Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Mid-air drama

As a passenger on board the Mumbai-bound Northwest Airline flight from Amsterdam, I was witness to the arrest of the 12 Indians by the Dutch authorities. After the plane took off, there were repeated announcements for passengers to fasten their seat belts, not to move from their seats and not to use cell phones. Some of us were even annoyed.

The 12 passengers did not follow the instructions. A couple of air marshals were constantly watching them. About 30 minutes later, we were told that the pilot was taking the plane back to Amsterdam, where the 12 were arrested. Whether the authorities acted appropriately or overreacted is a matter of opinion. But it is inappropriate for the Indian Government to blame the Netherlands Government. It was the flight attendants and air marshals who considered the 12 passengers suspects. The authorities released them after necessary interrogation. It was an unfortunate incident. But in the present day scenario, it is better to err on the side of caution.

G.V. Naidu,
St. Louis, Missouri

* * *

How can India find fault with the Dutch authorities? When they found that the 12 were not terrorists, they immediately released them. That we have friendly relations with the Netherlands does not mean it should put up with our nationals who do not follow the rules.

N. Gopalan,
Bangalore

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