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Unity must to tackle terror

H K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “Terrorism can be fought only if we are united” (Nov 28) is a timely call to fight terrorism unitedly. At present the ruling Congress party has no pro-active policy to combat terrorism. Instead, it requires concerted pro-active plans to unearth terrorist networks existing within India or outside with the help of other countries.

It seems either the country is not willing to fight terrorism or is incapable of it due to one reason or the other as seen from the increasing number of terrorist attacks.

Terrorism has spread like cancer in the whole country and is damaging its image outside. People are getting scared to travel to India from other countries day by day. The abandoning of England’s cricket tour is very sad for all the fans. I really doubt if countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa etc. would be willing to travel to India in future. I sincerely hope that India gets its acts together without any further attacks.

SANJIV GUPTA, Perth (Australia)

II

The dastardly act leaves no one in doubt regarding the government’s utter complacency and lack of preparedness against well-planned strikes by highly motivated, thoroughly trained and well-equipped terrorists. Their future nefarious intentions were amply clarified by the careful selection of iconic buildings and selective foreigners as targets, this time. It’s time we toned up our defence mechanism against fighting such acts of terrorism.

As rightly pointed out by Mr Dua, we must consider ourselves “at war” and remain prepared to meet such strikes in future. Our foremost concern must be to restructure the internal security architecture. Professionally competent personnel must be placed at the helm of the security set-up.

There is an urgent need to improve our intelligence acquisition capability. We need to finalise a comprehensive anti-terrorist doctrine at the national level. Cutting across party lines, these preparations must be agreed to by all the politicians unanimously. Finally, all sections of people must be asked to remain vigilant and fight such acts of terrorism, united!

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

III

True, terrorism is increasing at an alarming rate. The attack on Taj and Oberoi hotels in Mumbai is really shocking. Such an act can badly affect the country’s hospitality and tourism industry. However, I agree with Mr Dua that terrorism can be curbed only if we stand united and make concerted efforts.

We need to have national unity and harmony so that nobody considers us weak. Politicians should also give up unwanted issues and work in the national interest.

Secondly, the government, political parties, experts and the intelligentsia should explore ways and means to tighten our security system, including coastal security, so that terrorists cannot sneak into the Indian territory so boldly and audaciously. We have to wake up to make India a safe place to live in.

RAMESHINDER SINGH SANDHU, Student, Lucerne (Switzerland)

IV

Mr Dua gives a timely warning to all of us. The Mumbai incident must shake the nation out of its slumber. The previous serial blasts in Delhi, Jaipur, Banglore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Ajmer failed to wake up the nation to the gravity of the threat the terrorists are posing to India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Secondly, the Centre and in the states should beef up the security apparatus at various levels to meet the threat. Thirdly, our intelligence was so hopelessly poor that it failed to prevent the Kargil episode. Ditto the latest attack.

So many terrorists entered Mumbai via the coast, yet every one was in the dark. The intelligence must be geared up so that prior information is fed to all concerned for prompt action.

Surely, fighting terrorism requires united will of people, sincerity and firm determination on the part of all concerned.

Capt S.K. DATTA, Abohar

V

The Mumbai attack can be compared with that of the World Trade Center attack in the US in 2001. After 9/11, 26/11 is the biggest planned terrorist attack on the world’s largest democracy.

We cannot afford to preach peace and courage only. We need to be strong enough to fight. The way the combat operation was conducted by the Anti-Terrorist Squad, the National Security Guards, the Army and the state police is praiseworthy.

The politicians have failed the system totally. The crisis management team like the NSG should be made a national force to fight terror effectively and the array of intelligence agencies be controlled and made a single agency to streamline intelligence.

R.K. GARG, Chandigarh

Anand shows the way I was happy to see the tumultuous ovation given to Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand on his arrival at Chennai airport. He becomes the first player from outside Russia, after the legendary American Bobby Fischer in 1972, to hold the champion’s crown with a victory in the match-play format. Anand has become the master of the game in knockout, tournament and match-play, the three formats of chess played at the highest level. He has proved that he could win in any format of competition against the toughest of challengers. His consistency and mastery in the game spanning 25 years prove his tremendous resilience and perseverance. The chess game saw a plethora of Grandmasters in India silently emerging since the advent of Anand. This sporting silent revolution has left the connoisseurs around the world awestruck. India should build on these successes, as it aspires to be a global power. Dr NARAYAN B. IYER, Mumbai