Remembering another Nimitz visit
Sir, The recent visit of American warship U S S Nimitz in Indian waters takes me to recollect an incident which occurred in 1979 off the South China Sea. The Nimitz was anchored off the coast. As his forces fell, Major Kim Bung of the South escaped in a helicopter with his wife and 2-year-old son. The copter was fast losing fuel and the Nimitz left no space for it to land. Parachuting into the sea and seeking help from a rescue launch was no option as the water temperature was minus 8 degrees Celsius. There was no time for any Aircraft to take off the deck to allow the helicopter to land. The Commander of the Nimitz, Admiral Lawrence Chambers, in a heroic display of instant decision-making, ordered 20 of the ship’s aircraft, each worth a million dollars, to be pushed off into the sea. The helicopter then made a safe and smooth landing in the space created.
DHANANJAY JOG
Goa
Humane approach
Sir, It is worrisome that the Naxal movement is gaining strength in the districts of Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Udupi. We do not want the Naxals causing havoc and killing innocent people. The problem needs to be addressed seriously, with imagination and a touch of humaneness.
The Naxal issue is more than a mere law and order problem which requires sensitive handling. Genuine grievances in the Naxal influenced areas should be attended to. The authorities must open a dialogue with the leaders of the Naxal movement in the State to solve the crisis in a democratic manner.
D B N MURTHY
Bangalore
Window shoppers
Sir, The Garuda Mall mishap was most unfortunate. There is always a heavy rush at malls, especially on the holidays.
But, that certainly does not explain the callousness of the mall promoters for not providing safety and space for shoppers. Why cannot the malls prevent window shoppers, whose number some times exceeds that of the real shoppers, entry inside their premises so as to provide genuine shoppers, a happy shopping experience?
V PADMANABHAN
Bangalore
Against boreholes
Sir, Of late there are numerous reports about kids falling into boreholes that are drilled for water supply. I wonder whether the Government is taking action to prevent such unfortunate accidents.
The drilling companies should comply with the minimum safety requirement of capping the boreholes and cordoning them by safety barricades and signage to ensure safety
J N MAHANTY
Puri
An obscurantist
Sir, The UPA claims that Mrs Pratibha Patil is a suitable Presidential candidate. Her obscurantist views of having really talked to a dead guru of a spiritual sect must worry citizens. Article 51 A of the Constitution spells out a clause inserted by Indira Gandhi that every citizen of India should “develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform”. There is no doubt that Mrs Patil holds views, as evident from these are contrary to this Constitutional obligation.
P V MAIYA
Bangalore
Carefree terrorists
Sir, Bangalore is now becoming a safe haven for terrorists. The recent arrests indicate that terrorists move carefree without police vigilance. Despite an increase in thefts and assaults on common man the concerned authorities pay no heed.
SUTHAN K P
Bangalore
Restoring glory
Sir, The editorial “Revised plan” (DH, July 5) suggests Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should enable Bangalore to grow orderly. The Government should utilise modern technology to implement a comprehensive development plan.
HARIKRISHNA S HOLLA
Bangalore
