THIS IS with reference to the recent controversy over Mumbai — the erstwhile Bombay — between the Italian prince Rahul Gandhi and the Maratha trinity manus of Thackerays: Balasaheb, Uddhav and Raj. I would like to remind Maharashtrians, that Mumbai rightly belongs to Goa. When Portugal ruled Goa, the then king of Portugal gifted Mumbai to the prince of England who had married his daughter. Gifts are precious. They cannot be bartered or given to others. Either one has to keep it for himself or give it back to the previous owner. History has a unique way of repeating itself. The best solution for the government of India is either to reunify Mumbai with Goa or to rule it as a centrally administrated territory and, once for all, nip in the bud the ongoing controversy.

Muhammad Sarmadi,
Curchorem.

TELANGANA

A youth in his late teens, an intermediate student, sets himself ablaze while raising slogans in support of a separate Telegana state, outside the Osmania University in Hyderabad, suffering severe burn injuries. He dies a few hours later.

What is it that drives youngsters like Sirpuram Yadaiah to such extremes? As revealed by the contents from a bag he was carrying, the suicide note and other paraphernalia suggest that he had planned his protest carefully.

Students, seen as the future of the nation, appear to be the most pliable tools in the hands of the wily politicians. For politicians, it has always been ‘issues’ catapulting them into a higher orbit of power and self importance, and the ways and means have never been a matter of compunction here. As able allies, these young bloods are perpetually drawn into the vortex of such disturbances.

Yadaiah’s decision to end his life is nothing but another emphatic testimony of the ‘political brainwashing’ the students undergo in college, instigating them into actions that have tragically far reaching consequences. Political parties in Andhra may project Yadaiah as a ‘martyr’. But the fact remains that he was ‘murdered’ by the pro-Telegana movement which ‘incited’ him to envisage an independent state where the likes of him would be taken care of and assured a rosy future! If only the modern day youth would learn to listen to their conscience.

Pachu Menon,
Margao.

CATEGORICAL CM

GOA’S CM Kamat has “categorically stated” that there is no question of giving new mining leases and indicated that he had written to the Centre not to consider mining proposals for environmental clearances from Goa. Should Goa have a sigh of relief? Or is it like just another categorical statement by our categorical CM ?

During the last assembly elections our CM had “categorically stated” that Congress in Goa would not succumb to political blackmail. So, how come there are traitors in his cabinet? After the Margao blast, our CM had again “categorically stated” that Goa will not tolerate terrorist elements on its soil. So how come the institution connected with the bombers is still very much breathing, breeding and active, and the politician with links to the institution is still a member of his cabinet?

Our CM has “categorically stated” umpteen times that the half buried ‘mermaid’ off the Candolim coast will cease to be a landmark for environmental depravity. Isn’t it still there as a tourist attraction, displaying our government’s lackadaisical attitude towards environment protection?

During the last Parliamentary election, the CM had “categorically assured” coastal Goans that his government would do everything in their power to protect their humble dwellings from the CRZ axe. Has it happened?

Last year CM Kamat had made a “categorical statement” that a comprehensive mining policy would be in place before January 2010. There was yet another “categorical statement” that stern action would be taken against illegal miners. Has illegal mining ceased to exist in Goa? Has any “categorical action” been taken against erring miners? Why can’t our categoricalCM stop his categorical blabber and give us some ‘categorical’ action?

Freddy Fernandes,
UAE.