II

After the recent setback in the fight against the Maoists in Dantewada in which we lost gallant security men, a large number of angry countrymen have demanded deployment of the armed forces against the Maoists.

Home Minister P Chidambaram did well to reject the suggestion. The Army is not meant for internal insurgencies but for countering external threats. Para-military forces like the CRPF and the BSF are good enough for controlling internal disturbances. They have an excellent record of service in quelling insurgencies in different parts of India and often won laurels.

Let us not underestimate the local police as well. They work among the people and have local knowledge of hideouts, weaponry, helpers, harbourers and the tactics of the insurgents and are useful in collecting local intelligence. The affected states will do well to strengthen the police stations in the insurgency-affected areas.

We must follow a two-pronged strategy — a judicious mix of law and order and development of the backward areas. One setback should not rattle us. We will certainly overcome the Maoist menace if we do not lose our nerve and take corrective measures.

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal

III

The recent massacre of the security personnel clearly sends the signal that the Maoists are at war with the government. The Union Government should deploy more security personnel to curb the menace of Maoists. The interests of the common man have to be safeguarded and the unity and integrity of the country must be kept intact.

RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU, Jalandhar City

IV

Maoist terror is gripping many parts of the country. The killing of CRPF men has badly shaken the country. Bloodshed is no solution to any problem. It should be stopped at any cost. Instead of blaming each other, all the political parties concerned should join hands and find a solution.

SWARANJEET SINGH, Patiala

V

The recent attack on the CRPF reflects the total failure of the Home Ministry. The statement by the former DGP Punjab KPS Gill is apt. The ‘patrol and ambush strategy’ has cost us the lives of many security personnel including deputy and assistant commandant.

There is shortage of officers in the Army and para-military forces. Such attacks will weaken the defence of country. The Centre should review its strategy and consult the experts before it is too late.

AASHISH MALHOTRA, Chandigarh

VI

The Dantewada massacre is a sad reflection of our national security being subordinated to political mud slinging and scoring brownie points against one another. The tragedy of 26/11 brought all parties together, yet the momentum frittered away.

The dichotomy of the approach to tackle the Maoist menace is leaving gaping holes in our intelligence and anti-terror operations.

Unless, the power of the state is overt, massive and concerted, the nation will continue to reel under the onslaught of terrorism from within and without, since the enemies of the nation would continue to perceive this as an indication of a weak and soft state.

R NARAYANAN, Ghaziabad