Govt. and NGOs

Ever since the BJP-led NDA government came to power, it appears to be intent on locking horns with a few NGOs that are critical of government policies. For quite some time now, a globally known environmental organisation has been singled out for actions such as freezing its bank accounts and denying permission for its staff to leave India. Now we have this case (“

>Greenpeace staffer sent back despite holding valid visa ”, June 9). There seems to be great contradiction in India’s acts. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s administrators are trying to extend its global reach, yet appear to be increasingly intolerant of dissent, both domestic and global. The government has to learn to live with criticism and dissent as these are integral to a democracy.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bengaluru

It is unbecoming of the government to try and squeeze the life out of eminent NGOs. Management of the environment is important in today’s globalised and energy-hungry world. What is wrong if activists try and point out unpleasant truths? Climate change is a serious problem and so too is environmental degradation. If an activist organisation is trying to contribute its mite in saving the environment, and something which the government should be doing, we need to support its efforts. Being hostile is not the way out.

Anmol Gulecha,

Chennai