L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Consensus must to fight terror

I read H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “Terrorism can be fought only if we are united” (Nov 28). Our security machinery is in a terrible mess. It needs to be tightened to protect the life and property. Everyone must be checked at places like airports, railway stations, bus stands, hotels and office buildings.

We must equip our police and security forces with the best arms and ammunition to tackle terror. They must be trained and should be judiciously deployed.

The media, too, should be held responsible for lapses. The terrorists actually got vital clues about the strength of our security force from TV channels. A political consensus is needed to fight terror effectively. The jihadis have waged a war on India. We can defeat their nefarious designs only by remaining united.

DARBARA SINGH KAHLON, Awankha (Gurdaspur)

II

Mr Dua has rightly commented that the terrorists have openly challenged and declared that they are at war with India. The non-stop TV coverage has served their primary purpose of demonstrating their ability to hold out against the full force of the state.

We must tighten the intelligence and security apparatus. Pakistan has become a fertile land for terrorism. Dawood Ibrahim, ISI’s trump card, is the brain behind the Mumbai mayhem. We must catch him at any cost. Consider how Israel, after a long search, nabbed the notorious Ickman who had butchered six million Jews in World War II.

Mr Dua aptly advised the Centre and the states to streamline the security and intelligence apparatus. At the same time, we should maintain unity and harmony to combat terrorism.

SUMAN KUKAL, Chandigarh

III

It is the common people who suffer most and bear the brunt of gruesome act of terror. But somehow or other every despicable act of terror strike becomes a godsend opportunity for the politicians.

The habitual fingers pointing at security agencies and blaming the Opposition would never serve any useful purpose. The need of the hour is to stand united and maintain a cool head to fight the fresh scourge of terrorism. For lasting peace and harmony, it is imperative that people unilaterally denounce both terrorism and partisan politics.

RAVINDER KUMAR BANYAL, Bangalore

IV

The authorities should shoulder their responsibilities with the same professionalism and commitment they swear on being elected by the citizens. Cooperation is the need of the hour. The government has to own up its responsibility for the failure of the security apparatus. It should stand up and admit where it has failed — security or intelligence failure or lack of planning machinery.

Mr Dua has rightly remarked that the loss of innocent life and liberty in various terrorist strikes including the one in Mumbai can be tackled only if we remain united and fight bravely.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

V

A bunch of terrorists alighted near Mumbai’s Gateway of India through sea route violating the international law, moved freely loaded with arms and ammunition and caused mayhem. They proceeded to landmark hotels and brought India’s commercial capital under siege.

They carried out their attacks on innocent people killing hundreds of them mercilessly. The execution of the meticulously planned operation is not feasible without the support of some local misguided people and a thorough rehearsal. There was a complete failure of intelligence and the forces which provide security to the dream city. All political parties should stand united against terrorism and eschew the blame game.

J.S. BHALLA, Chandigarh

Crusader against corruption The Tribune carried a befitting tribute to former Prime Minister V.P. Singh in its editorial on Nov 28. It rightly acknowledged his seminal contribution to the polity in ushering in an inclusive society. He was a crusader against corruption. As the Union Finance Minister, he initiated economic reforms and liberalisation which were irreversible and carried forward by successive governments. Like the veteran CPI leader the late C. Rajeshwar Rao, V.P. Singh, too, will be remembered for donating his parental property to the state. RUP NARAYAN DAS, New Delhi