The revelations from the National Defence Academy cash-for-job scam shows how deep rooted is the malaise. Certain people in authority had been taking their self-assumed uprightness and honesty for granted. They have also demonstrated that decorations and meritorious awards can be bought. Even the anti-corruption wave, set in motion by noble minded individuals, could not deter these self-assumed ‘upright’ people.

At least they should have restrained themselves while the anti-corruption wave is on! Their boldness to indulge in corrupt practices at the cost of the nation and the good name of the hallowed institution is a matter of concern for honest citizens. Kudos to Defence Minister A K Anthony for shunting the NDA Commandant to ensure fair probe. Undoubtedly, there is a strong anti-corruption wave led by the ruling class.

-  Major Mathew Oommen (retd)

  Clarify Chhattisgarh operation 

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has a first hand report from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in addition to the report from Chhattisgarh government to prove that the anti-Naxal operation and the killing of 19 rebels happened as a result of retaliation in self-defence by the forces. However, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo has challenged the Home Minister’s version. There seems to be a breach of the established principle of joint responsibility of the Cabinet. It appears that Deo is acting as the spokesman of Chhattisgarh Congress and motivated by his intense dislike and hatred towards the BJP-led State government. The Prime Minister and the UPA chairperson owe a clarification to the people of this country.
 
-  C Koshy John 

   Israel is at fault

What Israel is doing for quite some time now against the Palestinians is nothing but a 21st century version of what the Nazis did to them. The Israelis were refugees who were thrown out of their land by the Nazis. They migrated to the land of Palestine to live in peace. But they soon turned oppressors. Even Jews in Palestine oppose the state of Israel. The Israelis are certainly not fighting for the survival of Jews in the West Bank. A Jewish protester recently displayed a placard saying ‘End of Zionism (Israel state of racism and fanaticism) = Peace’. I agree that Israel was provoked, yet the onus for present day crisis lies with it. Because it is the Jewish state that occupied the lawful land of Palestine. The courts (UN) and the police (the US) are supporting this intruder. Lastly, Hamas, unlike the Taliban, has utilised about 80 pc of its funds for development in Gaza.

-  Chaitanya Yadav 

   Welcome change 

This is with reference to ‘Uniform Makeover’, (PM, July 7). It was interesting to read about Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan’s plans to change the students’ uniform. I am really happy to know that the students ‘ say was given importance .

-  Shrikant Pathak