L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

LTTE’s acts cannot be condoned

Calling V Prabhakaran, the LTTE chief, a friend and supporting his cause, as done by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr M Karunanidhi, is a national shame. His statement has lowered the prestige of India. Won’t we lose the moral ground when we raise our voice against Pakistan for supporting terror in India?

In vote-oriented politics, leaders have one and only one aim i.e. appeasement of voters. Freebies are often offered to woo voters. Now, open support to a terrorist outfit has added a new chapter to Indian democracy.

Strange are the ways of elections where it is impossible to recognise a friend from a foe. Whosoever manages to befool the public will get more votes. It is time the voter saw beyond the political drama of politicians.

DR RAJESH LAKHANPAUL, Mukerian

II

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi says that he was misquoted on the LTTE. His assertion is truly interesting. Actually coalition politics creates humiliating situations. Both the Congress and the BJP have to often bear its burnt. Mr Karunanidhi’s statement that the LTTE should be seen in two phases i.e. before and after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and V Prabhakaran is his friend, has not only embarrassed the Congress but has also shocked the nation.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATERJEE, Faridabad

III

A terrorist is a terrorist and the exigencies of vote-bank politics cannot convert a cold-blooded murderer into someone better. It is astonishing that the Chief Minister of an Indian state has such words for V Prabhakaran, a criminal. He is an enemy of India and if he is a friend of Mr Karunanidhi, it speaks volumes for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

J AKSHOBHYA, Mysore

IV

Ever since Sri Lanka began a determined military assault on the LTTE’s strongholds, leaders like Mr M Karunanidhi and Mr Vaiko have been making wrong noises. Though the Congress has denounced him as a terrorist, it has also downplayed the DMK’s support for him. It seems that in politics everything is negotiable.

MEGHANA M, Bradford, UK

Teachers must be committed The editorial, “Another child dies: Implement ban on corporal punishment” (April 20), calls for immediate remedial measures. The rights, dignity and self-esteem of children have to be upheld. In fact, children hailing from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups who do not perform well in a subject tend to become the target of corporal punishment, humiliation and mental abuse. They start hating the subject and the school. The number of school dropouts continues to spiral. Corporal punishment or beating does not improve the performance of a child. Children need good role models at homes and schools. We need to create a learning environment free from fear, anxiety and stress. There is also a dire need of compassion, love, care and understanding. But teachers lack such noble qualities as commitment, dedication and the capacity to instil confidence among the students. Moral education and values are missing. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has already issued a directive that a schoolteacher can be jailed if he or she calls a student stupid or makes a student kneel down. This is a welcome step. Finally, a good teacher alone can teach well. So teachers should be selfless, dedicated, committed and accountable. JARNAIL SINGH BRAR, Bathinda

Fight corruption

When inefficient and corrupt people (“Politics of mud-slinging” by Dr S S Johl, April 21) come to power one should not expect better. The youth of today is baffled and fails to understand morality, virtues and other character-building qualities in the right perspective, as there is no discernible similarity between what they are taught and what they actually see.

Criminals have become role models in all spheres of life. Actually, we have created them. We tolerate their misbehaviour and remain mute spectators. Let us wake up and awaken others to fight the wrongdoers tooth and nail. The leaders and the bureaucracy will automatically know their limits.

D N SHARMA, Ludhiana.

Rise in assets

Many a revelation has been made in the ongoing Lok Sabh elections. The mud-slinging has exposed several candidates and given the electorate an insight into the wrongdoings of many candidates. Look at the assets of the candidates.

Over a short period, many of have them have made much money. These leaders make laws but they themselves violate them. They have the government and the law enforcement agencies at their beck and call.

VASUDEV, Bangalore