‘Survey’ of BBC offices
With the release of the documentary, India: The Modi Question, the intent behind the IT team’s “survey” of BBC offices in India is loud and clear, despite the now familiar effort by the ruling dispensation. Treat any criticism of it as a national disgrace (p. 1, February 15). The use of the word “survey” to cover up the raid is ridiculous. The naked misuse of official machinery should be seen as a clear reflection of the growing dictatorship in the country and should be a matter of concern for all who care about democratic and constitutional values. It is futile to expect the West, and this includes Britain, to respond as it is used to paying lip sympathy to democracy while continuing to support authoritarian figures when its self-interests are involved .
Manohar Alembath,
Kannur, Kerala
“Survey” is an overused verb. In taking action against an international organization there are bound to be consequences. India’s stature has decreased on the world stage.
J Radhakrishna Kurup,
Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala
Let us hope that the IT officials get some incriminating documents to justify their actions of “surveying” and the government is proved right.
Of. Nehru Patnaik,
Visakhapatnam
The action has further reinforced the impression that the BJP-led central government does not tolerate any dissent or criticism that challenges its authority. It will also call everything expressed against the leader of the country as an insult to India itself. It is disappointing that the government still believes that world opinion about India’s dwindling press freedom is absurd.
Kamal Ladda,
Bangalore
on wpl
With the interest being shown by the franchisees and broadcasters, WPL is all set to make inroads. There is hardly any difference between male and female cricketers when it comes to skill, so there is no reason why there should be a difference in pay as well.
CV Arvind,
Bangalore