The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Welcome decision

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Friday, Feb 04, 2005

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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Welcome decision

Sir, — The decision of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh not to attend the SAARC summit in Dhaka (leading to its cancellation) is welcome. Attending the summit with King Gyanendra would have amounted to granting tacit legitimacy to the royal coup in Nepal. The purpose of SAARC is cooperation, and when one of its constituents stops respecting democracy, how can it be expected to cooperate?

Krishna Bajpai,
Faridabad, Haryana

Sir, — India has sent out strong signals to Nepal. Dr. Singh's participation would have given legitimacy to King Gyanendra. But it is strange that India is isolated in its decision.

A. Ashokkumar,
Udupi, Karnataka

Sir, — The seizure of power by King Gyanendra is condemnable. The move will only strengthen anti-democratic forces. India should pressure Nepal through appropriate forums to restore democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom.

P. Narasimha Murthy,
Secunderabad

Sir, — The dismissal of the Deuba Government is undemocratic. It is indeed a paradox that in the neighbourhood of the world's largest democracy, democracy is in danger. India should take the initiative to restore democracy in Nepal.

Sonali Sarin,
Mathura, U.P.

Sir, — Mr. Deuba could do little to curb insurgency. The Emergency declared by King Gyanendra is Nepal's internal matter.

On the argument that his move will encourage the Maoists, India has been a democracy for 56 years but there has been a spurt in insurgency. It does not matter whether a country is ruled by a King or democratically elected representatives. What matters is how the country is run.

R. Narasimhan,
Madurai, T.N.

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