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COMMENTARY
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E-mail from readers the world over
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 11:08:49 -0700 I would like to congratulate the scientists and the engineers and every one involved in the successful test of the nuclear explosions. Above all, the BJP needs to be congratulated for the kind of willingness they showed about the country's security. Rediff is always best in its coverage.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 14:06:10 -0400 We outside India are very proud. This is a very proud moment for us. What Mr Praful Bidwai has written is sheer nonsense. He seems not to understand how important this is for India. These are the people who are not patriotic -- like our ancestors who wilted under British rule. Anyway congratulations once again to India. A proud Indian
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:51:11 -0700 The world has disappointed India. Twenty four years of India's solitary and unilateral clemency has been wasted, and India is forced to join the gang of bullies. It is sad that India's remarkable restraint has not opened the eyes or changed the heart of nuclear power nations. Who else in this world has resisted for quarter of a century for the next obvious step after the successful experiment of an atomic explosion? There is not a single example of such restraint in annals of world history. It should not be forgotten by the world that overlooking India's sacrifice through their crocodile tears would cause them to lose their own credibility. The people of the world are intelligent enough to distinguish between countries producing weapons and India's restraint.
Rasik Sanghvi
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 11:35:58 +0900 When you print Mr Praful Bidwai, would you please print a post script saying that Mr Bidwai may have a Hindu name but in practice and heart he is an Islamist. This person thinks that India was responsible for the war with China, and so I would not expect any better from him. Jayant P Ogale
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 19:29:10 -0700 Congrats to all engineers, scientists and Hindustanis in general on this momentous occasion! Keep it up, India!
Saleem Ansari
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 18:52:31 -0700 (PDT) Is very interesting, but quite typical. Her attempt to compare India's nuclear tests with Iraq's occupation of Kuwait is totally simplistic. One expects better from a diplomat of her experience and distinction. Iraq's occupation of Kuwait was a direct act of war, which threatened numerous global economic interests. The timing of India's recent tests may lead one to wonder about the priorities of the BJP government, but our nuclear testing programme is not even close to an act of war. The USA can consider imposing sanctions, and it probably will, but it cannot do anything comparable to "what it did in Iraq." Or is Ms Lodhi extending a different kind of request to the USA? It is time everybody in South Asia realised that pragmatism rules the roost, when it comes to trade. After all, the USA is quite happy to extend MFN status to China, notwithstanding its communist-dictatorial regime and the Tianenmen square incidents. We should realise that might recognises only might as right.
Vidyasankar Sundaresan
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 21:37:05 -0400 (EDT) I think Praful Bidwai can keep his mouth shut. He seems to have no pride in his country's nuclear ability. This test was long due. It should show Pakistan and the rest of the world that India is not a pushover. Jai Hind.
Srihari Injeti
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:25:22 +0900 It is quite understandable for a number of people to think along the lines described in this report, but I beg to differ. Twenty four years of restraint and peaceful negotiations have helped in achieving nothing in terms of peace between India and Pakistan, and to an extent between India and China. Continual so-called government leaks from Pakistan have led to confusion and distrust of the intentions of the Pakistani nuclear programme and its intentions. As member of a more aware section of the Indian citizenry, I believe we need a clear cut direction and goal. Mr Bidwai's remarks on the whole thing being more of a propaganda is not entirely wrong. Nothing stirs up passion more than a display of strength. But as we all know nuclear capability development has always been on the BJP agenda and the people did give their mandate for it.
Saurabh Misra
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:18:24 -0500 We think the government has taken a step in the right direction. Other countries have been taking India for granted and this action will awaken them to the fact that India will not succumb to external pressure. When it comes to our own security, we should leave nothing to chance. The tests should act as a warning to the superpowers -- they should think twice before arming Pakistan. India does not need to go elsewhere to beg for weapons. But we don't think that India would ever misuse its nuclear capability. It is more of a defensive move than an offensive one. The world should act wisely and not try to isolate India. We had the courage to come out in the open -- unlike some other nations. Sandeep Randery, Amit Varma, Dhruv Khettry
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 21:08:34 -0400 I am very proud that India took steps to assert itself. I wish we can let industries open up, cut down red tape which Congress perfected and can follow steps which Red China has taken to improve itself economically. All this so that we don't have to beg APEC countries to admit us, but it would be in their interest to do business with us. Go India!
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:52:46 -0400 I would like to suggest the writer to go boil his head... Raj
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 17:45:38 -0700 It's a landmark achievement.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:06:38 -0400 I strongly believe in India's nuclear missile tests conducted today. I believe that India is not a country which will attempt to call for an international arms race for no reasons. In fact, it did prove today to the global village that it has power to provide security to its own subjects, especially when its neighbours are not friendly. At least now the world will see us (India's scientists are no way incompetent to the international crowd. I congratulate India on this test, and wish it does well in its other policies also.)
