Editor,
This refers to your editorial “Shinzo Abe’s India visit” (ST- Sept 15, 2017). The determined effort by India and Japan to inject life into their bilateral relationship is showing positive results. Japan PM Abe has rightly said, “Both India and Japan place importance on the universal values and strategic interests that we commonly share.” India and Japan are working on a different philosophy, involving more local interests and participation. Japan is now possibly India’s closest strategic partner in the world, as both sides converge in their strategic and economic outlook. Cooperation in areas like nuclear trade, bullet train technology and infrastructure reflect broad convergence of interests. Time has now come for India to tap the immense technology and the great know-how that Japan has long been wielding. With the nuclear deal between the two countries it will allow both sides to cooperate in building nuclear reactors. The India-Japan relationship has the greatest potential of any bilateral relationship in the world.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad-15
Ban on coal mining a hoax
Editor,
Apropos the news item, “Coal mining ban: No NGT relief for miners” (ST Sep 14, 2017), it is known that the NGT has banned extraction and transportation of coal in Meghalaya on April 17, 2014 but later it allowed only transportation of extracted coal with strict observance of the guidelines laid down not to pollute the environment along the way from the loading points (depots) to the selling points ( depots).The permission for transportation the extracted coal dumped at depots was extended from time to time by the NGT. During the period of extension illegal extraction of coal from various mines in Meghalaya was taking place rampantly right under the eyes of the law enforcing authorities. Hence the coal stocks in the depots always remained filled up.
We should not forget that the NGT has completely stopped transportation of coal from May 31, 2017 but we should not be surprised that coal is still being illegally transported without any problem right before the very eyes of the law. Only few are seized just to show that something is being done, but thousands are plying freely and reaching the desired destinations. Again, we should not be surprised that these heavy coal laden trucks belong to the powerful lobbies- the coal merchants, the powerful law enforcers and the powerful politicians. Now, what can the NGT do? Only the small time coal traders are really suffering.
I suggest that the NGT monitor this blatant violation of its order by itself, or else, if it cannot do so, it should lift the ban on coal mining altogether.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via email
Of Godmen and their lifestyles
Editor,
The uproar over Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim and his army of followers taking the law into their hands has once again revealed the clout that India’s Godmen possess. They thought they were indomitable until the law caught up with them for financial irregularities (FERA), sexual abuse and even murder. From Asaram Bapu to Sant Rampal and Nithyananda Swami, they all end up in the list of fake Babas. Gurmeet Ram Rahim is the prime and latest example. He was finally sent to prison after living a flashy life in a palatial ashram. India has a long inventory of Godmen. They do politics and wield authority but show no signs of divinity. No wonder these invincible holy men enjoy preferential treatment from government even while they promote an unholy racket.
Recently Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for indigenous people’s conference to kindle hopes for peace. The high profile Guru is welcomed by none other than the Chief Justice of Guwahati High court at the airport. The former rebel leaders of ULFA, NSCN(IM) and civil society groups were being shepherded to interact with him for finding a final solution to conflicts in the NE region. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is optimistic of brokering peace and claims to be in touch with ULFA(I) and NSCN(K). But Paresh Baruah has other ideas. He has refused outright any form of peace talk. It is not known whether the ULFA Chief has been consulted before such an offer was made. This is not the first time that The Art of Living Guru has made hollow promises. Why do India’s spiritual heads want to be in the limelight?
Yours etc.
Kamal Baruah
Guwahati