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Historic

The editorial “Welcome to country” (Feb. 14) was timely. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Aborigines for the wrongs committed over two centuries of white settlement is a bold and historic move. The government must initiate corrective measures for the uplift of the aboriginals who have already faced severe trauma in the name of development. The apology, it is hoped, will result in the assertion of rights by indigenous populations around the world.

Jetling Yellosa,

Warangal

The editorial is a great tribute to Mr. Rudd. While an apology may not undo the sufferings of those affected, it will ensure justice to the present and future generations. It will also mitigate the feelings of those who cannot help brood over the past. If only the leaders of all nations emulated Mr. Rudd and had the courage to acknowledge the mistakes of the past, many tragedies could be averted.

K.K. Cherian,

Bangalore

The historic apology tendered by Mr. Rudd should be an eye-opener to the civilised non-tribal communities in India. With the opening of forest tracts during the British rule, the vulnerable tribals were subjected to brutal exploitation resulting in many revolts. Although the protective measures in the Constitution and the tribal sub-plan efforts resulted in some development after Independence, their continued exploitation, displacement and backwardness have led to unrest converting the tribal areas into hunting grounds for extremist elements. They have become victims of crossfire between the extremists and anti-insurgency forces. The benefits of development do not reach the tribal areas. The tribal development agencies are dominated by unsympathetic non-tribals.

S. Abdul Khadar,

Kurnool

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