Settle it fast
I was shocked to know that two prominent Muslim families in Kerala are fighting over a humongous sum of money that lies in Saudi Arabia; one wonders what are they going to do this with this money, as and when they receive it (‘The cross heirs’, November 7).
The government of India should take up this matter with the government of Saudi Arabia, and help the warring groups settle the issue soon. The onus is on the state and the Union governments to levy tax on any cash transaction that takes place between a foreign nation and a family in India.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
The fight between the two Kerala families should have been settled long ago by the Kerala government. Why is it lingering even now? I feel the more publicity the issue attracts the more dangerous and damaging it is for Arakkal and Keyi families, as there is a security threat. I believe the Union government should intervene in this case as mediation by different state governments have failed.
P. Gopikrishnan,
On email.
He is evasive
‘When in Chennai, be a Tamil’ seems to be the motto of Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim—with a Tamil interviewer, Lakshmi Subramanian (‘What Lankan forces did may qualify as war crimes’, November 7).
Solheim’s answers are laden with ambiguity. He is evasive and is not sure of what is happening in Sri Lanka.
He has no idea how Vellupillai Prabhakaran, Balasingham Nadesan, Pulidevan and Prabhakaran’s son were done away by the Sri Lankan army.
The interview has not thrown up any new facts, but squarely blamed the Sri Lankan government for ending the insurgency and bringing peace to the island.
Parthasarathy Mandadi,
On email.
It was an enriching experience to read the interview with Solheim. It gave a lucid account of the LTTE.
I was surprised to know that a few of the LTTE members were ready to surrender to the Sri Lankan army. Though the war between the LTTE and Sinhalese ended in 2009 with the death of Prabhakaran, the Tamils still continue to suffer racial discrimination in Sri Lanka. I hope the Sri Lankan government will alleviate the pain and promote security and peace for the Tamils.
Anson Alex,
On email.
Kudos to THE WEEK for the incisive interview with Solheim, which unveils many mysteries about the LTTE. Knowing the history of LTTE well, I could emotionally travel with your interview.
Thank you for publishing such a timely and truth-revealing interview.
M. Vineshragul,
On email.
Wrong practice
It is rather agonising to learn that thousands of crores of rupees have been poured into the by-election to Huzurabad assembly constituency by political parties, which is rumoured to be the world record in poll expenditure (‘Polls apart’, November 7).
Political parties, under the guise of welfare schemes, are trying to garner votes and gain power, instead of focusing on infrastructure development for the wellbeing of the people. Throwing dinner parties, mobilising people for meetings, doling out gifts and offering money for votes has become common.
M. Shanti Kumar,
On email.
Swara is right
The column by Swara Bhasker (‘Consumerism vs bigotry’, November 7) was captivating. She is absolutely right that politics degrades the purity of festivals, which are the thread that binds one another in the bond of love. Thus, we make a better family, state, country and world. Politicising and restricting festivals are not good.
Pawan Baghwar,
On email.
Swara has highlighted some relevant issues. If things go the same way, we are bound to face disastrous consequences. Instead of joyfully celebrating every festival, some fundamentalists are trying to mask the beauty of festivals with noxious remarks.
It is high time we realised the need to respect all religions on common principles.
Sohan Fernandes,
On email.
Protect vintage cars
‘Vintage worries’ (November 7) made for a compulsory reading.
Who would not love to take a joy ride in a classic car? They are “neighbour’s envy and owner’s pride”. The government should do everything possible to make sure that vintage cars do not become extinct. The new rules should be revisited and vintage cars should be allowed to run commercially till they do not cause pollution.
Sunil Chopra,
On email.
Look within
Indians look detestable in the eyes of foreigners. Or so it seems (‘Last word’, November 7). I fail to understand why some countries find it difficult to embrace equality. But, before decrying the dehumanising attitude of people in other countries, we ought to examine and evaluate the way we regard and treat our fellow Indian brothers and sisters.
Sam Alexander,
On email.
Stay strong, Maria
Even though Maria Ressa received many threats, she stood strong against an authoritarian ruler and proved herself right. I feel she has done justice to her conviction (‘Principled ink’, October 31).
Princeton Vinoy Dsouza,
On email.
A magazine for all
I find THE WEEK the most readable. There is something worthwhile to read in it for people of all age groups. I find every fourth issue of the magazine a collector’s item.
Sanath Kumar T.S.,
On email.