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 16:18:47 -0700 Maybe Maleeha Lodhi can just keep quiet and write about how minorities are being suppressed in Pakistan instead of meddling with our affairs. Vinay
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 19:38:40 -0400 BJP IS GREAT! VAJPAYEE IS GREATER!! THE BOMB IS THE GREATEST!!! INDIA IS THE GREATEST OF ALL!!!
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 15:57:53 -0700 I think Ms Maleeha Lodhi's comment is one-side and as usual has political overtones. It is OK for the US and other superpowers to keep a stockpile of nuclear weapons, but a total no-no when India test fires one, huh. India has never passed on its technology illegally to other countries, unlike some others, so there is no need to worry. It is definitely of a great concern that a country is testing nuclear device, however, the international community must come together to ban all weapons of mass destruction, rather than being selective. Lastly, everybody in the world knows that Pakistan breeds terrorists to kill Indians. That's probably one of the reasons why the US hasn't reacted too strongly toward India's defence agenda. And today if there is an uproar, take the music. Well to put things in more concrete terms, even a layman like me knows the troubles of insurgence. Unrest at the borders, encouraging terrorism, desperate attempts to humiliate India perpetrated by Pakistan, abetted directly by China and indirectly by US. So one can, without effort, imagine the altitude of the mountain of evidence that some of the powerful nations today have to believe who are the trouble creators. India has indulged in enough of gentlemanly courtship with the diplomatic US/Pakistan/China only to end up with all the kinds of VDs -- violent disturbances -- to its peace and stability. They have caused enough sores which will take a long time to get cured. If today India has tested nuclear devices, its just the beginning of its initiative to clear itself out of the noisy harlem and recuperate from its diseases. But it is good if India at the same time realises that it requires a lot of will power and resilience not to be carried away by the Harlemites at any time. Lest this whole exercise will become a futile activity. If this recovery act by India is a cause of worry for the full-time pleasure-workers like US/China/Pakistan, its time they realise the malaise they have and do something to get rid of them. India is not one to be taken ride of. So I welcome these nuclear tests. "You talk peace when your ass is safe." Extended further, for such people who sit on leather sofas, peace becomes a romantic topic over wine and woman. If you want to point your finger at me, laugh and say that "Hey! It means even India is trying to be the the same," then let me say that you had too much of wine. India's nuclear policy since 1974, when it first conducted its nuclear explosion, is enough to show that its a peace loving nation. Make no mistake. Treat India with respect.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 18:55:32 -0400 Keep it up. We rely on you for excellent, timely reports.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:41:40 EDT Has made all INDIANS proud of their GREAT MOTHERLAND all over the world. Keep it up! This great moment has been a booster for the new generation of Indians as far as their patriotism is concerned.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 14:58:52 -0700 I am thankful to Rediff for providing such detailed information on the explosion. Harsha
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 14:58:52 -0700 First of all, I would like to congratulate Rediff On The NeT for the prompt coverage of THE TEST. I am also appreciative of the fact that Rediff, apart from the news coverage, provided international and domestic reactions and views about it. I would like to further congratulate it for providing both sides of opinions, for it and against it. There are, most obviously, pros and cons of such an action and one does not really have to be an expert in nuclear science, international diplomacy or economics to understand this simple fact. These pros and cons have to be weighed very carefully before taking such a step. This requires availability of facts and some of these facts are inevitably derived from classified intelligence information. I seriously doubt that Mr Praful Bidwai has access to any of these facts. This is not to suggest that without being privy to such facts no discussion, at all, about such a decision is possible. However, apart from relevant and correct facts, any worthwhile analysis requires an open mind and sound logical faculties. Mr Bidwai seems to be convinced, even before he starts analysing, that this is purely a cheap political decision aimed at catching support of the jingoist section of the Indian masses. He should be praised for making his prejudice very clear, in the very beginning itself, by jumping to straight and trivial conclusions without even a cursory glance at the underlying reasons and circumstances faced by the country. He talks of some setback to some anti-nuclear movement in India.What is the significance of such a movement for the existing nuclear powers? If they really don't matter, then how such a fact can be called relevant for such a crucial decision. He states that such a move would lead to the escalation of the arms race. However, as Pakistan is already going beyond its means to arm itself to subdue India, there does not seem to be any possibility of further escalation. On the other hand, if India can talk to Pakistan from a position of strength it might help to drive home the point about the futility of an arms race with India, and may lead to acceptance of a peaceful coexistence philosophy with close economic co-operation in the new globalised world order. He talks about two arms races now -- one with Pakistan and one with China. This is like making two holes in the wall -- first for the small cat and a bigger one for the big cat to pass through. Why can't we just make one big hole and both the cats pass through that? If we take care of China, Pakistan will automatically be taken care of. So there cannot be two arms races. He talks of precious resources which will be wasted. This is not true either. If India decides to go nuclear it will be a big deterrent for all around it including China. The resources to go nuclear are available in-house and at a small fraction of international cost for developing the equivalent technologies. On the other hand, this may enable India to reduce expenses on conventional weapons. Mr Bidwai not only talks of irrelevant facts and jumps to biased conclusions, he has got his basic facts wrong too. He says that there will be action on India under the NPT. For your kind information, Mr Bidwai, India is not a signatory to the NPT. So whatever else may happen there could not be any action under the NPT at least. There are so many primarily relevant facts, both for and against such a decision, which should be looked at while attempting any judgement about such a critical decision which is of vast national importance not only for today but for generations to come. Unfortunately, Mr Bidwai has bypassed most of these facts of primary importance and just tried to jump to his biased conclusions without any worthwhile analysis.
