Palghar cops acted in haste

Palghar cops acted in haste
It has now been proved that the action of Palghar police in arresting the two girls in connection with their Facebook posts was taken in haste, and the charges slapped under IPC and IT Acts were unwarranted. "Probe indicts Palghar cops for girls' arrest" (DNA, Nov 24). The inquiry report of IG ( Konkan Range) has also recommended administrative or disciplinary action against "the policemen for disobeying orders from their higher-ups who had explicitly told them not to arrest the girls." It seems that the policemen in question gave in to the political pressure and took this illegal action, which they were not supposed to and for which they will have to pay the price. But, my heart goes to the poor girls who were put behind bars and received unwanted publicity for an innocent act. All this could have been avoided if only the police had used their brains and acted upon the orders of their superiors.
—Yash P Verma, Pune

The new wall in the Indian team
Congratulations to Cheteshwar Pujara, the new wall of Indian cricket for his well-deserved century in the second test ('Pujara to the fore again', Nov 24). He has certainly played the game in the right way and has shown great dedication and commitment to the team. Ever since his debut against Australia, the lean Gujarat batsman has become known for his unflappable temperament and obdurate batting, and has been a linchpin in the Indian batting line up for the last one year. He has become a legend in his own time and has earned respect as a player and as a person. Pujara came, saw and conquered test cricket with his dedication and determination. He is a source of inspiration to other cricketers.
—CK Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai

II
The arrival of Cheteshwar Pujara on the Test scene has been one of the most exciting moments in recent months and has more than made up for the exit of champion middle-order batsman, Rahul Dravid ('Pujara to the fore again', Nov 24).Close on the heels of his unconquered knocks in the opening Test the 24-year-old once again managed to embellish India's tottering innings with another classic ton. Pujara has not only developed an appetite for scoring big but is making it a habit of carrying his bat through the innings. The youngster has all the trappings of a run-machine and can surely go places. On a pitch that is already beginning to turn square, his ton may tilt the balance in favour of the home side.
—NJ Ravi Chander, Bangalore

Middle class hypocrisy
Ashley Tellis appears to rant and rave in an article ('Operation X and the hypocrisy of the Indian state & middle class', Nov 23) that did not deserve the column-centimetres it was honoured with nor the three minutes I sacrificed reading it. He is reluctant to call the butcher by his very apt name, Kasab, and his unfathomable sympathy for the heartless mass murderer will never touch a chord in the heart of any true Indian citizen. The 'middle class' he castigates is not the 'muddled class' which he thinks it is - a class to which he evidently and blissfully belongs.
—Phiroze B Javeri, Mumbai

Give 26/11 hero his due
This is with reference to 'Govt denied me dues says 26/11 hero' (Nov 23). It is disgraceful that the NSG commando Surinder Singh who fought valiantly with Pak terrorists on 26/11 was deprived of his legitimate dues by the government. Why is that he had to approach Arvind Kejriwal on camera to redress his grievances? Bank statements suggest that it was his money and not the amount sanctioned by the Govt. We are safe and secure today because of NSG commandos and other security agencies who are available at the behest of the nation, but sadly the government has let them down. It is indeed very shameful that we have no respect for them.
—Deepak Chikramane, Mumbai

Think before implementing FDI
This refers to news 'Open and shut case in houses again' (Nov 23). Though permitting FDI in multi brand retail was an 'executive' decision it is has the support of only the NCP. The Congress opposition and many UPA partners have opposed it. In a democratic state, executive decisions should not be against the majority opposition. The government has announced FDI in retail, but its rules are not in line with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and thus need an amendment by the parliament before the FDI can be operational. Even the SC has indicated this. Given this uncertainty, the MNC retail giants may not venture into India in the near future. SP, BSP and DMK, who weigh personal gains more than the state/national interest may bail out. The government should think and act pragmatically in the long term interest of the nation.
—N Ramamurthy, Chennai.

BJP’s double standards
It is extremely disappointing and disgusting to note that BJP opposes FDI in the multi-brand retail trade in India 'Open and shut case in houses again' (Nov 23). But on the other hand the same ‘patriot’ and ‘nation-loving’ party does not support TMC’s no-confidence motion against the Congress-led pro-US government on the same ground. People have already lost trust in the multi-faced Congress and its allies, but BJP’s two-faced decisions will certainly create mistrust in the voters minds.  
—Hansraj Bhat, Borivli