The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : The nuclear deal

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Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

The nuclear deal

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reiterated yet again in his statement to the Lok Sabha that India’s interests have not been compromised in the nuclear deal with the U.S. But what remains unexplained is: what would be the effect of the various riders contained in the Hyde Act, which will eventually determine what will be delivered by the American side? Is it not a fact that the ‘123’ agreement has to be read in conjunction with the other joint statements and the Hyde Act passed in the American Congress?

N. Sekar,

Salem

* * *

It is quite disheartening to see the nuclear deal being politicised. The opposition to the deal is unnecessary. It has been clarified by experts that we have enough insulation to keep it going and even if the worst happens, we are assured of the functioning of our reactors. Our politicians should take a pragmatic, rather than emotional, decision.

R. Kumaran,

Tirupathi

* * *

The nuclear deal has been scrutinised by experts. Political parties should give up this hypocrisy of criticising a policy just because it has been drawn up by a rival party. Everyone should rise above selfish political aspirations and join hands in the country’s larger interests.

Tituraj Kashyap,

New Delhi

* * *

While Indian scientists have achieved tremendous success in the civilian nuclear field, more rapid and widespread progress will not be possible unless the stranglehold of the Nuclear Suppliers Group is relaxed. Unless infrastructure bottlenecks are removed, especially with regard to electricity, our economic progress will be blunted. As long as our strategic and research programmes remain untouched, we should support the deal.

Subramanyam Sridharan,

Chennai

* * *

The sight of MPs shouting slogans continuously as Dr. Singh made his statement in the Lok Sabha was disgusting. The people’s representatives just do not seem to care about the dignity and decorum of the House. They seem to be under the impression that they can get away with anything. Unless they mend their ways, the common man will soon lose faith in parliamentary democracy.

D. Samuel Lawrence,

Madurai

* * *

The people did not elect their representatives to turn the Lok Sabha into a fish market. On Monday, they deprived me of my right to hear what the Prime Minister had to say on an important national issue. If they disagreed with the government, they could have said so in debates and discussions — that is what they have been elected for. Disrupting the proceedings of the Lok Sabha should be treated as a crime and the guilty punished.

C.V. Krishnamoorthy,

Kolkata

* * *

It is unfortunate that the ruling and opposition parties have failed to find virtue in holding discussions over an issue that will decide the future of India. Our ruling class should learn to come to an understanding at least on serious issues.

N. Divakar,

Mysore

* * *

The deal has exposed a big hole in the Constitution — nothing can be done should the Prime Minister and the Cabinet sign a treaty with a foreign power even if a majority in Parliament opposes it.

Mahboobul Alem,

Fremont, California

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