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Strong law needed to fight terror

The increasing terrorist attacks in the country underline India’s weak deterrent power as a nation. There is a general impression that any person can commit such heinous acts at will and get away easily. It is time India shed its “soft state” image, and took some immediate and firm counter measures to fight the menace of terrorism with an iron hand.

Though unacceptable to some, including the UPA government at the Centre, the need of the hour is to revive laws like POTA, at least as a short-term measure. Our police and security forces need to be woken up from their slumber and given a complete overhaul to enable them not only to take reactive but also proactive measures. The intelligence agencies need to pull up their socks.

There should be a strong political will to combat terror. These are testing times and the need of the hour is for all the political parties to rise above partisan politics and come together to tackle this crisis situation before it is too late.

B.N. DWIVEDI, Panchkula

II

The recent blasts in New Delhi are condemnable. These dastardly acts trigger a fear psychosis among the people who feel insecure and unsafe. Terrorism must be combated firmly at any cost. As some political parties are demanding tough laws, we should ensure that these laws are not misused by the enforcement agency, i.e. the police. The recent attacks on the minorities are also deplorable.

SATNAM SINGH, Chandigarh

III

The National Security Adviser, in a letter to the Union Home Ministry, has said that the anti-terror laws need to be strengthened. The Centre should not stop the state governments from enacting their own anti-terror laws. Why is the Union Home Minister saying that Gujarat’s demand for an anti-terror law is unacceptable.

While the NSA appears to support Gujarat’s demand, the Centre has said no. Gujarat Chief Minister Narensdra Modi has promptly accused the Centre of being soft on terror. Why play politics on terror? The Centre and the states should unitedly fight terror and, in this mission, they should rise above partisan politics.

SUDHIR MAHAJAN, Amritsar

A role model

Delhi Police Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma has become a martyr. He was shot dead by the terrorists at New Delhi’s Jamia Nagar when he went to raid the terrorists’ den. He got seven gallantry awards and over 150 rewards in his career. He had neutralised 120 gangsters, 35 terrorists and was also responsible for arresting 80 terrorists. His achievements are no less than those made by our cricket players in domestic and international competitions.

It would be a fitting tribute to Sharma if the Centre, all the state governments and MNCs announce cash awards posthumously in recognition of his valour and high spirit of patriotism. Sharma is a true hero and a role model for the younger generation.

Dr VINOD KUMAR, Chandigarh

II

Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma has sacrificed his life and saved lakhs of Delhi-ites from the clutches of terrorists by killing two of them at Jamia Nagar recently. People of India should express their gratitude to him and his team not by words but by taking care of his son, daughter and wife.

Indeed, he was a super cop. With his nose to the ground and a strong network of informers, he broke open many cases. All policemen should imbibe his skills. Surely, his supreme sacrifice will inspire young Indians to opt for a career in the police.

S.V. MURUGAN, Karaikal (Puducherry)

Central status for PU The editorial “U-turn on PU” gives a befitting reply to those who have vehemently opposed Central status to Panjab University, Chandigarh. The Punjab Chief Minister had not taken a decision in a hurry. In fact, he took a lot of time before deciding the issue. Certain facts need to be brought out. First, some big personalities never at any stage have opposed the move by PUTA which spearheaded the movement in favour of Central status for over two months. Secondly, PUTA roped in those political forces in its favour to whom some of these big men are said to be close ideologically. Thirdly, the concept of Punjabiat is only a ploy for certain big people of Punjab. They remain in focus just on its mere slogan. There is no spirit of Punjabiat among some Punjabis. Fourthly, these personalities have not unitedly pressurised the government to improve basic primary education in Punjab where only the children of the Dalits and marginalised farmers get admitted just to remain practically excluded from Adarsh Schools. And finally, they should have suggested how the financial requirements of Panjab University could be met. This move is also against those sections of students who hail from economically poor families and who would be benefiting in their research projects in many ways. G. S. BAL, Jalandhar

In reverse order

Haryana has Rs 6,400 crore as surplus. It has a better growth rate than Punjab. Its power situation is far better. Employment avenues in Haryana are the best. Doctors and others are not only recruited regularly but are given incentives. Its roads are in good shape.

In Punjab, however, everything is in reverse order. We are in debt, the power situation is grim and the roads are in a pitiable condition. Healthcare is in doldrums. There are no employment opportunities for anyone.

Why is Punjab so different? Its rulers lack wisdom and they believe in blaming each other and doing nothing.

Dr NARESH RAJ, Patiala