That firing resorted to by Tamil Nadu police against anti-Sterlite protestors who were taking out a massive rally to the Thoothukudi district Collectorate demanding the immediate closure of Sterlite Copper smelter plant of Vedanta group had claimed at least 10 human lives is reprehensible. It is nothing but a state sponsored murder which cannot be justified on any grounds. The ghastly incident is a telling commentary on poor handling of law and order machinery of the ruling AIADMK government. Rather than engaging with the protestors through dialogue and discussion, the State government has let the situation to turn volatile on the ground. Violence unleashed by the protestors could have been easily averted if the district administration had reached out to them in a bid to address their legitimate grievances relating to the Sterlite Copper Smelter plant on time. It is time state authorities reach out to the anti- Sterlite protestors and strive itself to address their legitimate grievances relating to Sterlite plant without any delay.

Sholavandan (TN)

With reference to ’Karnataka has halted BJP’s jaggernaut: CPI(M)’(May 23), CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury’s perception that just because the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate BS Yediyurappa could not pass the trust vote despite having 104 MLAs cannot be termed as ’halted juggernaut’ by his chums. The fact remains that voters of Karnataka have clearly rejected Congress and the JD (S) by electing 104 MLAs from BJP which is no mean achievement. The leaders of political parties inimical to BJP hailing and giving thumbs up to the unholy alliance of Congress-JD (S) portrays their short-sightedness. The leaders of CPI (M) should seriously introspect the humiliating defeat they have suffered in the West Bengal local polls by making all out efforts to reinvigorate the party instead of merely giving statements in media.

Bengaluru

With reference to your editorial ’Bhushan breakthrough’, it is true that bankers get a breather on NCLT approving Tata Steel’s winning bid to acquire Bhushan Steel for ?36,400 crore with a little less than 30 per cent haircut for creditors. The bankers on the other hand can not expect all other cases pending with NCLT would be settled in such a smooth way. Bankers cannot expect other insolvency cases to attract the same kind of enthusiastic bidding that Bhushan Steel attracted. In some of the other sectors, bakers may have to take a haircut of up to 75-80 per cent. At this juncture PSBs can ill-afford to spend the taxpayers money any further. For this the policy makers must tweak the norms for bidding. Ultimately the NCLT and the government should ensure that the haircut for banks is minimum. This will go a long way in the history of banking sector.

Bheemavaram, (AP)

The price of petrol is at its peak right now, and it may go up further unless it is kept in check. One culprit is taxes and the GST not being levied on it. In the last few months taxes on fuel was increased several times. Rise in petrol price creates a domino effect on prices of other commodities. This contributes to inflation and economically disadvantaged citizens suffer the consequences.

By not bringing petro products under the ambit of GST, the government is making a mockery of the biggest indirect tax reform.

Ever since the NDA government came to power, rises in the price of petrol and other necessary items have burdened the common man. It is most unfortunate that the government has refused to lower taxes on petrol on the plea that it needs funding for its expenditure. Who will provide such an easy funding to its citizens for its legitimate expenses? The government should take steps to control oil prices, while ensuring that oil companies make a reasonable profit. A list of necessary items must be made and by an amendment in Parliament, it should make sure that there is zero taxation levied on them by Centre or State government.

New Delhi

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