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The Himalayan bridge

Sir, — This refers to "Vajpayee's Himalayan Bridge" by C. Raja Mohan ( June 19 ). The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to China is well-timed and it will go a long way in strengthening our relations in diverse areas. Friendship and cooperation between the two Asian giants can help in regional and global peace and stability. Though no major breakthrough is expected on the vexed boundary problem, other confidence-building measures can be adopted.

K.L. Batra,

New Delhi

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Sir, — The question of India's sovereignty over Sikkim is not challenged by the Sikkimese. Surely, India has not been waiting for China's approval of this integration. However, an early resolution of the differences on the status of Sikkim will in turn ease the opening up of the border. As much as Beijing has expressed a desire to resolve the Sikkim issue, it has recently also shown a positive gesture to a negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. It is time India played a more pro-active role on this issue. Jayprakash Narayan said in May 1959, "No one expects India to go to war with China for the sake of Tibet, but every upright person, every freedom-loving individual should be ready to call a spade a spade".

Jigme Denzongpa,

Gangtok, Sikkim

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