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E-mail from readers the world over
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 09:29:21 -0700 Your reporting on the nuclear tests has been admirable. However, the job is half-done. Every electronic media should have a way to communicate the feelings of readers to the Indian, US and other international leaders. Step 1: Atal Bihari Vajpayee needs to know, if the ambassadors of his country are proactively supporting the move or not. Step 2: Bill Clinton needs to know that Indians in US are solidly behind the Indian government's decision. Step 3: Indians should lobby, and issue powerful statements to prevent sanctions against India. Step 4: In case sanctions are imposed -- Indians need to rally and pledge their personal and financial support for India. Even though I feel the nuclear tests were not necessary -- it is no other country's business to interfere, particularly when they are actively involved in the same process. We just cannot let our country down at this stage. I also believe that American citizens will respect our desire to protect our boundaries. Every American citizen (including Bill Clinton) will do the same thing if they were in our place. Our best PR effort will be to ask this question from hundreds of Americans citizens (not politicians-who will definitely have no comments). What will you do if you were the prime minister of India? Anil
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 08:56:31 -0700 Congratulations India! The BJP fully knew about the consequences of conducting nuclear tests. It is a shame that the international community is slapping sanctions against India rather than reviewing its own arsenal in order to eliminate the existing nuclear warheads. Pretty soon Pakistan, Israel, Iran, and Iraq will follow India's footsteps, because they too haven't signed the CTBT. The clear message India sends to the world is 'DESTROY ALL WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION'. The US till now has conducted 1,200 tests before the ban went into effect and continues to do a number of simulation tests. Who is stopping them? This whole thing is not about India-Pakistan. This should be viewed in much broader context. I am sure India is ready to sign the CTBT, but no matter how many of those treaties are signed, actual peace can prevail only by banning and elimination of all existing nuclear devices. Time for the so-called 'superpowers' to stop bullying developing countries.
Venkat Kumar
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 09:49:00 +0000 At 3:45 pm on May 11, the Indian state conducted three nuclear tests in the Rajasthani town of Pokhran (the site of the first test in 1974). Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee affirmed the position he took in Parliament in March that our party feels India should have the bomb since it will place the country in a strong position vis-a-vis the outside world. In an interview to Frontline (April 24, 1998), Defence Minister George Fernandes noted that India has to restore its pride and its place in the world. It appears that this action by the BJP minority government is intended to send a jingoistic message to China, Pakistan and to the entire world. There is no ambiguity in the message. One of the three devices was a thermonuclear bomb whose only value is as an offensive weapon (there is little that this test can show towards the harnessing of nuclear power for the energy sector). The BJP's 1998 election manifesto promised to expedite the country's nuclear policy and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons. Let there be no illusions that there is every indication that the May tests will lead to the conversion of India into an active nuclear power (with the bombs loaded onto the Agni missiles). Hours after the triple explosion, Pakistan's foreign minister Gohar Ayub Khan noted that the blasts have sucked Pakistan into an arms race. India and Pakistan already lead the world in the import of conventional arms (mainly produced in Europe and the USA). With an intensification of this new nuclear race, the budgets of these two neighbours will be heavily burdened by what is euphemistically called defence. The pressing needs of the masses will once again be squandered as the merchants of death barter basic needs for immense profit. The carefully developed relationships between the neighbours created by the Gujral Doctrine have now collapsed. Regional denuclearisation, barely on the map as it is, now seems to have been effectively killed off by the BJP. We strongly condemn the explosion of these devices and the BJP's policy of nuclear hawkishness. There is enough indication that the BJP has resorted to this to whip up jingoistic sentiments within the country; we are opposed this cheap way to generate support, one that is at the expense of peace and social justice. There is nothing swadeshi about this kind of heinousness. If India is to restore its pride, let it do so by upholding the noble traditions of ahimsa and of panchsheela rather than betray that fine heritage (crafted in the 1950s) for the sordidness of power politics. There is little to be gained from being the Big Boys on the Block, a macho and juvenile tactic in an age of terrific weaponry. India must renounce the nuclear option to restart a moral campaign to denuclearise the world. This is the only sane solution, but one not viable if the BJP remains in power.
Vijay Prashad
Biju Mathew
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 22:44:42 -0700 How easily the attention of the masses can be diverted! How easily we get fooled into believing that by possessing deadly weapons we become mighty! The talent and dedication of our scientists is undoubtedly great. But I think their purpose is better served if we channelise their energy into fields which directly affect the poor and the middle class. The sad truth is that once this madness sets in and passions get aroused, we will have travelled so far that it may get difficult to retrace. The buzzword today is economy. If only our government could provide good administration, roads, sanitation, hygiene and education we could be way ahead. On the bright side, these tests have woken the West up and will make them realise that nuclear proliferation is a global problem that needs to be addressed immediately. And for Pakistan. I hope that it understands that when jingoism rules insanity sets in. They have a good conventional deterrent. In the nuclear and space field it is no match for India as it lacks the resources, industrial and technological depth. By following the foolish path set up by its nuclear jingoistic chief, it has got sucked into a war that is going to make the life of her people miserable. It should have paid more attention to Edhi. It's still not too late. Though Pakistan may explode its devices, we must say enough is enough and start talking. This includes China, Russia and US too. One volatile region may soon suck other nations in. It's only when peace prevails that good economic growth is possible.
