Date:08/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/08/stories/2003020800011002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Ties with Bangladesh

Sir, — The article, `Dealing with Bangladesh' by Muchkund Dubey (Feb. 5 and 6) brings to light the deteriorating relationship between India and Bangladesh to the extent that an issue like the nationality of a few snake charmers had become a controversy.

Instead of assuming the `big brother role', we have chosen to adopt a `big bully' approach. Given the fact that a successful bilateral relationship requires efforts from both sides, are we not `big' enough to take the initiative?

Adla Shalini,
Chennai

Sir, — In the midst of the political stand off over the 213 persons stranded at the `zero line' along the Indo-Bangladesh border, it was a shame that neither side was even remotely concerned about their plight. Both the countries were denying these persons their right to dignity and life. More than an issue of infiltration or political obduracy, this was a case of atrocious violation of people's rights.

Asha Mathew,
Mysore

Sir, — It is unfortunate that Mr. Dubey has let his personal antagonism to the BJP Government cloud his judgment to the extent of making allegations attributing sinister motives to the Indian Government's, particularly the Union Home Minister, L.K.Advani's observations with regard to the growing ISI-Al-Qaeda activities in Bangladesh, Dhaka's support to insurgents in the North-East and the threat posed by the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants staying on in India. The present ruling dispensation in Bangladesh does not have friendly relations with India and there are sections which have not forgiven India for its role in the creation of Bangladesh. No government can afford to remain indifferent to the potential hazards inherent in such a situation.

It is regrettable that in your Editorial `A brush on the border' (Feb. 5), you have characterised Mr. Advani's call for the eviction of the illegal immigrants as strident and impractical while admitting that illegal infiltration keeps taking place and Dhaka refuses to acknowledge or be cooperative about.

S. Gurumurthy,
Chennai