ANSARI HAS GIVEN INDIA FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Before demitting the office of vice-president Hamid Ansari has expressed his heart-felt thoughts that India’s age-old values are breaking down. His comment on how authorities at different levels are questioned and Muslims in India feel insecure certainly find some resonance. This is certainly food for thought for a new India aiming to be a superpower by 2022. Surinder Pal Singh, Patiala

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Apropos ‘ On his final day in office, war over Ansari’s words (HT August 11), Ansari’s quote was, “The very fact that Indianness of any citizen being ques- tioned is a disturbing thought?” Every right-thinking Indian will find some merit in this. Compare this with BJP ministers, MPs and top leaders questioning the loyalties of citizens, especially Muslims and minorities, on the basis of whether they sing Vande Mataram or not. Even the new vicepresident Venkaiah Naidu has been found to be guilty of subscribing to this chain of thought. I wish Hamid Ansari had made such bold comments in June 2014 when the B JP had just formed the government.

Capt Amar Jeet Kumar,

Mohali

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Ansari’s statement on Muslims feeling insecure is hard to digest duetothetimingofhisremarks.It shows an opportunistic streak. Why was he mum previously and when he could have done his bit to improve the ‘plight’ of Muslims.

Sukhdev Singh Minhas,

Chandigarh