Date:18/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/18/stories/2003041800091004.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Protecting heritage

Sir, — It was shocking to read reports about the looting of antiques from the National Museum and of valuable archives from a library in Baghdad.

Is it not the duty of the invading forces to protect museums and other sites of human civilization from the greed of illiterate local people who may not know the value of such treasures? In this case, the invaders are two countries which know the value of cultural heritage.

N. Shankarnarayanan,

Chennai