I was horrified on reading your editorial "Foodgrains for Assam." It is indeed true that North-east is given step-motherly treatment by the Centre. It has come to such a state now that rotten foodgrain unfit for consumption even as fodder is being dumped on the people of Assam, for the gain of Punjab and Harayana. Thanks to the feeling of people like Eduardo Faleiro, and even our Union Home Minister L.K. Advani, we indeed do not belong to the main stream! Our so-called reprensentatives of the State (MPs) are mere spectators to this slimy game. I do hope for once, they will voice the feeling of the people of this State and be more articulate is Parliament.

Dibrugarh.

On October 1, I had the rare opportunity of enjoying a unique programme Prakiti Manab presented by the Mitali Kala Kendra at the Rabindra Bhavan. At a time when deforestation is going on everywhere, the Mitali Kala Kendra has made a noble attempt in making the masses aware of the devastating effect of such large-scale deforestation through this dance-drama on environment. Though the two other items of that day's programme, namely Jyoti Nritya (a creative dance number) and "Kanchanjunga" (a fusion of music, recitation and dance), were equally marvellous, Prakiti Manab won the heart of each and every one present because of its unique style of presentation and its relevance to the present day problem.

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to congratulate Gorima Hazarika (who not only conceived and directed the dance-dramas, but also portrayed the role of Prakiti very successfully), Bibhuranjan Choudhury (who rendered the music) and all those who took part in these dance-dramas. Kudos to Mitali Sangha also for organizing such a marvellous programme with so much discipline and cordiality.

Guwahati-19.

The recent levy on railway passengers, ostensibly for ensuring safe railway travel, is unjustified. Safety can be ensured by enforcing strictly rules which have been evolved since 1853 when railway transport started in India. It seems that there are about 50 rules to be followed before a mainline train starts: all evolved over decades with only one aim — passenger safety. Even a small railway functionary like a bridge inspector can stop the entire system if he believes that any bridge is unsafe. There are many other safety measures. Neglect in following them is the main cause of railway accidents.

Renewal of worn-out tracks, rolling stock and strengthening or rebuilding of old bridges is long overdue. The recent bridge collapse disaster near Kozhikode (Calicut) in Kerala is a red signal to the authorities. If the present neglect continues, similar accidents will take place all over India.

The constraint for improvements is not funds, but lack of will on the part of politicians and railway employees.

Unfortunately, the Railways in India have become a milch-cow for many politicians, bureaucrats and railway employees. Its facilities are used as free transit camps for political followers, and political parties shamelessly vie with each other in encouraging their followers to travel without tickets for attending mass rallies.

In some parts of the country, ticketless travel has become a fundamental right, and a lax Railway administration tolerates it.

The railway top brass panders to the whims of politicians, and is busy enjoying its saloons, foreign tours and other perquisites. Officers down the line take the line of least resistance. Fleecing of fare-paying passengers and businessmen (who use freight services) by railway staff results in huge loss of revenue.

Mafia gangs have a free run of many goods yards, and a number of railway platforms have become housing colonies.

No wonder, the Railways have no resources, and travel has become a hazard, in spite of enormous managerial and employee capabilities which can give India a world-class railway system.

A change can come only when the public clamours and compels the political and railway authorities to give to the country once again a good and honest system evolved over nearly a century-and-a-half.

Peninsula House,

235, Dr D N Road,

Mumbai-400 001.