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Pak must stop export of terror

The editorial “US threat looms large: Pak must control lawless Waziristan” (June 1) paints a grim picture of international terror being exported from the soil of Pakistan. After the unsuccessful attempt at New York's Times Square, the US has certainly become extra vigilant against the Al Qaida and the Taliban terrorists who are, undoubtedly, operating from the “lawless Waziristan” province of Pakistan. Pakistan has, so far, failed in its assurances given to the international community to tackle terror groups operating from its soil.

Certainly, the Times Square episode has sent shock waves across the US, and the world at large. This may just be the proverbial “tip of the iceberg” that may have prompted the US to go in for the “dry exercises” of attacking targets in Pakistan in the event of a terrorist attack in that country.

Surely, Pakistan is taking undue advantage of being a nuclear power and adopting a defiant stand in controlling terrorism emanating from its land. If things continue this way, the day does not seem far when the US “dry exercises” would become “real exercises” on the Pakistani soil. So, it is better for Pakistan to check terrorism. Otherwise, it may be too late.

RK KAPOOR, Chandigarh

R.NARAYANAN, Ghaziabad

Maoist attacks

The incident of Gyaneshwer Express Train mishap caused by Maoists resulting in the death of several lives is shocking (editorial, “Attacks on civilians”, May 31). The attacks on civilians by the Maoists are increasing day by day.

The state governments must act strictly and promptly to find a permanent solution of the Maoist problem for the safety of innocent people. Trained police personnel must be deputed to deal with the Maoists, especially in jungles. States must help each other and should not allow the Maoists to take law and order in their own hands.

The Centre must come forward to help the state governments to find a foolproof system to tackle this serious problem. The Centre must provide financial aid as well as send trained security personnel to the troubled states. All political parties should join hands in a combat operation against Maoists in the interest of the nation.

NIRANJAN SINGH, Chandigarh

II

The editorial has rightly highlighted our hollowness and incompetence to deal with insurgency. The increasing influence of Maoists is a matter of grave concern for the nation. In fact the Maoists are daring to step up attacks simply because there is dissonance within UPA and lack of political will both in the Centre and states.

The train derailment, blowing up of a bus and killing civilians are reasons enough to convince the Centre and states to abandon soft options. We need a combined Centre-state strategy. However, the government must improve living conditions of the tribals.

Capt SK DATTA, Abohar

III

In the wake of recent Maoist attacks on trains in West Bengal, it is important that the state governments must chalk out programmes to train their police personnel under the guidance of eminent counter-insurgency experts and police officials. It is essential to combat the menace of Maoist attacks at the earliest and prevent their perpetrators from reaching other parts of the country.

AJAIVIR SINGH, Chandigarh

Of what use is honesty? The Last Word “Lady with the Lamp-and Broom” (May 28) by Roopinder Singh and Jangveer Singh was apt and interesting . But the big question is about her broom. Has it worked in cleaning the department of health and family welfare? I am sure nobody will doubt her honesty, but as a minister of an all-important health department if your personal simplicity and honesty does not percolate to the grassroots level and help root out or decrease the level of corruption, inefficiency and apathy, definitely people will question what benefit the people of the state get from a minister who is incredibly honest. Under Ms Chawla’s ministership nepotism, corruption and favouritism continue to prevail in the health department. Rich, powerful and influential doctors with strong political connections manage lucrative postings and majority indulge in private practice. Strict rules may apply only for the postings and transfers of ordinary doctors. I am not sure why Ms Chawla has not succeeded in improving the working of the health department. Whether it is helplessness to work efficiently in corrupt environment or lack of administrative skills, but whatever the reason may be if she does not set things right, people will definitely lose faith in honest, strict and simple politicians also. Dr VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda