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It is high time that both the common people and the authorities took notice of the Iron lady of Manipur, Irom Sharmila. Her fast-unto-death for complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, has so far only had the effect of the police arresting her on charges of suicide and force-feeding her. We need to highlight the plight of women like Sharmila, who is fighting a lonely battle against atrocities of the Manipur government.

Roli gupta, mumbai

A good budget

The Finance Minister deserves to be complimented for the excellent Budget 2007-08 he presented. The forces that are criticising it do it only for the sake of criticism. In regard to taxation, however, the bitter truth is that hardly any case today gets settled without bribing the Income Tax official.

K Mahendra, via email

A grand alliance

Apropos of Suhit Sen’s Reconstructing a scene (March 6), isn’t it time to reconstruct at the national level? Both the BJP and the Congress pursue identical social and economical policies. Let them fight polls separately to keep their votebank intact; but after getting less than one-third of seats in parliament, they should be ready to govern on the lines of the Kashmir formula.

Naval Langa, Ahmedabad

Don’t shy away

With reference to Barkha Dutt’s Railway crossing (March 3), to argue that India should not accuse Pakistan after the Samjhauta Express attack, because there were Pakistani passengers, too, is illogical. While it is true that Indian authorities, instead of blaming Pakistan every time, should look for  enemies within, there is no point in criticising Indian bureaucracy. Contrary to the views held by the writer, the US’ so-called ‘pouncing upon’ the political establishment in Pakistan would be in India’s favour as it will curb terrorist activities there.

Shanti Bhushan, Noida

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