Hope, peace and ManipurThe visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur, his first since the ethnic clashes, carries deep significance for a State that is scarred by violence and displacement. Mr. Modi’s emphasis on dialogue reflects the only path forward — one based on mutual respect and understanding.However, true reconciliation requires more than financial aid or infrastructure projects. It demands trust-building, protection of vulnerable communities, and the active participation of civil society in bridging divides. The Prime Minister’s visit should mark not just symbolism but also a turning point in the State’s history.Rukma Sharma,Jalandhar, PunjabHolding SIRNo institution, however powerful it is, can claim exclusive and absolute power (“EC claims ‘exclusive’ power to decide how and when to hold SIR”, September 14). Gone are the days when powerful institutions were beyond questioning. This is an age where the hands of the common man are strengthened with the Right to Information Act, pleas and PILs. Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) is bestowed with enormous powers and has the huge responsibility of conducting fair elections, it must realise that its policies are not totally flawless. People have the right to know and the ECI should be open to scrutiny.Balasubramaniam Pavani,SecunderabadGreat Nicobar projectAn attempt is now being made to justify the mega-infrastructure project in the Nicobar Islands by labelling it as one of ‘strategic, defence and national importance’. Constitution of a tribal welfare committee, afforestation, creation of wildlife corridors, “geo-fencing” of the Shompen people and other “mitigation measures” will not undo the damage. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the ‘treasure’ islands straddling the east coast in all their exuberance. See reason and shelve the project.G. David Milton,Maruthancode, Tamil NaduPublished - September 15, 2025 12:24 am IST