Sir — In spite of all the controversies involved, literary prizes are a source of joy for book-lovers. They also provide a great platform for new writers. This year, the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize was published last week, amid the buzz around Haruki Murakami’s withdrawal of his nomination for the New Academy Prize in Literature. It is heartening that four of the six novelists selected for the Booker are women. Further, one of these writers, Daisy Johnson, is the youngest-ever nominee for this award. This is encouraging news for women around the world.
Noyonika Sen,
Calcutta
Right decision
Sir — The decision of the Narendra Modi-led government to call off a proposed meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan is justified (“Talks and Imran face brunt after killings”, Sept 22). In the wake of the murder of three policemen by terrorists in Kashmir, any official talk between the two countries has become untenable. There is little doubt that the terrorists are backed by elements based in Pakistan. One feels that India’s western neighbour has no intention of mending its ways. The killings have also served to expose the real face of the new prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan.
As long as Islamabad does not give a written assurance that it will not allow terrorists to use its soil for anti-India activities, New Delhi should not agree to participate in any bilateral talks. Unfortunately, some in India still want us to have a dialogue with Pakistan. I would like to ask them if they have any sympathy or respect for their country. The politicization of issues that have a bearing on national security is condemnable.
Mihir Kanungo,
Calcutta
in different parts of Kashmir. This happens almost every time the two countries show any desire to sort out their problems. The militants want to create panic in the Valley.
If Imran Khan were indeed serious about peace talks, he would have taken strong measures against terrorists based in his country.
K.V. Seetharamaiah,
Hassan, Karnataka
Mohd. Faheem,
Mumbai
India’s decision to agree to a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries was, therefore, imprudent in the first place. It is good that New Delhi has finally realized its mistake and cancelled the talks.
S.S. Paul,
Nadia
Warm gesture
Chasing a target of 258 runs set by Afghanistan in a Super Four clash at the ongoing Asia Cup, the Men in Green had to wait till the 50th over to snatch victory. In the last over, 10 runs were required. The veteran Pakistan player, Shoaib Malik, kept his nerves and knocked off the runs. Malik scored an unbeaten 51 runs in the innings. But more than his prowess with the bat, Malik will be remembered for the heartfelt gesture that he made at the end of the match.
The Afghanistan bowler, Aftab Alam, who bowled the last over was left teary-eyed after he could not defend his team’s score. Malik then went up to the bowler and tried to console him. Such episodes prove why cricket is called a gentleman’s game. Malik has set an example not just for other sportpersons but for the rest of us as well. It does not hurt to show a little compassion towards fellow human beings.
Badshah Chakraborty,
Calcutta
