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Combat terror with an iron hand

Terrorist strikes in Bangalore and Ahmedabad on two consecutive days have inflicted a heavy damage on two capital cities. But it is gratifying that the denizens of the two cities have remained calm, unnerved and brave. Surely, they are made of tough stuff.

However, such attacks on the hapless populace cannot be taken lightly. I am sure, the two state governments are sparing no effort to track down the culprits. Arrest of the culprits responsible for perpetrating the ghastly crime will boost the morale and confidence of the people in the respective states’ ability to call the criminals to account.

Meanwhile, Gujarat and Karnataka should mobilise all resources for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the serial bomb blasts. The two cities are well known as IT, industrial and commercial hubs and homes to very successful entrepreneurs. They must step forward and open their purse strings to reach out to the victims in their hour of need.

This will indeed send a strong message to the perpetrators of the crime that the people of this country stand united in adversity, do not buckle under pressure and are capable of giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the nation.

R.J. KHURANA, Bhopal

R.K. GARG, Chandigarh

III

There is an urgent need for an Indo-US security agreement after continued serial bomb blasts in the country claiming hundreds of innocent lives and the total failure of the system to check terrorism.

I am of the firm view that just like the UPA government’s determination to operationalise the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, we should also a have joint security deal to combat terrorism.

NARESH KUMAR CHAUHAN, Advocate, Rewari

IV

The serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore have sent waves of insecurity among the masses. The Union Government should issue a red alert in various states keeping in view the feeling of fear and insecurity among the masses . The government should deploy additional security forces on the way to the holy Amaranth shrine keeping in view the recent incidents of serial bomb blasts in the two states. It must deal with an iron hand the anti-social elements who are trying to destabilise the national unity and integrity.

SIMMI MOHINDRU, Jalandhar City

V

Within a span of 24 hours, terrorists have succeeded in their cowardly act twice. Two state capitals — Bengaluru and Ahmedabad — suffered a series of bomb blasts in which more than 50 people were killed and many others injured. It’s time the entire nation came forward to counter terrorism.

To end terrorism, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is planning to set up a federal investigating agency against the backdrop of the present security challenge. Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani has also stressed the need for such an agency, but does the Indian Constitution permit it?

Moreover, there is no consensus between the Centre and the states over such an agency. If there is any constitutional problem, the Prime Minister should convene a special session of Parliament to amend the Constitution and find a permanent solution to tackle terrorism.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad