Nirupama Subramaniam's "Extremism's new face" (April 15) should dash all hopes that change will happen in Pakistan. If a military government cannot control the Taliban, how can a democratic government, if it comes to power? Extremism is not new in Pakistan. It is old wine in a new bottle.
Karavadi Raghava Rao,
Vijayawada
Though General Musharraf's military regime has described the elimination of extremism as its raison d'etre, extremism is still rising in Pakistan. The Pakistani state has done little to check religious extremists. Far from combating extremism, the government has promoted it through its policies and failure to implement reform. The survival of Pakistan depends upon eliminating extremists. But the establishment's erroneous view that its survival in power is synonymous with Pakistan's survival is pushing the country further to the brink.
Dr. T. Marx,
Karaikal
Given the realities of the present global order, the alliance with any form of extremism is not going to radically change the balance of power in Pakistan. Musharraf's decision to sack Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has reduced his stature. His compulsions in following the designs of US has made him a villain in the eyes of hardliners. . Perhaps Musharraf cannot deal sternly with hardline Islmaic factions since that could create other problems.
Arvind K.Pandey
Allahabad
The Lal Masjid-run madrassas are just the tip of the iceberg. If this takes place in the heart of the capital, think of the rural areas. If all masjids challenge the government in the name of religion what will happen to the commitment to control militancy? The President and the Pakistan government are led by the upcoming election, and the pressures built by the United States.
C. Krishnadas,
Chennai
Nirupama Subramanian's article was an eye opener. "Talibanisation" or extremism is one of the grave dangers faced by the world at present. Events occurring in Pakistan are unfortunate. No one, other than the police officials or the government have the right to conduct raids or to ban certain commodities. There is nothing against the movies in Koran. Then, how could the movies be anti-Islamic. The extremists should be arrested immediately for crimes against the nation.
A. Ibrahim,
N.Parur, Kerala
The article clearly illustrated the growing danger posed by Islamic fundamentalism in Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf, widely perceived as a liberal, should take effective steps against the menace that is eating at the vitals of civilised existence. But will the president will act is a moot question.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Srirangam
Timely warning
The article "Dangers to look out for" (April 15) was very timely and important. Nothing has been done to curb corruption. Instead it is increasing to new heights. Instead ofquick deterrent action, corruption cases drag on for years. Moreover the old saying "yatha raja thata praja" is very true. If corruption could be tackled at the ministerial level, it can be tackled elsewhere. But the question is whether this will happen and when.
Dr. B.R. Gupta,
Tiruchengode
Apropos of Shashi Tharoor's article, once a vibrant democracy, India is now saddled with an unprincipled and unethical polity and parochial and divisive interests. Corruption has eaten into the vitals of our economy and grown in leaps and bounds with the deterioration in the quality of the polity. Only when stern action is taken against the big fish, can corruption be driven away.
G.M. Rama Rao,
Visakhapatnam
The second instalment of Shashi Tharoor's column is a forthright exposition of the factors that stand in the way of our progress. The risk of demographic imbalance leading to a North-South divide and the ill effects of politicisation of development require special emphasis. One can only hope that these aspects are given sufficient attention by the authorities and the other groups concerned.
B.K.S. Nair,
Thiruvananthapuram
Legend of Rumi
This is with reference to Aditi Bhaduri's "Among the dervishes" (April 15). Sufi Dervishes Jallauddin Rumi, Shams Tabriz and later day Sufi saints laid emphasis on purity of thought and action; a mind free from suspicion and a heart free from hatred and pride as the only path to God. The epitaph on Rumi's grave is a testimony to his teaching: "When we are dead , seek not our tomb in the earth, but find it in the hearts of men." Indian Sufi saints likeKhwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Sheikh Farid, Nizammuddin Auliya, Hazart Mian Mir ,and Bulleh Shah also preached a similar doctrine. Sufism's doctrine of compassion and brotherhood can resolve the ongoing conflicts today.
Dr. R.K.Malhotra,
New Delhi
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