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 20:57:07 -0500 Its sad to see that so many Indians in and outside the country have supported the nuke blasts. What have they proved? What have they gained? One thing is for sure -- with all the embargos and trade sanctions to be enforced, it sure will make us remorseful soon. We call ourselves a peace loving nation, but we are an embodiment of bitterness, racial and religious hatred and to top it all the nuke tests -- we've undone all that Gandhiji strived for. Kudos to all the politicians who've torn the people apart in the name of religion, caste, creed for their personal gains. This is not an advancement in technology, but destruction of integrity and non violence. God save our country! From a concerned citizen
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 18:17:27 -0700 This is to congratulate the BJP, and its leaders Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani for the decisive and explicit manner by which they have carried out the nuclear explosions. Since I live in the US, I see the world reactions somewhat differently than one might, if living in India. Especially in the US, the negative reaction can be overwhelming. I think the BJP should continue to calmly explain its agenda, get some real benefits for its stand over the NPT and the CTBT, and ensure it does not appear over-aggressive. At this point, given the style in which the US media covers India always, India and the BJP leadership appear no different than Iraq or Libya, whose leaders act pretty much as terrorists. The BJP and India must continue to show the world that we are a civilised society which believes in international peace, harmony and good relations. One thing that will work well, especially for the Americans and the British, would be to specifically ask them in a public forum what they would do if they were in our situation. Americans are extremely patriotic and will rally around solidly if faced with an external threat. We have to make them understand that we are doing exactly that and that they have to sympathise with us, not with fanatic, communist, fundamentalist regimes such as Pakistan and China. In order to successfully do so, you must employ people and language that will be easily understood by people around the world. This must be done swiftly and effectively. We must not be apologetic about our actions as long as our actions reflect our beliefs which are based on principles. Our strength comes from our being right. But we must also have the ability to convince the world about that. If we truly want to be a world player, which comes out as one of the main reasons for doing this, we must be able to carry the world with us. I believe that historically, we have been poor at doing this, partly because we have been so dependent on outside help that we have not been able to speak our minds. That is where the BJP's strengths come in. I have always admired Mr Advani and Mr Vajpayee for being blunt and outspoken (at least more than any other political leaders in India). We must use that to speak out, politely but firmly. Working hard to make people see our point of view and be seen as making that effort. This will not be an easy task, but it must be done and the BJP must stick to it and win the world over. If it needs help from anyone, whether Indians living outside India or its foreign friends, it must do so. With best wishes, and congratulations once again.
Mahesh Singh
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 01:02:16 EDT I congratulate the people of India and the BJP for showing determination and courage to carry out the nuclear tests. The test was long overdue in the light of the recent developments in the neighbouring countries, who have been arming themselves to the teeth both overtly and covertly. It should not be forgotten that the spending on arms by the neighbouring countries exceeds that of India. Despite being patient and calm in spite of the repeated hostile acts of insurgency, and in the more recent times the more brazen acts of mobilising and displaying the long range missiles by the neighbours (who obviously do not have the technological competence to produce the same) by the immediate neighbours of India, I think India has set at rest all speculation regarding its technological competence, and resistance to these so-called developed nations. I am proud of being an Indian and congratulate all who were involved in carrying out the tests. Hail India! Akshay
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 17:32:17 -0400 Congratulations!! Indeed a right step in the directions of protecting oneself from imminent danger. Shows that India is capable of developing its own security needs. People who criticise this step are no different than the so called 'super 5,' who themselves have a well developed nuclear setup and are now forcing the others who are capable of doing the same against doing so. As far as sanctions are concerned, well 'safety gains preference over any other thing!' Keep it up!
Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 15:56:36 -0400 It is a matter of great pride that India has been able to keep the rest of the world shut by testing three nuclear bombs. It is a perfect answer to the Western world -- where thousands of tests have already been conducted for their research. Western countries have no right to comment on India's capabilities -- particularly when India has not signed the CTBT. India in all its duties has the right to choose the nuclear option. Goodness -- this time all the tests happened to be perfect -- unlike the other "tests" between Indian and Australia where they happened to snatch away the third Test!! Hats off to the Indian scientists!! Prabhu
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 11:08:23 -0500 First of all, I would like to thank Rediff for the superlative coverage, in-depth analysis and presenting various view points on the nuke missile explosions. I don't think any other media can provide such a nice presentation. Facts are presented as facts and views are presented as views. Simple. No distortion. Keep it up! The article by Praful Bidwai was very humorous, and I couldn't help but laugh at his naive premise that all readers are fools.
