Siachen Sell- off

The intent of a peace initiative by a universally recognised and proven rogue state like Pakistan can hardly be anything but honest (“Blood Politics On Siachen”, May 14). Saltoro Ridge in Siachen is under the Indian Army’s full operational and strategic control. So, Pakistan’s offer of withdrawal bears no relevance. What is really disturbing is the seemingly never- ending overtures of our clean and ‘ peace- loving’ Prime Minister to pocket that one peace trophy that he ostensibly seeks at the twilight of his political career— notwithstanding Pakistan’s dismal record pre- and post- 26/ 11. ANJUM M. SAMUEL , Mumbai It is easy to understand why General Kayani wants to “peacefully” resolve the Siachen issue. Clearly, we have a strategic advantage and it is a worrisome fact that the Pakistani Army can seize the Saltoro Ridge in 48 hours while it’ll take us almost a week, should we demilitarise it. Since the cost of re- deployment would cost India even more to regain this strategic height, it seems to be a foolish idea to give up Siachen, that too given the large trust deficit we still have with Pakistan. The sounds of remorse and peace from Pakistan still sound like a wolf’s plea in a lamb’s clothing. VIJAY VALLURI, www.intoday.com With Pakistan having tragically lost 140 soldiers in an avalanche that hit the Pakistani side of the Siachen Glacier recently,

it is on expected lines that it is reiterating its call for demilitarisation of the glacier. With our Prime Minister being largehearted and sympathetic, it is hardly surprising that he is currently considering conceding to Pakistan’s proposal. The militarisation of the glacier has undoubtedly been the worst fallout of the Indo- Pak conflict, for more lives have been lost on either side of the border because of its acutely inhospitable terrain and hostile weather conditions than through actual combat between the two countries. NALINI VIJAYARAGHAVAN, Thiruvananthapuram

Killer Love

Immorality in social life ultimately leads to disaster and painful consequences for the ones involved and their families (“Love and Murder in Bhopal”, May 14). The story is a sad culmination of a love triangle that had all the ingredients of a potential catastrophe— jealousy, power- driven lust and, of course, loads of decadence. NAINA NARANG, Patiala Zahida Parvez seems to have been completely blinded by her lustloaded love for BJP MLA Dhruv Narayan Singh, son of the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar governor Govind Narayan Singh. It is unfortunate that she acted the way she did and it is also rather disheartening to see our politicians being embroiled in controversies related to their love lives ever so often. RISHI SEN, Kolkata

Damage Control

Opium is a useful herb used as an active ingredient in many ayurvedic and homeopathy medicines— particularly for reducing stress and inducing sleep. (“Opium Smuggling Hits New High”, May 14). To check smuggling, the land should be leased out to corporate units on substantial lease rentals who, in turn, would be required to keep track of production and reveal details of it to government agencies, so that the misuse of the product could be checked. V. K. TANGRI, Dehradun

Meerut Massacre

The gruesome massacre of 50 men in Meerut in 1987 needs to be investigated immediately and the guilty should be given the most stringent punishment (“Endless Wait for Killer State”, May 14). Strict action is the only way to pacify the affected families and give them some much needed solace. Besides, generous financial aid ought to be given to the families of the victims to help them recover from the trauma. P. SAINATH, Chennai The story on the massacre of Hashimpura seems to deliberately skirt the role of then Union minister of state for home P. Chidambaram. This is one aspect of the gruesome event that has frequently been talked about, but rarely written in the mainstream media. Subramanian Swamy, though, has consistently emphasised on this vital element of the story. MOHAMMAD MANZOOR ALAM, Delhi

Dance Drama

I would request Gopal Gandhi to persuade Leela Samson to stay on as director of Kalakshetra and resolve whatever issues led to her resignation with dialogue (“The Dance of Controversy”, May 14). Samson was a breath of fresh air— an excellent administrator as well as a skilled exponent of her art. Above all, she gave up her own successful career to dedicate all her time and energy to Kalakshetra. MEGHANA. A, UK

Successor Saga

It will be interesting to see how the young guns fare, if Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi does actually go on to replace Hamid Ansari as vice- president (“To Delhi, via Guwahati”, May 14). The going may not be all that easy in spite of the clout that the Congress currently has in the state. DILEEP KALITA, Tezpur