The Hindu : The Noor effect

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 21, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

The Noor effect

Sir, — This has reference to the Editorial, "The Noor effect" ( July 19 ). Little Noor Fatima has successfully undone what the Governments of India and Pakistan, primarily the Indian Government, have been doing for the past 18 months or more — keep up the tensions between the two countries by putting impediments in the way of people-to-people contacts such as stopping rail and road links and overflights, banning sports engagements, imposing visa restrictions, all to reap political advantage. And your exquisite Editorial has highlighted the message of hope that the visit of the little girl tries to stimulate among all of us.

The 10-month-long, Rs. 1000-crore worth mobilisation of forces along the border, and cutting all contacts including diplomatic representation, was not the proper response to the terrorist attack on Parliament. After all, terrorists do not take the Lahore bus or the Samjhauta Express to infiltrate into India.

Let us hope that the surge of noble emotions evoked in the wake of the Lahore bus service will make the Government restore all people-to-people contacts and cultural relations between the two nations at the earliest.

G. Radhakrishnan,

Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

Sir, — Compassion and love transcend all barriers to make way for enduring friendship. Noor's case is an eloquent testimony to this. We win a war involving the death of thousands of soldiers and civilians, too, but what glorifies a nation is the help it renders to revive a life, whoever the sufferer, friend or foe.

Politicians, both Indian and Pakistani, studiedly persist in developing and widening the differences between both countries ostensibly for their political existence. But the majority of the people on either side can thwart their efforts by assiduously tightening their bondage.

V.E. Venkataramani,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The successful surgery performed on Noor has gladdened the hearts of Pakistanis and Indians alike. The creation of a fund to help poor children is welcome. People have come forward in large numbers and donated generously towards this noble cause. The goodwill and the funds that have flowed in prove that the people of both countries want peace and hold a great deal of love and affection for each other. Political leaders should now get their act together and resolve the existing conflicts between the two neighbours.

Shazeel M. Basha,

Visakhapatnam, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — The get-well cards, financial support and affection that an unknown Pakistani girl has received only proves that people want to co-exist with other countries and will help each other in times of need. I hope such a heart-warming show of goodwill promotes harmonious relations with our neighbouring country.

Anusha Singh,

New Delhi

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