Sridhar Manyem
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 10:31:36 -0500 I have been reading articles and mails of support and some of nonsupport on India's actions in the past three days. I feel it is a good thing that we did it. I also love peace, but not at the expense of some of my brothers and sisters in Kashmir and the North-East. I might feel safe where I live because it is way down and there are other people to take the brunt. To spread the message of love and peace we have to be strong. Weak people only become beggars or slaves and it needs strength to be peaceful. Only bullies try to say that we need peace and ask the others to lay down arms and don't do it themselves. I believe that a land which has produced a Buddha, Ashoka, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda and Gandhi will not be a threat to the world community. Our land produced these because our people deserve such leaders. Ours is probably the only nation which did not go out to the world to loot and enslave any people. If you look at all the rich countries and their history there is blood written all over. Ours is the only nation which "accepts" all faith unlike others who only "tolerate" other faiths. A land which invented zero and other great mathematical inventions surely can do and will do a lot to the good of the world. I believe my countrymen will not let down humanity. Even a child in India is taught values of non-confrontation for the sake of material gains. India is GREAT and LONG LIVE BHARAT MATA. VANDE MATARAM. Satish
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 08:37:15 -0700 Tell the Japanese to make restorations for their previously committed sins against humanity and leave India alone. Hashimoto stay in your Kyoto, eat your Ajinamoto and keep away from Nuclear arsenaloto. The Japanese had to sign that they will abide by not making investments in defence industries as a clause for the surrender of documents in the Second World War. Japan is protected by American forces and knows little about India's security problems with China and Pakistan. Keep your yen to yourself and we will buy that technology or invent it, we do not need Japan as our ally in times of war.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 07:46:42 -0700 I am aghast at the monumental stupidity of the current central government. In their effort to distract the people from the real issues, they have decided, a la Saddam Hussien, to thumb their noses at the rest of the world. It is difficult to imagine any scenario under which the decision to launch these tests at this juncture can be justified. It does not take a genius to imagine what the possible fallout from such a decision could have been. Therefore, one can only suppose that Mr Vajpayee and his colleagues proceeded knowing fully well what they were dragging India into. It is precisely this kind of reckless disregard for consequences what characterises their overall political programme. Another good example is their attitude towards religious minorities in India. Obviously, no sane person with any grip on the implications of ones action would indulge in such idiotic behaviour. But then again, what do I know? Perhaps this is not about sanity and common sense, but some higher (warped) sense of reality.
Jayanth Eranki
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 10:37:38 -0400 Congratulations to Indian scientists and the all the people involved in the tests. It is really refreshing to see some guts being displayed by the BJP leadership. Special kudos to them. But their work is not over yet, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to reduce the sanctions as much as possible. This is the real test. Finally, I take this opportunity to commend Rediff on the excellent coverage of the nuclear tests. Harish Kakde
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 10:13:48 -0400 India's nuclear test shows that the Indian government is selfish, irresponsible, and incompetent.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 09:03:38 -0500 The message which goes loud and clear to our community is: DON'T MESS WITH INDIA. INDIA IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING BOTH GANDHI AND NUCLEAR BOMBS.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 15:21:01 +0200 I think Vajpayee is becoming the Saddam of India, and I do definitely not appreciate Saddam. It is a too immature and irresponsible move when the Indian economy is already at its low, and credibility in international relations is almost zero. May god give Vajpayee some brain and maturity, and make him think beyond the security of his (chair) government.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 20:21:48 +0800 It is really great news and makes full sense if need be. We must conduct more tests and not worry about hypocrites. Is there anything written in the holy book that only the US, the first user of nuclear weapons and other so-called powers can have nuclear weapons when others cannot even take care of their interests. India is the only country in the world that has never attacked any country, but always been attacked. It is no longer going to happen, sanctions or no sanctions. Let the US investigate why the CIA goofed and waste money on it. India is going to be built by Indians. Keep it up.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 17:46:02 +0530 Generally Indians are not worried about sanctions and wouldn't mind carrying out a few more tests.
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 10:44:41 +0100 The Pakistan foreign minister's statement indicating surprise at the US intelligence agencies's failure to detect the nuclear explosions brought a single thought to mind. Wait a minute -- isn't Pakistan the country geographically closest to the site of the testing? What ever happened to THEIR intelligence agencies? Busy perpetrating terrorism in Kashmir, I bet!! Jayanth
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 08:05:33 PDT Australia is the nation which practised the 'Whites-only' immigration policy till the 1970s. This is the nation that has hunted the natives of the land (Aborigines) to extinction. The PM (John Howard) actively supports the views of a MP (Pauline Hanson) who advocates institutionalised racism. I don't think the current Australian government is a position to preach morals to us, on nuclear policy or anything else. As a proactive measure, India should tell Australia that if she participates in any activity which could lead to international sanctions against India, India would have no choice but review trade relations and other activities. To begin with, India may re-visit the policy of permitting Indian students to study in Australian universities. (Australian universities have a severe funding problem -- and the loss of students is bound to hurt). All said and done, the Australian people have tremendous goodwill towards India -- and they are likely to understand and appreciate India's stand, even if the politicians don't. Krishna How Readers responded to Varsha Bhosle's recent columns
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