LETTERS

Conservation

The article "For a natural balance" (June 9) made interesting reading. There is endless debate on whether human habitation in a forest is intrusive or not. Most wildlife sanctuaries prohibit the entry of human beings into the "core" areas so that forests and wildlife are left undisturbed. Tribal people and residents of neighbouring villages, who depend on forests for their day-to-day needs, are often harassed by forest guards. Striking a balance between the interests of human beings and the need to conserve forests and wildlife is indeed a tightrope walk for people in charge of sanctuaries.

Often the law-enforcers become law-breakers and work hand in glove with poachers and smugglers. These days poachers are equipped with modern weapons and mobile telephones. A federal agency should be established to oversee the work in sanctuaries.

People are the best protectors of forests and wildlife. But unless they are involved in the decision-making process, there is little incentive for them to protect forest resources.

D.B.N. Murthy
Bangalore

Labour's loss

For all those who know the history and policies of the British Labour Party, the setbacks it suffered in the recent local body elections do not come as a surprise ("New Labour losses", June 9). The Labour Party under Tony Blair has deviated from its age-old socialist policies.

The Labour Party was formed in the early 1900s with the objective of protecting the interests of the working class in a political milieu dominated by the Conservatives and the Liberals. Blair, in his attempt to identify himself with the galaxy of world leaders, ignored the working class to please the top business houses and the United States. Now the electorate has taught him a lesson by ensuring the defeat of nearly 600 Labour candidates in the party's strongholds.

Blair should see the writing on the wall. It is not too late for Labour to search for a more innovative policy to suit the needs of the present-day world, without deviating from the basic principle of socialism. Socialist countries such as China and Vietnam have successfully fusioned their economies with the free market. Yet socialism remains the mainstay of their policies. A positive move in this direction would certainly benefit Labour in the long run.

Pradeep Krishnan
Kinassery, Kerala

Sri Lanka

The Cover Story ("Advantage Tigers", May 26) was very informative on the situation in Sri Lanka, especially at a time when the Chandrika Kumaratunga government has imposed media censorship. Although India cannot repeat the mistake of sending its forces to the island nation, it has a moral responsibility to help Sri Lanka deal with the problem.

It was India under the leadership of Indira Gandhi that fed and armed the Sri Lankan Tamil rebel groups, including the LTTE, the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world.

The existence of a democratically elected government in a friendly and close neighbour is better for India than an unfriendly regime that would give covert support to terrorism. Politicians who support the LTTE should remember that this outfit has murdered even its own supporters for the slightest difference of opinion.

Ashok Upadhyay
Srirangapatna, Karnataka

The IPKF misadventure cost India the lives of thousands of brave soldiers and crores of rupees. The Indian government should not help the Sri Lankan government because Colombo accorded landing, refuelling, servicing and rearming facilities to the Pakistani Air Force in 1965 and 1971!

Wg. Cdr. H.P. Hande
Bangalore

Foreign policy

Last year the Bharatiya Janata Party succeeded in preventing Sonia Gandhi from becoming Prime Minister by creating an impression that her leadership would lead to the second colonisation of the country. But the BJP-led government does not exhibit the same kind of concern over the U.S.' attempt at "colonising" the country. This is evident from its less-than- enthusiastic participation in the G-77 summit in Havana although India is one of the founders of this group of Third World countries. Its attitude towards the Non-Aligned Movement is also similar. In striking contrast is the stance of Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, who resisted U.S. pressure and attended the summit.

Shakil Akhtar
Bhagalpur, Bihar

Education

This has reference to the well-presented report by Nitya Rao on the World Education Forum at Dakar and its framework of action ("Old promises, new commitments", May 26). The priority areas identified in this framework are the decades-old promises of universalisation of education and its quality enhancement. It has been recorded that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are doing better work than government organisations. Whatever may be the government spending on education, government employees lack enthusiasm in spreading quality education. On the other hand, some NGOs have enthusiastic volunteers committed to this goal.

Sheojee Singh
Patna

Child labour

Sivakasi is not the only place where child labour is flourishing. One can see children working in every nook and corner of India - in slums, at construction sites, and even in households. Children working from dawn to dusk for a meagre remuneration is an appalling sight.

No law can eradicate this evil. A change of mind on the part of both employers and parents is necessary to ensure that children go to school. The affluent should refuse to employ children.

G. Ramachandran
Pune

Ex-Premiers' plans

The four former Prime Ministers, who have come together, have been talking of poverty alleviation and expressing concern for slum-dwellers and the downtrodden ("The ex-Premiers' plans", April 28). They have also expressed concern over the deteriorating economic situation. The question is, why did these leaders not oppose the bill passed on the last day of the Budget session of Parliament, providing for an increase in pay and perks for the representatives of the people? Moreover, these ex-Premiers themselves continue to enjoy the perks and salaries given to them at a time when the Central government is trying to reduce non-Plan expenditure.

U.R. Rao
Visakhapatnam