Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Truth about Netaji Bose” (April 16). Though several commissions were formed to unravel the mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s disappearance from Japan in 1945, no definite answer has been found. The presumption that Netaji died in a plane crash has not been confirmed. To know the history as correctly as possible, it is desirable that the classified files relating to this great freedom-fighter are made public.
There is apprehension that our relations with certain countries may be strained if the files, numbering to around 150, are declassified. For this matter, it may be noted that all sorts of atrocities had been inflicted on the people of this country when the British ruled over us. Hundreds of young patriots gave their lives to free their motherland. But, after independence, our relations with the United Kingdom have been very cordial. So, it seems the apprehension, if any, is not based on a strong foundation.