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13

The Chinese puzzle

Your cover story tracing the origin and course of the virus made for an alarming read (‘Chasing a likely lab leak’, June 13). If China is covering up the research fiasco at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the world should expect more skeletons to tumble out of the cupboards of the WIV.

When a reputed scientist like Shi Zhengli says that different viruses have been collected from bats in the copper mines of Yunnan, the scientific fraternity will not think twice before believing it.

The world knows that in China even scientists are compelled to say what the authorities want them to say! Will China admit that the scientists working on the viruses are also working for the People’s Liberation Army?

K. Chettyankandy,

On email.

 

The story of the virus jumping from bats to humans through unknown intermediates is not convincing. The wet market of Wuhan has been active for decades in the same dirty, nasty and disgusting format. But nothing happened till late 2019.

Further, such wet markets exist in many parts of southeast Asia, and nothing untoward has happened there.  

So long as the present leadership is in power in China, the real origin of the virus cannot be proved. The diabolical acts of China makes it the culprit beyond any doubt. 

H.S. Gopal,

Bengaluru,

 

China seems to have knowingly committed this crime against humanity. Former US president Donald Trump always referred to Covid-19 as the Chinese virus, thereby hinting at its origins. But very few supported him.

Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi quiet on this issue? India is the largest democracy in the world. I feel Modi and a leading publication like THE WEEK should come forward and support US President Joe Biden’s investigation into the origin of Covid-19.

You should mobilise public opinion against China and force the Indian government to take stringent action against that country. 

Arvind Shah,

On email.

 

Your cover story explored many facts about the origin of Covid-19.

I am surprised to know that science is moving towards politics, which is dangerous. It is better to assume that there was no manmade error.

S.A. Jayatheertha,

On email.

 

The possibility of a lab leak cannot be wished away. What is needed now is strict monitoring of the safety measures practised in labs, and a more transparent system of coordination by a leading group of international scientists worldwide.

In spite of all the negative socioeconomic impact and loss of lives around the world as a result of the pandemic, it has brought the world together for scientific research and development.

Rekha Pande,

Hyderabad.

 

China’s track record as a nation leads one to suspect its actions. China using the virus as a biological weapon is something that cannot be ruled out.

George Mathai,

Kochi, Kerala.

 

Horrifying memories

Last Word by Navtej Sarna (June 13) will remain etched in the minds of readers for long for its portrayal of the tragedy that unfolded in the country.

The way a helpless state machinery looked on even as hundreds of our brethren gasped for breath, of which we were scarcely aware of until the virus flew across the nation with a vengeance never seen before.

When everything settles down and when we meet again without fearing fellow humans, a few will not be there.

The words of Mirza Ghalib will resonate across the country in many ways.

Narayanan K.,

On email.

 

He was immature

I feel you wasted valuable pages of the magazine on Rajiv Gandhi (‘Rajiv’s discovery of India’, May 30). Yes, Rajiv got a historic mandate in the Lok Sabha elections of 1984, but it was largely because of the sympathy wave for a son who lost his mother to a hail of bullets. 

Rajiv’s ill-conceived decision to interfere in Sri Lankan affairs by sending our Army to fight their war speaks of his immaturity and short-sightedness. 

Even though Rajiv’s entry into politics was like a breath of fresh air, his actions in Shah Bano case, miserable handling of anti-Sikh riots and misadventure in Sri Lanka blotted his image and cost his life. Finally, it was the Bofors scandal that erased Rajiv’s ‘Mr Clean’ image forever.

G.V. Prasad,

On email.

 

Preserve Western Ghats

That India with just 2.4 per cent of world’s land accounts for 7.8 per cent of all recorded species in the world, and that the Western Ghats have been listed as one of the richest biodiversity hotspots by UNESCO exemplifies the need to preserve the ecosystem (‘Guardians of the Ghats’, June 6). 

The unique native species in the hilly region thrive on the conducive atmosphere provided by dense natural forest, rich terrain and cool breeze from the long sea coast.

It is our responsibility to preserve the pristine beauty of this mountain range, aptly called Sahyadri in Sanskrit.

B. Gurumurthy,

On email.