Tavleen Singh rightly contends that beneath the veneer of democracy and tolerance there is a dark and barbarous side to life in India (“Pogrom Politics”, March 18). Successful non-violent and civilised protest is almost alien to Indian democracy.

Sashanka S. Banerjee, London

Ground Reality

Air Marshal Manjit Singh Sekhon is one of the most decorated flyers in the Indian Air Force for his gallantry in war and peace (“Marshal Arts and Self Goals”, March 25). He is also the only officer to have commanded both a fighter and a helicopter gun-ship squadron. A mild rap on the knuckles would have enough for his alleged misdemeanour. Forcing him to resign was like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly.

Wing Commander (retd)
F.J. Mehta, on e-mail

Successive governments have been harsh in assessing cases involving the three services. Now a very senior air marshal has been asked to put in his papers because he had pleaded his case with an ex-chief minister. It is time the government immediately took steps to stop interference by politicians and bureaucrats. This will go a long way in keeping the morale of the armed forces high.

Wing commander (retd)
K.K. CHAUDHRY, Delhi

Notional Sentiments

The essay was beautifully crafted (“Faith Accompli”, March 25). Yes, it is wrong to say that modern India has been suddenly ambushed—planned efforts to deepen the communal divide have been going on for long. It is time all who share the vision of a forward-looking, advanced India took up the challenge and fought back both minority and majority communalism. Today Ayodhya is not a national sentiment, rather it is a national shame.

Joseph P Alex, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

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