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

Show no mercy to Adarsh flat grabbers

The news item “Adarsh housing scam” (October 30) was shocking and shameful indeed. How a 31-storeyed building under the name of Adarsh Housing Society was erected in a posh locality of Colaba in Mumbai on the land originally meant for the Kargil war heros and widows is really surprising. This is a clear case of fraud and cheating on the protectors of the nation.

It is disgusting to note that “several politicians, former defence services chiefs and other influential people have been allotted flats” in the building. Look at the level of open corruption where even Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has been a party in the scam. He got his mother-in-law, sister-in-law and one more person allotted flats in the Adarsh Housing Society.

What will become of the country where even the rulers derive illegal advantage in the name of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for these people to live happily! Certainly, corrupt politicians and big guns have no sympathy or mercy for the dead soldiers and their families. And they are ready to grab all benefits as and when they get a chance.

A high-level inquiry should be ordered by the Centre to probe the scam to bring out the truth and punish the guilty, howsoever powerful they may be. By simply surrendering these flats does not make them honest. All those involved in the scam should be brought to book. Their mean acts have disgraced the armed forces and the nation as well. These men do not deserve any mercy.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

The editorial has rightly castigated the so-called VVIPs who “elbowed out Kargil heroes, widows” with no shame or remorse. President Obama’s visit to Mumbai seems to be a much higher priority than hauling up the culprits who put the nation to such shame.

Obviously, no one would be punished for this as has happened in the past in Punjab where a number of Deputy Commissioners reportedly misused funds collected in the name of helping families of the Kargil martyrs by purchasing personal luxury goods.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Ban on LTTE

The report “Centre banned LTTE without knowing its agenda: Home Ministry” (October 24) has factual errors and inaccuracies. The records should have been checked by your reporter before reporting the proceedings of the Tribunal. This would have clearly indicated that the Tribunal did not allow any cross-examination and that Ld. Addl. Solicitor General, Mr Amarjit Singh Chandhioke, was not present at the hearing of the Tribunal held at Ooty on October 20 last. Further, the officer of the Home Ministry, Mr P.K. Mishra, did answer all the questions raised by the Tribunal.

There was no question on the agenda of the LTTE; hence, there was no question of the officer having replied to this kind of a question. The Tribunal did not ask any question about the police obstructing the activities of LTTE supporters in the countries where it is banned such as the US, Canada, etc. Hence, there was no question of Mr P. K. Mishra replying to this question. The question asked was “Was there any action taken by the US government in formation of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam?” The newspaper report alludes to the citing of certain portions of the notification by Mr Vaiko, which again is inaccurate.

As regards the Tribunal’s question whether the maps issued by the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam had depicted only portions falling in Sri Lanka and not any territory falling in India, the officer had replied that he could not say anything so far as the maps were concerned and that the geographical areas would have to be checked up. The reply of the officer was not “I do not know” as reported.

ONKAR KEDIA Addl.DG (Media & Communication), Union Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi

Captain’s return

Raj Chengappa’s interview with Capt Amarinder Singh (October 31) carries meaningful questions which have been answered well by the newly appointed PPCC chief. In spite of facing numerous challenges within the party and outside and being illegally removed from the assembly by the ruling alliance, Capt. Amarinder Singh’s presence and his individual status mean a lot to the common people in the state. Now it is hoped that the Captain will focus on ways to improve the working of the state Congress and also promote the interests of the party workers and not follow vendetta politics.

He has rightly stated that his focus will be on the economy of the state and that he will protect the farmers’ interest. It remains to be seen whether “the so-called ‘loyalists’ who betrayed Capt. Amarinder Singh, in the hour of the need would once again return as his team?” At least Capt Amarinder Singh as an individual has always been appreciated for his bold decisions like the one on the inter-state river waters issue.

Harpreet Sandhu, Ludhiana

Some secrets of success On the occasion of Diwali I wish to share ideas I read in a book “Don’t Eat the Marshmallow Yet” by Joachim de Posada & Ellen Singer (2005). It reveals the secrets of sweet success in work and life. How to achieve it? Use valuable principles of success, including applied knowledge, as power, wait for the right moment, keep the promise and think for long term. To get what you want from people, they must have a desire to help you as they must trust you. The best way to get people to do what you want is to impress them. Successful people are willing to do things that unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Success depends on what you are willing to do today in order to become successful tomorrow. Eat meals at home, spend less money, reduce entertainment expenditure and be positive to keep focused. True sustainable success can only come with patience, perseverance and a steady eye on one’s long-term goal. Purpose plus passion plus action is equal to peace of mind, which leads to progress and prosperity. Prof M.M.Goel, Seoul