by our over-cautious responses.

Capt S.K. DATTA, Abohar

Rafi missed it

It is highly gratifying that singing maestro Manna Dey (editorial, “Pursuit of perfection”, Oct 2) has been nominated for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2007. He richly deserves the honour. The award has come his way rather a bit too late.

However, the government has ignored Mohammad Rafi, a versatile and gifted playback singer whose discography exceeds 20,000 songs in 20 languages. The magic of Rafi’s voice holds listeners in an ethereal thrall. His velvety voice suited every actor. He sang flawlessly and effortlessly.

A perfectionist to the core, Rafi lent his immortal voice to songs in every possible genre of music and mirrored the entire gamut of human emotions.

The government should confer both Bharat Ratna and Dada Saheb Phalke Award on him posthumously. This will warm the cockles of hearts of millions of his fans and aficionados.

MOHD YAHYA ANSARI, Meerut City

II

Manna Dey’s selection for the Dada Saheb Phalke Award is music to millions of his admirers. His songs are truly sublime and soothing. They are a treat to ears as they transport listeners into the world of perfect bliss. He has a matchless voice and an edge over all other male singers.

R.K. VASHISHTA, Kaithal

Saving daughters

The helpline, which has been started in Punjab to curb female foeticide and to eradicate its root cause is a worthy initiative. The best part of this service is that it guarantees anonymity and the identity of the caller can only be disclosed if the person chooses to do so.