Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Assistance to Pakistan

The Indian offer of relief to quake-hit Pakistan, and spontaneous acts of help between the people on both sides of the border are reflective of the progress in the peace process. President Pervez Musharraf's expression of gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer of assistance is also a noble gesture. Ironically, help during a natural disaster seems to be the best confidence-building measure between the two countries yet.

Ranadip Ganguly,
Bangalore

Kashmiris have suffered enough on account of man-made wars. Now is the time for statesmanship from the leaders of both countries. It is necessary more than ever before to right the wrongs that have been inflicted on Kashmiris for over half-a-century.

Subbiah Venkataraman,
Thiruvananthapuram

India extending a helping hand is a noble gesture in the highest sense. It is indeed heartening to see two antagonists standing together in the hour of need.

Shyam George,
Idukki, Kerala

The offer of timely help to our friend and neighbour will go a long way in improving bilateral ties. The Hindu and some other organisations should collect funds to help the quake victims.

J.R. Edwin Prakash,
Chennai

Increased social consciousness and willingness to help those affected by natural calamities have emerged as outstanding features of Indians over the last two decades. We have seen private citizens respond admirably to the Latur and Gujarat earthquakes, the cyclone in Orissa, and the December 2004 tsunami. Kashmir should not be an exception.

K. Anand,
Bangalore

The devastating earthquake has proved that natural calamities do not respect artificial boundaries. Nations should realise that in pain, suffering, and death, everyone speaks the same language. So instead of fighting with one another, nations should wage war against poverty, ignorance, and suffering.

S. Raghunatha Prabhu,
Alappuzha, Kerala

Everyone has been saddened by the magnitude of the devastation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani have already toured the affected areas to assess the damage. But when VIPs come calling often, rescue and relief operations are hampered. Local authorities are more concerned with the security of the visiting VIPs. The leaders can instead ensure from the capital that relief is made available in sufficient quantities to the needy. This will be of more help to the victims.

A. Jainulabdeen,
Chennai

This refers to the editorial "A tragedy and an opportunity" (Oct. 11). I am surprised at the conclusion that the terrible tragedy has united the two parties that stake claim to the disputed territory in a common grief. Has it? True, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer of assistance to victims of Saturday's earthquake in PoK reflects his eagerness to mend fences. But Gen. Musharraf's reference to the "sensitivities" over allowing the Indian army into PoK for joint relief and rescue operations, and our army chief's statement that the quake might have destroyed a majority of terrorist training camps in PoK as its epicentre was near Muzaffarabad should give us the feel of the ground realities and the priorities of the two armies even during a disaster. There is no point in deceiving ourselves.

K.S. Ramakrishnan,
Chennai

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