The Hindu : Jingoism no good

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 27, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Jingoism no good

Sir, — An already beleaguered nation is growing more and more circumspect of the double talk and rhetoric of the Prime Minister. He has now become (in)famous the world over for contradicting his own speeches, with numerous clarifications being issued by his office. His jingoistic utterances in Jammu and Kashmir were reckless, mindless and ill-conceived all at once. More than anyone else, the Prime Minister should know that there can be no victors and vanquished in a full-scale war between two nuclear powers. Only a dialogue can pave the way for longstanding peace between India and Pakistan.

V. Srinivasan,
Chennai

Sir, — Refer to C. Rammanohar Reddy's "The road to ruin" (May 25). He has articulated the anguish felt by thousands of peace-loving people in this country. The irresponsible rhetoric of people at the highest positions in the country instigates war hysteria. The Gujarat pogrom and the aftermath have vanished from the front pages of newspapers and columns, which are now occupied by the war-mongering statements of the ruling combine and an acquiescent main Opposition party. It is time civil society organisations and individuals came out openly against the war efforts of the Government and demanded de-escalation along the Indo-Pak. border.

N. Ramesh,
Thanjavur, T.N.

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