Two Indian fishermen were killed by Italian Navy personnel who mistook the fishermen for pirates (Italian minister rushes to Delhi, Feb. 22). The Italian stand seems absurd as the fishermen were not carrying any arms. They should have either fired warning shots or asked the Indians to surrender. Now the Italians have realised that they made a mistake. Even if compensation is paid, the two captured Italian marines must not be let off without punishment.
K.B. Rao
Hyderabad

Treasure hunt
I am not questioning the authority of the archaeology department to excavate the treasure trove under the school building near the foothills of the Birla temple (Treasure hunt results expected in 3-4 days, Feb. 22). They should have waited till the examinations are over. The archaeology department should have taken up the excavation during the summer holidays.
N. Nagarajan
Secunderabad

Playschool war
The news item about playschool rivalry was truly shocking (Treasure hunt results expected in 3-4 days, Feb. 22). It shows how unsafe our kids are in playschools. Playschools must be above business. But making playschools a business, snatching kids from one school to another, and using force is not acceptable.
Balakrushna Dash
Secunderabad

Religious rows
The report Iskcon units lock horns over power (Feb. 20) should be an eye-opener to the followers of all sects. The concept of God, and the dispute over that has been there since millennia. This was the main reason for the birth of new religions, and their break-up into warring sects. Someone must put an end to this.
V.N. Ramaswamy
Secunderabad

Every Monday the best letter of the week wins Rs 300. E-mail your letters to info@deccanmail.com, editor@deccanmail.com, or fax them to 27805256. You can also send them to Editor, Deccan Chronicle, 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad-500 003. Letters without full address will not be considered for the prize.