Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Appalling apathy

That the Manmohan Singh Government has only a `credible guarantee' from Madhya Pradesh to offer to Narmada oustees, even as Medha Patkar and two others continue their fast, is unfortunate. The Prime Minister has failed to deliver on his commitment to the Narmada Bachao Andolan activists to resolve the issue of raising the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam. By continuing to be indifferent to the plight of the oustees and the NBA activists, Dr. Singh risks his popularity nosediving to an all-time low.

Aniruddha S. Vaidya,
Mountain View, California

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The Government's attitude to non-violent protests is definitely deplorable as pointed out by writer Arundhati Roy. It is very true that while it engages leaders of violent struggles in talks, it ignores non-violent protests. This is amply demonstrated by its indifference to the cause of the displaced in the Narmada Valley and the health of the woman activist every Indian is proud of.

Sangeetha Unnithan,
Thiruvananthapuram

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Ms. Roy's remark echoes the anguish of peace-loving and law-abiding citizens at the apathetic approach of the powers-that-be to non-violent struggles. The Government's attitude sends the wrong signal that non-violent struggles are ineffective and a waste of time, energy and resources.

N.K. Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

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Non-violent struggles are being ignored by not only the Government but also the media. It is unfortunate that this should happen in the land of Gandhi. Ms. Patkar, who is striving for the cause of the poor, deserves more coverage.

Jiji Kuriakose,
Kannur, Kerala

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At a time when most people have little patience for resorting to peaceful protests, those who zealously follow them should be commended and given moral support. It is unfortunate that the Government negotiates with those who believe in the gun but spares little thought to the cause of peaceful protesters. What a turnaround in the land of Mahatma Gandhi!

Barun Kumar Mahapatro,
Berhampur, Orissa

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Ms. Patkar's fast has entered the seventh day. Yet the Government is unwilling to concede her demand on rehabilitation of the families affected by the Sardar Sarovar dam project. Such indifference is appalling. The Government should realise that her hunger-strike is receiving increasing support from across the country.

K.A. Solaman,
Alappuzha, Kerala

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