Italy’s decision to send back for trial the two marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast is a victory for India’s determination to protect its judicial process.
It also reflects India’s stature in the international community and the importance Rome attaches to its ties with New Delhi.
Pramod Ghanghas,
Rohtak
South Block’s tough posturing seems to have paid off. The move should help the dust settle and ease the tensions between the two countries.
N.J. Ravi Chander,
Bangalore
The drama that unfolded following Italy’s refusal to send the marines back to India has, at last, ended on a happy note. In this context, it is pertinent to quote Mahatma Gandhi who said: “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” Both nations have shown great wisdom and sobriety to reach a consensus.
K.G.K. Nair,
Cherpulasseri
Italy’s decision is welcome. The government’s stance against breach of faith has paid off. The court should deliver a verdict at the earliest and signal a new lease of life to diplomatic relations.
Barkha Tamrakar,
Raipur
India did what it deemed fit in order to ensure that the families of the deceased fishermen got justice. But, in the process, it has accepted all the conditions put forth by Italy. It is clear that Italy has got more than what it deserves as rightly portrayed by the cartoon (March 23).
We have given a red carpet welcome to those facing a trial for the killing of two innocent persons.
Bhanamma Aravinda Bai,
Hyderabad
The marines’ return should not be considered an act of largesse by the Italian government; it is a fulfilment of an undertaking given to the Supreme Court of India. The two guarantees given by New Delhi were unnecessary. It is the trial court which should decide how to deal with the marines.
A. Michael Dhanaraj,
Coimbatore
The action of the Italian marines can certainly not be equated with murder. The dead cannot be brought back but their families can be materially compensated to the maximum extent possible. By making the marines issue a matter of national pride, we risk falling prey to jingoism. We should reflect how India would have reacted if something similar had been done by Indian soldiers off an African coast outside its nautical territory.
Vishal Bondwal,
Faridabad
New Delhi did the right thing by taking a tough stand. As the matter has attracted international attention, the government should act with responsibility, set up a special court and ensure a speedy and fair trial. Let the court decide on guilt and punishment.
A. Subbalakshmi,
Bangalore