Ajay Misra
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 14:46:39 -0700 Looks like Maleeha Lodhi lives in a fool's paradise, and sure she does. Whatever hue and cry she is doing merely shows the Pakistan's envious mentality towards India. Now Pakistan is in a totally frustrating situation -- what Pakistan can do is only CRY and go BEGGING to US for imposing sanctions against India! Her expectation about the US treating India just like US treated Iraq, is an instance of the most funny and immature Pakistani mentality. She lacks global vision and also lacks the proper understanding of international politics. The US knows and acknowledges the scientific and technological superiority of India, and the US also has much more financial and global interests (CTBT/NPT) in India. Only time will reveal the true and massive power of great Hindu nation, India. Jai Hind! Atul M Dambalkar
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 21:45:54 EDT To be a world power India's got to act like one.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 17:39:02 -0400 Congratulations! That's just great. An Indian soul, Abhijit
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 07:02:26 +1000 This nuclear rubbish is utter insanity. India's greatest export to the world is the search for enlightenment, and now it goes and does this? The Jewel in Old England's Crown is forever tarnished. Leave these things ALONE!!! James Caldwell
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:33:53 EDT If Ms Maleeha Lodhi is so concerned about the security of this region, then she should ask her country to stay out of Jammu & Kashmir. If US imposes sanctions against India, this will not be the first time. India is capable enough to disregard all those "sanctions." What did the US do when France conducted a nuclear test? Nothing. And please do not teach "logic" to Indians. Rama Krishna
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:51:31 EDT Well done, congrats to all those who had the will and ability to do it.
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 16:16:46 -0400 I disagree! It's time both countries (India and Pakistan) got real about the extent of their nuclear capability. It will help to allay the fear and second guessing that could trigger a blind response from either side! Further, the international community has no moral right to condemn any of these explosions. Before the CTBT everyone conducted all the tests that they wanted. China will sign any number of treaties and will go on violating them with impunity! In all those cases, the international community remains on the sidelines! Anyway, it is better for them to know, acknowledge and treat India as a nuclear power in its own right Mohan
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 14:57:22 -0500 Kudos to the scientists, engineers and the policy makers on the testing of the three devices. It was long overdue. Next move -- fit them on the tip of Agni and Prithvi and get them ready to go. Rakesh Dubey
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 01:03:21 +0530 I congratulate you flashing the news very fast and very well. One day, I wish Rediff is the largest and best news site in the world. Having said it, I consider this day is the greatest day in the history of this young nation. The weak cannot preach non violence. India stood very well in the CTBT conference. Today it has demonstrated that it is the sixth member of the Nuclear Club of the world. Now countries in the world will listen to us. CTBT is for the Third World nations, not for the so- called Nuclear Club. We must be strong and then preach and practise peace. My heartiest congratulations to our great scientists, defence minister and prime minister. Dr Madhu
Date sent: Mon, 11 May 1998 12:33:26 -0700 The Rediff report said: "The United States said it is "deeply disappointed'' by India's nuclear tests and believes they run counter to an international campaign to outlaw such experiments, President Clinton's spokesman said on Monday." The fun part is that US is the only country which tests its nuclear arsenal in Nevada deserts on a frequent basis, barring China. And here is the country expressing "deep disappointment." These "smarter than thou" people think that other countries are ignorant fools who will blindly accept whatever they say. I congratulate all the scientists and physicists of our great nation who will put Bharat on the fore of international power, as a country committed to peace, but with a clear signal "DON'T MESS WITH MY COUNTRY." Sameer Kuppahalli
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