II

Terrorism is not confined to India alone; it is global phenomenon with its international dimensions. No country on its own can fight against terrorism. International cooperation is a must in this war against terrorism. All countries should unitedly fight terror just as they are united on issues of global warming and climate change.

An international treaty on combating terrorism should be brought out under the aegis of the UN, making it binding on all member countries. An agency like Interpol should be set up under the treaty to coordinate the anti-terrorism activities of the member countries. Any country violating the treaty would invite economic sanctions, followed by direct action by the UN.

RUPINDERJEET PANDWALA, Dera Bassi

III

Sadly, our country is in the hands of good  people who simply don’t react to situations. The Pakistan-sponsored terrorists continue to strike and bleed India with impunity. The entire nation feels humiliated and stood together in expressing its anguish and anger.

The fact remains that societies are not destroyed by the activities of rascals but by the inactivity of good people. What a paradox! If they can tolerate destruction by being inactive, how can they be good? Are these good people discharging their social responsibility?

DHOOM PUNDIR,Panchkula

IV

The news-item, “Terrorists have technology and money, we have sticks” (The Tribune, Dec 12) was interesting. “We” in this context stands for the police.

Unless the police forces in the country are well trained, armed with sophisticated weapons, highly motivated and freed from political stranglehold, there is no way they would be able to deal with the terrorist menace that shows no sign of abatement.

Mere creation of more paramilitary agencies instead of enhancing security prospects may add to further confusion. Apart from the precious lives of the citizens, the very honour, image and stability of the country are at stake.

Wg-Cdr S.C. KAPOOR (retd), Noida

A mockery

The Haryana Board of School Education has been experimenting with its examination system and syllabus for the last three years. It boasts of having ‘ISO 9001: 2000’ standard. But its semester system has earned a bad name. It changes the pattern of question papers and marking scheme each year.

Interestingly, the Board informed some decisions regarding the question paper pattern and marking scheme to teachers only a fortnight ahead of the examination. Nothing can be taken for granted.  Apparently, the whole examination system has become a mockery of education in the state. The policy makers should know that students are not guinea pigs.

RAJESH KUMAR CHITORIA, Atela Khurd (Bhiwani)

II

The Haryana Board of School Education results of Classes VIII and X are wavering through hasty proclamations made by the Board under pressure from the parents. The sealing of schools and attacks on teachers and heads by parents show the system’s ruthlessness.

Do they think that the latest announcements about passing by adding marks of both semesters would make any difference? Are the students able to understand what they read? Are they able to answer what they know?

The authorities should make strategic plans to make school education worthwhile instead of focusing on issuance of pass certificates.

USHA TANEJA, Fatehabad

Bhuntar bus stand

Bhuntar is the gateway to the Kullu Valley. It has an airport and connects the famous Manikaran hot spring. It is Manikaran Valley and Garsa Valley. The present bus stand is very congested. Though the traffic has increased manifold, there are no toilets, no parking area and no good hotel at the bus stand.

The state government should construct a new modern bus stand at a proper place will all essential facilities for the convenience of foreign and domestic tourists.

D. S. MOUDGIL, Lower Badah (Kullu)