Signal Service

There have been widely differing perceptions about what drove General V.K. Singh to create a situation that has put extreme strain on the relationship between the Government and the military, but in the final analysis it must be conceded that he has done a signal service to the nation (“Shooting in the Dark”, April 23). His revelations show how widely corruption has woven its tentacles, enveloping powerful elements in the bureaucracy and the armed forces. Commission agents are calling the shots.

BAPU SATYANARAYAN, Mysore The cover story shows Defence Minister A.K. Antony in poor light, as a person who cannot act decisively. Another grave development is that Antony has fallen prey to the lure of power politics by granting six defence ministry projects to his home state Kerala over the past five years. Obviously, this action makes a mockery of his image of being a man of integrity.

PRITI RATHORE, Ajmer There is absolutely no reason to doubt the intentions of Defence Minister A.K. Antony. He is doing his best to undo the practice of commission, paybacks and handling charges in the procurement of armament and defence equipment for the Army. He also seems quite intent on cleansing Congress’s dubious record in defence purchases. This is a very positive thing to happen for the country and the people.

K.V. RAGHURAM, Kerala