M A I L B A G

People united to combat terrorism

This has reference to H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “The peace process has ended” (July 14). Through terrorism, Pakistan wants to derail the Indian economy and sow the seeds of hatred amongst people by creating an atmosphere of suspicion.

Pakistan, Bangladesh and some other countries are envious of the growing Indian economy and its exalted position in the world. Hence, their terrorist outfits are trying hard to wreck the economy and social fabric of our nation. However, these wicked forces will never succeed in their nefarious designs.

Encouragingly, cutting across party lines, political parties have stood in unison to combat terrorism and appealed to the public to maintain mutual trust and goodwill. They have sent a message across the globe that India is capable of facing the external forces with strength and courage.

Dr VINOD K. CHOPRA, Hamirpur

II

As a retired officer of the Central Reserve Police Force, I feel that terrorism cannot be contained by the police or security personnel. The nation too needs to be activated and the people should be actively involved in the job. In the UK, the people are the major source of intelligence for Scotland Yard.

To catch the bull of terrorism by the horn, the nation must keep its eyes and ears open. No crime can remain undetected when millions are watching. People should be guided through the media and rewarded for their successful cooperation. It works well at the local level. Why not give it a try? A detailed scheme can be worked out by the authorities concerned.

SANTOKH SINGH, Jalandhar

III

I am a peace loving person, but I don’t see any prospect of ever lasting peace in the near future. Pakistan is known for its double standards. The military is ruling that country as also backing various militant groups. We have lost so many security personnel and innocent people in ambush, encounters or bomb blasts.

Now, it has become a do or die for India. We cannot afford to be polite anymore. We have a very strong Army, Air Force and Navy and we must show our might. Militancy and terrorism are like venomous plants and they must be uprooted at once. The old saying fits aptly in the present situation: ‘If you want peace, be prepared for the war’.

ANJALI SHARMA, Hira Nagar (Hamirpur)

IV

What new material was available to our Prime Minister to put so much faith in the person who had forced a ‘Kargil’ on India and thwarted the previous peace process initiated by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Mr Vajpayee, an astute statesman-politician, was quite guarded in the initiatives he took but still failed.

The Manmohan Singh government, however, has gone overboard and allowed the chief ministers, Central and state ministers to establish ties with their counterparts across the border. Road routes have been opened ignoring the security risks.

It is the media’s duty to make the government rise from its slumber and refrain from misplaced adventurism in risking the country’s security and honour. Mr Dua’s editorial makes a significant beginning.

D.P. KARKARA, Kurukshetra

V

The Mumbai blasts are a clear reminder to India that Pakistan won’t close down the terrorist training camps operating on its soil. At the same time, we cannot expect other countries like the US to help us combat terrorism in India. We have to fight it out ourselves.

If the US is really concerned about terrorism in this subcontinent, it will have to warn Pakistan in clear terms to close down the terrorist training camps. Unless terrorism is stopped, no dialogue or peace process can succeed.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari (Hamirpur)

VI

The enemies of India are jealous of our rapid economic growth. They would like to put brakes on our progress by fomenting trouble. India has made significant progress over the years because of foreign direct investment and favourable industrial climate. Our neighbours like Pakistan perhaps feel that by sponsoring terrorism, they can retard our country’s progress.

We can give a fitting reply to Pakistan only if we remain united in our endeavour to tackle terrorism with a firm hand.

M.L. SINHA, Banga