Opinion Calling on neighbours

The governments of India and Pakistan have finally sealed the agreement on a liberalised visa regime

The Indian Express

September 12, 2012 02:36 AM IST First published on: Sep 12, 2012 at 02:36 AM IST

Calling on neighbours

The governments of India and Pakistan have finally sealed the agreement on a liberalised visa regime (India,Pakistan sign new liberalised visa agreement,IE,September 11). Although there are a few buses and trains connecting cities in India and Pakistan,strict visa rules have kept the number of passengers woefully low. Now,with the easing of restrictions,it is hoped that the common people of both India and Pakistan can visit each others countries more freely. Almost a decade ago now,the European Union lifted visa restrictions among member countries,aiming to bring them closer together. Perhaps the liberalised visa regime will bring India and Pakistan together as well. Not only will people -to-people contact increase,but trade,tourism and cultural relations between the two countries will also develop. The fear of terrorism cannot be allowed to hamper the freedom to travel. If the two countries want to maintain cordial relations with each other,they must chip away at the trust deficit.

S.K. Khosla

Chandigarh

Collateral damage

THIS refers to The accountability of CAG by S. Mohan Gopal (IE,September 10). The alleged coal scam and its repercussions have affected the functioning of Parliament. The BJP ensured that the whole monsoon session was a washout. The CAG should be more circumspect about the figures it publishes and the methods it uses to arrive at such figures.

Swapna S.

Rourkela

No laughing matter

THE arrest of Aseem Trivedi proves that cartoons are no laughing matter any more (Enraged at sedition charge,cartoonist Aseem Trivedi refuses to apply for bail,IE,September 10). Being a cartoonist has become a very risky career option.

Anil Bagarka

Mumbai

Second thoughts

APROPOS Why it is necessary to extend the quota by Abdul Khaliq (IE,September 10),the quota system was introduced when we gained independence to help those who have been discriminated against for centuries. It is now more than 60 years and such people seem to have benefited little from the reservation system. In most cases,the poorest and most needy are not the beneficiaries of reservation. Perhaps it would be a better idea to have reservations based on financial need,rather than on caste or creed.

Abhishek Tinaikar

Mumbai

THIS refers to Why it is necessary to extend the quota. In his argument for reservation,the writer urges that helping disadvantaged students get access to higher education can only be a good thing. However,there are many ways to help such students; reservation is only one of them. Perhaps,other options should be explored as well.

Ila Gautam,Pune