M A I L B A G

Pak must be declared a rogue state

This has reference to H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “The peace process has ended” (July 14). India had to withdraw the extended hand of friendship towards Pakistan for the latter’s perpetuation of terrorism. The Mumbai bomb blasts by terrorists should be an eye-opener for the US too which has a soft corner for Pakistan. President Bush must be aware of the terrorist training camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and other parts of Pakistan. The recent announcement by Al-Qaeda of setting up its base in Kashmir should not be taken leniently both by India and the US.

The US’ failure to persuade General Musharraf to destroy these terrorist camps and groups is really awesome. The US should sincerely help India by starting a joint action plan towards eliminating these terrorist groups. The Bush Administration should declare Pakistan a rogue state and deal with it the way it did with Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dr J.S. CHUGH, Ludhiana

II

As observed by Mr Dua, Pakistan may be playing some mischievous role by abetting terrorism. Such a policy may be helping the military rulers to prolong their rule in Pakistan. However, people-to-people contacts between the two countries have confirmed that the people of both sides have no enmity with each other. So while dealing with Pakistan on terrorism, we must deal with Pakistan’s military rulers, terrorists and people in their proper perspective.

III

Reducing paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir, going overboard to make peace, opening of more and more routes do not make any sense as Pakistan is constantly engaged in a proxy war with us. Instead of treading in treacherous valley under the shadow of Indian Army, it is safe for them to board the bus and then disappear in India.

It is aptly stated that India cannot afford to depend on others to take care of its own security. A lesson can be learnt from Israel who does not negotiate with terrorists and is always on offensive against them, whereas most of the time we are on defensive as Kandahar and Kargil bear testimony to it.

Repeated terrorist attacks have hurt our national pride.

Ours is the world’s largest democracy and we can carry the world opinion with us in our strong offensive against terrorism including flattening of base camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. If the US can travel all the way to Afghanistan, we too can cross into POK for a similar cause taking the fight to the enemy doorstep.

GURKIRPAL SINGH SIDHU, Barnala

IV

The pattern of terrorist activities carried out by the jehadi terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi, Varanasi, Bangalore, Aurangabad and now in Mumbai reveals the exact motivation behind the hate and violence. We need to combat the terrorists’ game of deception. Saving India, nay, the world from another disaster is everybody’s responsibility. As a Muslim apostate who embraced Christianity, I am confident that by practicing Jesus’ principles of love for friends and enemies alike, we will successfully bring peace and goodwill on earth, let alone India.

OMAR LUTHER KING, Delhi

V

Though General Musharraf, in a recent interview, has denied Pakistan’s involvement in the serial blasts in Mumbai and spurt in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, there is strong evidence to the contrary. Lashkar-e-Taeba’s nexus with ISI and its role in India are well known.

Despite the much-publicised “peace process”, militancy in Kashmir has only increased. Mr Dua rightly observed that terrorism and search for peace do not go together. Even if General Musharraf has now seen the light of the day and comprehended the futility of supporting terrorism in India, the hardcore Islamists, firmly entrenched in Pakistan, will defy any attempt to destabilise them.

Brig H.S. CHANDEL (retd), Una

VI

Once again, the loopholes in the working of the intelligence agencies have been fully exposed. As in the past, this time too, monetary help to the victims have been announced and leaders from all walks of life have condemned the killings as a ritual. Mumbaikars are carrying on their daily work as usual.

It seems there is better understanding amongst the terrorists than between minister and officials. There is a war between the unimaginative government and imaginative terrorists who seem to have considerable resources of men and material at their disposal.

C.R. JINDAL, Chandigarh

VII

Every time the heartless terrorists strike, there is red alert, marked escalation in war of words between India and Pakistan and intense speculation about the organisation responsible for the blasts. This is all done to dampen the shrieks of protests Pakistan frown and snarl at India’s alleging Pakistan aiding and abetting terrorism. Much of the government efforts remain rituals. Terrorist attack usually feeds on callousness of the public and security lapses. 
Ignoring a lady claiming to be eyewitness to the recent blasts is a testimony to the sloth and insensitivity of our security system. People with all shades of life should be made aware of the need to be vigilant. Security personnel need to be equipped with latest infrastructure to detect nefarious activities of the terrorists and act promptly.

Dr SOSHIL RATTAN Amritsar