Odisha should follow AP in tackling Maoisits

Odisha should follow AP in tackling Maoisits
This has reference to ‘Maoists base in Abujhmadh under siege’ (March 25). After a lull, the Maoists have raised their ugly heads again in Odisha. Kidnapping of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka has evoked sharp criticism from the people even as talks are on for the release of kidnapped Italian tourists. The Centre’s assurances to states in providing critical data like satellite imagery information in tracking down Maoists are still elusive. According to the Special Intelligence Bureau statistics, only 7 civilian deaths have been reported in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and this is construed as near neutralization of Naxalism in that state. Besides the fast-paced infrastructure developmental work, states like Odisha should take cue from AP in using the carrot and stick policy. It can work wonders considering allotment of local jobs to Maoist sympathizers.
— Deepak Chikramane
II
This refers to the abduction of the two Italians by the Maoists in Odisha. One fails to understand the logic of these foreigners going to such areas being fully aware that they are infested by Maoists and that they can be in trouble. Their foolish act has created problems not only for the state and central governments but also for their country. The UPA government has enough trouble in its hands. It should not take cognisance of this insensible act and instruct the state government to sort out the issue.
— Vanita Shenoy

Welcome amendment
The cabinet decision to amend certain intriguing rules of the Hindu Marriage Act is most welcome. The present system of giving couples ‘six months compulsory waiting’, though understandable in certain situations, was heart-breaking for couples who wanted a quick divorce. After all, some marriages break down after years of wedlock. Therefore,  the six-month waiting period caused a lot of heartburn to estranged couples. There was lot of scope for possible harassment to one of the parties in the interim period. When a couple knows that their marriage is irretrievably broken, there is no need to provide a new definition to the same. However, the government has not totally given a go by to the rule but has said that the courts will have to decide about the waiting period. Perfectly fine, considering the fact that it is only after some period of time and thinking that couples go for a joint petition. One has to remember that this clause will largely benefit those couples who go for divorce with mutual consent. Still, if one party opposes the petition, the plea for separation will go on for years. There are bound to be protests from women organisations about what they may call ‘quick divorces’. But one has to remember that poor and backward women, who are targeted by their husbands, can always engage excellent lawyers with the help of women wings who are always there to help them. The women, on the other hand, can also rejoice by the fact that the government has given them provision for a share in husband’s property. Any amendments, in such a sensitive issue, will pose questions.
— Ganapathi Bhat

A changed Anna
Anna Hazare is back again, but now his movement has lost its steam; not because corruption has been eradicated from India but his sincerity is under cloud. When he started the movement with a crumpled kurta and a simple dhoti and a face full of pain, people made him their hero. However, Anna changed slowly with the times and was seen with starched white attire and a polished face acquired from the five-star treatment in top hospitals. This well-fed look gave him an image more like any other politician, rather than the humble Anna, who resembled Gandhi and sat for a great cause.
— Sudhakar Shenoy

Change of centre
This has reference to ‘Centres change, distance education students panic’ wherein it has been reported that 12 students who were earlier allotted MK Sanghvi college, reached an hour early only to find that their centre has changed. We wish to clarify that all these 13 students (and not 12) were actually allowed to appear for their examination as a special case, since it was a last-minute change notified by the university and the students could not have possibly known about it.
—Rajesh Dharawat, vice-principal

Not a good idea
‘Inspired by SP win, Karat revives Third Front idea’ sounds like crying for the moon. The experiment of the Left and democratic forces forging a unity has been tried in the past and has miserably failed more than once. Before attempting the large canvas, let Mr. Karat first put the related entities like CPI, CPI(M), Forward Block et al on the same page and succeed. Only after that an attempt at a grand alliance should be made.
— Cliff J D’Souza

A better Khan
Apropos of ‘The last khan standing’ (March 25), one recalls the scenario during the sixties in Bollywood when lead actors like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Sunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar were ruling the roost there used to be one man who rarely got his due but always stood out with his own style and fan following. He was popularly known as ‘jaani’ Raj Kumar. Irfan Khan may not be a crowd puller romantic and dancing hero like the other Khans in the film industry, but he certainly has the fan following like Raj Kumar. Needless to say that Irfan Khan is much better than some of the Khans as far as pure acting talent is concerned.
— Ramesh N Hasgekar