Taking Steps to Protect Secularism in India

Regarding the article "Disputed Indian Mosque Destroyed by Militants," Dec. 7: It is gratifying to note that the Monitor gave some prominence to Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao's categorical statement to the people of India that his government would go to any length to protect secularism. The article also reports the prime minister's description of the demolition of the Babri Masjid Mosque as "a matter of great shame and concern to all Indians."

As you are aware, the federal government has already dismissed the state government of Uttar Pradesh in India, where the incident took place, dissolved its Legislative Assembly, and imposed President's Rule. We hope that these steps will go a long way in protecting the concept of secularism, which is central to the Indian polity and is enshrined in the constitution of India.

The destruction of the Mosque itself has caused great consternation in India, and almost all political leaders have roundly condemned it. G. Jagannathan, Washington, Embassy of India

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.