Sir,

Your editorial "Yatra's Dismal End" (Jan.28) was biased, illogical, supporting the case of terrorists and has missed the real purpose of the Yatra, namely, that India and Indian people are united, irrespective of caste, creed or religion and assert the right of sovereignty over Kashmir.

Lord Birkenhead, secretary of State of India had, in 1925, decried the idea of "nationhood" in the House of Lords and stated "Talk of India as an entity is a as absurd as to talk of Europe as an entity. There never have been such a nation, whether there will be such a nation, future alone can show."

We have proved Lord Birkenhead to be wrong in his prognosis about India. India has continued to be a democratic united nation for 44 years, and elections have been held for nine times for Parliament inspite of the fact that people have got different culture, customs, religions, languages and even food habits.

Today, everyone, educated or illiterate is dejected, depressed and demoralised and has become pessimistic regarding happenings in India. Russia, the mighty nation has vanished. One should evaluate `Ekta Yatra' and symbolic unfurling of our flag in Lal Chowk in the light of above circumstances and atmosphere and not on narrow grounds of gains of political party.

Your editorial has missed the gains obtained by the `Ekta Yatra'. The humblest, illiterate man was overjoyed on hearing the news that the national flag was hoisted at Lal Chowk. Such reactions and outlook of our citizens will keep us united. You have also missed to note that national flag was hoisted by Muslims in Dariapur and Moti Mahal Hotel on the Station Road (in Ahmedabad) which is a welcome change for communal harmony.

VASANT J. DESAI
AHMEDABAD.

DATE : 01/02/1992.
TIMES OF INDIA.