M A I L B A G

Tackling the menace of terrorism

Terrorism knows no boundaries. It can strike any country anytime. Just before two days of the London blasts, terrorists tried to destroy the Ayodhya temple. As the editorial “Terror in London” (July 8) mentions, the terrorist attacks in India are not even discussed at the international level. This is the main problem.

Terrorism anywhere — whether in India, the US or the UK — is a threat to peace everywhere and thus should be condemned by all in the strongest possible terms. International opinion will have to be mobilised to root out terrorism from the world.

The editorial rightly says that for the first time, countries like the US, UK and France realised that terrorism was not limited to South Asia.

SANJAY CHOPRA, Kapurthala

II

The editorial “Terror in London” rightly condemns terrorism and observes that all human lives are precious, be they Americans, British or Indians. Poor people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nationality are suffering because of the atrocious policies being followed by their leaders.

This emphasises that only the most capable persons with a global vision should be given a chance to govern. Instead of spending millions on tackling terrorism, will it not be prudent to spend a miniscule portion of the funds to strike at the root of the problem?

Bold statements from US President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are no solace for the people who have lost their near and dear ones. An action in the right direction from the so-called powerful countries is a must. Establishment of think-tanks to eradicate the menace of terrorism is one such possibility.

R.K. TANEJA, Ludhiana

III

Instead of arguing about security lapse at Ayodhya, our politicians should examine the steps needed to prevent such bomb blasts in the future. Some questions remain. What can they do individually and collectively to ensure an efficient, objective and result-oriented investigation to destroy the terrorist network?

They should also examine the root causes for terrorism in India and how they could eliminate at least some of them. How can they reduce the big gap between the haves and the have nots?

How can they minimise fake police encounters and murders inside the police stations? And how can the flow of national and international funds to the terrorists be blocked?

R.P. RAMMOHAN, Hyderabad

IV

The security forces at Ayodhya deserve compliments for having thwarted the nefarious effort of terrorists. If the terrorists could breach a few layers of security, it is because of the fact that the aggressor always has the advantage of time and place of action. But then, this has well been put to naught.

Major BALDEV SINGH, Ambala Cantt

Father’s Day Father’s Day was celebrated recently and children offered presents to their fathers. In his middle, Tarlochan Singh Trewn has rightly drawn attention to the plight of the aged. They remain unattended, uncared even in well-to-do houses who maintain their garden and treat their pets well. Those who are looked after well are lucky. Old people stand in buses where children enjoy their seats. This is due to lack of moral education in the new generation. They should do their duty towards elders as it is the latter who have brought the former up to their present position. Elders need to be looked after well by children/ society. ACHHARPAL SHARMA, Panchkula

Misplaced stand

The Left parties’ opposition to the recent Indo-US defence agreement is preposterous. Their contention that defence cooperation with the US would compromise India’s sovereign foreign policy is totally misplaced.

Post 9/11, the US has realised the need for mutual defence cooperation to combat the terrorist threat. India’s proneness to terrorism has been amply demonstrated — be it the targeting of Parliament House or the recent Ayodhya temple. Mutual defence agreements with world powers are, certainly, advantageous.

India’s time-tested and mature foreign policy is now negotiable. That the US is sincere in promoting India as a world power was recently reiterated by its Secretary of State. It is in the US interest to help India become a world power in the sensitive region.

Brig H.S. CHANDEL (retd), Una

Interesting piece

Iqbal Singh Ahuja’s middle “Better off” (June 25) was nice. An old, traditional problem has been brought up in a very interesting way.

In modern day, our children have been drifting away from our traditional customs. It is a good effort to reunite with our old customs as these are a source of happiness and should be taken in good sense.

LAL SINGH, Ludhiana