ROAD ACCIDENTS

The number of accidents in Hyderabad have indeed gone up ( Road crashes go up in Hyderabad, April 29). Apart from people taking care to drive safely, parents must also prevent their kids from going on late night drives. Everyone must do their bit to make roads safe.

Shaik Afroz Serilingampally tried for these crimes. The Opposition has been crushed or bribed. And the recent sacking of the Chief Justice underlines the dictatorial nature of the regime.

At the end of his talk, I asked Dr Saravanamuttu how, given their capture of all power centres, and their deep financial interests in virtually every sector of the economy and the administration, the ruling family would ever let go of power. He was very pessimistic, as am I.

With all these documented as well as alleged human rights violations and charges of graft on a huge scale, it would seem that the international community does have a role to play in persuading the Sri Lankan government to change its course. But by refusing to send the right signal by shifting the venue of the CHOGM, member states are closing their eyes to what’s happening in the country.

However, organisations tend to stick to the status quo and maintain a semblance of harmony, irrespective of any turmoil or tension. As we watch the situation in Sri Lanka worsen, we will also witness the government being rewarded with the leadership of the Commonwealth.

By arrangement with Dawn