Letters to the editor: Italy stands up for its marines

Italy stands up for its marines
Apropos of “Italy keeps its Marines”, the Italian government planned its strategy well in the matter of its two marines. The Supreme Court had rightly allowed them to go to Italy for Christmas; had the court refused, it might have introduced a religious colour. By returning on time after Christmas, the marines and the Italian government tried to prove their bona fides.

What is surprising this time is not that the Italian government has kept the marines from returning to India, but that the Supreme Court allowed them to go to Italy a second time, for what appears to be insubstantial reasons. Did the court believe that these were the only two Italians outside the country who were deprived of postal ballot, or that the two votes not being cast would adversely affect the outcome of the election? Moreover, the marines were allowed to go to meet their families. Will this  facility be extended by the court to Indians in prison, if they applied for concession? We must learn a lesson from the way the Italian government has taken care of its marines from the start of the case.
—AG Ramasubramanian, by email 

Waning influence
The statement by the Italian foreign ministry that the two Italian marines being tried for the murder of two fishermen in India will not return to the country, made distressing reading. The Indian government agreed to temporarily release the marines to participate in the electoral process at home, on the specific request of the government of Italy. This is clearly a breach of trust by the Italian government and is bound to lead to a diplomatic stand off. Some time back, the Danish government refused to extradite Kim Davy, accused in the Purulia arms drop episode, even though India and Denmark are signatories to an extradition treaty.

The Italian government has also refused to share with the Indian government investigating reports on the Augusta-Westland chopper scam. Earlier, the US government stubbornly refused to hand over David Headley, involved in the 26/11 terror attack, to Indian security agencies, even though India and the US have been actively working together to fight terrorism globally. These are pointers to India’s waning influence in the international arena, most certainly due to a weak government at the Centre and the lack of credibility of its leaders. What a fall for India from the high position it once enjoyed among the comity of nations.
—Vijay Mohan, Chennai

Right to repentance
Apropos of “Delhi rapist gives himself death and raises doubts”, that Ram Singh committed suicide in his jail cell without being noticed by the guard, was a major lapse for which the guard must be questioned and punished. But what is disturbing is it appears there are some people who seem to be sympathising with Ram Singh, in that they suspect foul play in his death. In fact, undertrials and convicts in rape cases should be allowed to end their life if they feel that is the way to repent for their heinous deeds. This is the only effective way to ‘fast-track’ rape case trials that otherwise drag on for eternity. It might sound bizarre, but I believe that this is the only way to remove the  scum from society.
—KP Rajan, Mumbai

No tears for rapist
Several groups that have been demanding ‘death to rapists’ must now feel happy that one of the prime accused in the Delhi case has in a way ‘served the death sentence’. It is almost four months since the dastardly incident and the police must have collected all relevant information of who did what, and if we are to believe our home minister the case is being tried in a fast-track court. Therefore, one should not be unduly perturbed over Ram Singh’s suicide.

The five other associates of Ram Singh must be tried speedily and brought to book before they choose to follow their leader. The only person who, perhaps, has reason to grumble is the hangman who has lost his fee. Any inquiry into why and how the suicide happened will only delay the process of justice on the rape case.
—MVN Raj, Bangalore 

Suicide by hanging doesn’t matter
Why is there such a hue and cry over the apparent suicide of Ram Singh? He deserved to be punished by death. So, how does it matter whether he committed suicide by hanging?  Why is nobody talking about the suicides of hundreds of girls after they are raped by such animals?
—BR Bhatnagar, Mumbai

Set aside bickering, help drought-hit
It is saddening to see the opposition parties trying to score political points over the drought in Maharashtra, even as the situation is worsening. It does not make sense to hear the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) raise doubts about the sincerity of Eknath Khadse, leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly. Perhaps, the MNS is eager to clinch the opposition space now dominated by the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party.

Yes, the state has not seen a strong opposition in many years and a section of the people will be hoping that the MNS takes on this role. But that is a separate matter. The issue at hand is the drought, with thousands of villages dependant on supply of tanker water. The opposition parties should set aside their differences and unite to check the arrogance of the ruling Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance.
—Sunil Kambli, Kalyan

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