M A I L B A G

Islam doesn’t support terrorism

IN his article “Countering terrorism: Try the ideological weapon” (July 12), Syed Nooruzzaman has aptly maintained that the situation has come to such a pass that no place is considered safe in the world today. Admittedly, the heinous actions of Osama bin Laden and his followers have brought more misery to Muslims. But what about the actions of the US and its allies in Afghanistan and Iraq? These are worst acts of terrorism.

I endorse the suggestion for involving some respected scholars, well versed in Islamic theology, in a drive to convince the people that the kind of Jehad being preached by terrorists has nothing to do with the basic tenets of Islam which stands for peace and harmony.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari-Hamirpur (HP)

II

The editorial “Nobody is safe” (July 9) is timely. The G-8 resolution to tackle terrorism collectively is a step in the right direction, a commitment long overdue. To call a spade a spade, Americans must shed their nativity and look at the menace from a humanitarian angle. The nationalism at the cost of internationalism is going to erode democratic values. Hence, the double standards and double violence should be value based and not price based. It is in the multipolar world that the ideals of democracy and humanitarianism are at stake.

The attack on Iraq without the UN sanction speaks volumes about the American and Western hypocrisy. We need to fight terrorism unitedly.

SHANTI SWAROOP SHARMA, Dharamshala

III

The photograph of a woman laying flowers at King’s Cross station in Central London (The Tribune, July 9) is an eloquent tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in London.

The greatest condolence to the cherished memory of those who became victims of this global terrorism would be not to retaliate in haste to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice. We need to safeguard the lives of innocent people while apprehending the bombers involved in this ghastly act against humanity.

JAGTAR SINGH, Mohali

IV

The editorial “The day after” (July 7) analyses the whole issue of disturbing communal peace of our nation by trained terrorist agencies. It rightly concludes that there are forces which do not reconcile themselves to the economic progress we have made.

As a nation, it is imperative for us to understand their larger gameplan. There is a need to remain united like a rock to foil their gameplan of destabilising India.

M.S. THAKUR, Sandhole (HP)

V

If peace-loving nations intend to curb global terrorism, live and let live is the rule that all nations need to apply. True terrorism is the outcome of imperialism. Consequently, for the end of terrorism, imperialism will have to die.

ZORA SINGH, Muktsar

VI

Any attempt to derive political mileage from the Ayodhya incident, which some politics outfits may be tempted to do, would be equally deplorable as it would tantamount to playing into the hands of unscrupulous elements and thus help aggravate matters.

At the moment, the nation must stand united and face the challenge posed by the grim situation with quiet grit and courage.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

VII

The series of bomb blasts in London have again the world talking of terrorism and terrorists. Terrorists are armed fundamentalists who believe that their scripture contains the whole truth and that it is their own interpretation that is valid.

A fight against terrorism is basically a fight against fundamentalism —against the belief that each one of us cannot be allowed to think and work for his own values in life. What is required is a worldview and men with world vision. Unfortunately, Russell, Radhakrishnan, Gandhi, Nehru and Azad are no longer with us, but let us teach our children that “one who sees his own self in all and all in his self does not hate anyone for that very reason”.

L.R. SHARMA, Patiala

Towards rational use of drugs SOME patients alter the dosage and the time of taking the drugs. Some also split the tablets, little knowing that this would compromise with the dose and therapeutic effects. On account of the splitting of tablets, there can be increased degradation due to exposure to air and humidity. The dissolution rate of some formulations is also being altered. Splitting of the tablet can be problematic due to dexterity, poor eyesight or when cognition is impaired. All these factors can lead to error of drug compliance. The patient may save the money but at the cost of his/her health. Invariably during the drug regimen, the patient may miss the dose of the drug and at the next scheduled time of taking the drug, may miss double the dose. Patients should not increase the dose on their own. Knowledge about this might alleviate their anxiety and unwanted clinical consequences. These are a few parameters in realising the goal of rational use of drugs. Dr C.S. GAUTAM & Dr KIRANDEEP KAUR, (Pharmacology Dept), GMCH, Sector 32, Chandigarh