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Formulate policy to fight terror

Our security agencies have proved their worth by detecting the sophisticated explosives meant for terror attacks in Delhi (editorial, “Timely detection: RDX seizure boost for intelligence”, October 15). It only proves the point that if the State has the will, it can invigorate its system in such a manner that rogue elements cannot perpetrate terror against its people as and when they want. Obviously, managing a country as vast and complex as India, is not an easy task for any government and its agencies.

Moreover, our country is a federation of states, and the Centre has to respect the states and cannot interfere with their working. Naturally, this makes managing affairs like national security very difficult. But here, it becomes pertinent for the Centre and states to evolve a system that can ensure swift exchange of information on security matters. This has to be done in the interest of the country. It should not be allowed to become a political issue. We are fighting against a terror network with links outside the country. There are non-state actors, both inside and outside the country, which are supporting the activities of various terror groups. A national counterterrorism policy needs to be evolved with the absolute support of all political parties so that no matter which party comes to power, the fight against terrorism continues unabated.

RANBIR CHOUDHARY, New Delhi

Watchful India

I fully share the tone and tenor of your timely and thought-provoking editorial, “China must keep off PoK: It is an intrusion into Indian territory” (October 8), highlighting the objectionable antics by China in PoK—an Indian territory forcibly occupied by Pakistan.

India, of course, cannot legitimately oppose what China and Pakistan decide to do as part of their national policy. However, India has every right to oppose the illegal Chinese activities in PoK, as the editorial points out. Pakistan may have its compulsions to grant liberal concessions to China at the moment because of its strained relations with the US. But India, on her part, must always remain watchful.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Pangs of poverty

This refers to the news item, “75% rural single women don’t get even minimum wages” (October 12). In a male-dominated society, being a woman itself is limiting in many ways. The struggle for survival starts within the womb. There cannot be a greater nightmare than being a single woman with a family to support, sans means and stuck in batty environs of a spooky, godforsaken place, with no help from any quarters whatsoever.

The quoted statistics in the news item belie any contrarian claims by the establishment. We have become used to perpetual poverty. ‘A free race cannot be born of slave mothers’, said Margaret Sanger. Are we then preparing for another millennium of slavery?

VINOD KUMAR KHANNA, S A S Nagar

Deplorable act

We, the people of India, feel proud of our culture which has always stood for freedom of speech and expression. This culture is rich because it has allowed people to express themselves. But even today hooligans pose a threat to that freedom which the Constitution of this nation guarantees us. It is a different matter whether one favours or opposes an individual’s viewpoint.

Prashant Bhushan’s stand on Kashmir is entirely a separate issue. No one denies that fact. But to indulge in violence against anyone who expresses a view which is against the sentiments of the majority is outrageous to say the least.

GURPREET SINGH, Jalandhar

Merits of a clear conscience
This is with reference to Rachna Singh’s thought-provoking middle, ”Is honesty the best policy?” (October 7). The writer has wisely emphasised the gap between precept and practice. However, I feel that the answer to the million-dollar question varies from person to person depending upon his or her experience.

I, for one, believe that a person should practise honesty even at the risk of forfeiting ’luxurious living’ earned through unscrupulous means. I have several incidents to relate to justify my view. Here is one: In the early 1970s, I was working as a lecturer at Government College, Bhiwani. I was living in a rented house. In 1989, I lived at Gurgaon in my own house. One day I went to see my old landlord, who had started living at my new place of posting. While introducing me to a visitor, he said, ”He is the most honest person I have ever seen. He is the man who increased the rent disclosing that his house rent allowance had been increased.”
Is the compliment not a reward for being honest? One word more. An honest person enjoys peace of mind. ”There is no pillow as soft,” says a French proverb, ”as a clear conscience.”
M K KOHLI, Gurgaon