II

After Mumbai’s deadly coordinated terrorist attack on November 26th night, I have witnessed  the anguish, anger and  shock among the faces of the common man and wonder whether the government and the country’s political leadership have any eagerness to come forward and join hands to combat terrorism and extremism in the country.

I am sure, with the help of the BJP and other parties, the Centre can declare a war against terrorism. For this, stringent legislation and political will are needed which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hinted in his address to the nation.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad

III

The terrorist attack in Mumbai should not send the wrong message that the existence of Hindu and Islamic terrorists is a myth and that only an enemy country is waging a proxy war against India. Just as the US came together to fight terror after 9/11, so must India after 11/26.

It is time we stopped depending totally on the Centre and the states to protect us. We have to take initiative at individual level and help our governments fight back terror, irrespective of whether it comes from within or outside our country.

It is hoped that the politicians will not misguide the people by making false and lofty promises in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

OMAR LUTHER KING, Pitampura, Delhi

IV

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supremo Raj Thackeray has been harping that Mumbai and Maharashtra belong to him and his tribe. Now the authorities should ask him to get rid of the terrorists who have killed so many people and destroyed the property and normal life in Mumbai.

MOHAN SINGH BAINS, Jalandhar City

V

The editorial was timely. It is shocking that terrorists have again attacked Mumbai, India’s financial hub. These terrorists have gone there fully prepared with automatic weapons and ammunition. Indeed, they have shaken the nation out of its familiar tendency to lapse into complacency after a crisis is over.

There are a number of agencies such as RAW, Intelligence Bureau, police and many others operating without any coordination. This has helped the terrorists to strike at will at any place of their choice. A federal agency in India like the one in the US has become imperative. There is need to recruit intelligent and competent persons in the federal forces without any caste-based reservation.

I agree that the administrative machinery at the Centre and in the states has to be strengthened to the bone. And intelligence is one area that needs special attention.

SAHIL GARG, Chandigarh

VI

Could we have prevented the Mumbai strikes? Well, it is extremely difficult for the security agencies to gather intelligence on the attacks being planned but it is hard to believe that all it took was a cakewalk for the terrorists to make it to CST, Nariman House, Taj and Oberoi hotels. Where are the CCTV footages? Has the security been caught napping?

Politicians have spoken of compensation. But what steps they have taken to prevent recurrence? We must device methods to prevent radical elements from mushrooming.

I am yet to recover from the shock. A message to the terrorists: You will have to face the consequences. If it is about Jehad, you have got it wrong!

SHASHANK AGGARWAL, Panchkula

VII

The “outrageous” terror blasts in Mumbai prove once again that the terrorists have outsmarted our police and intelligence. At this moment, the whole world is with us, ready to extend wholehearted co-operation. Our political pathfinders must avail themselves of the opportunity to chalk out a comprehensive programme to strike at the root of the matter.

Enough is enough. The dastardly blasts should become an eye-opener for our politicians. The whole country is one and united to combat terrorism.

NIDHI MALHOTRA, Panipat

VIII

I salute the martyrs, appreciate the splendid work done by the Mumbai police, the Anti-Terror Squad and NSG commandoes and share the grief and prayers of the victims’ families.

However, this war against terror was partly fought in the darkness because even the NSG was not equipped with infrared torches and infrared goggles for use at night. It is hopped that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will concentrate on the development of infrared technology on priority. Technological help from the US may be taken for this.