India is a union of states. It does mean that all the states function independently. They have to work in liaison with the Centre. For the smooth functioning of this arrangement the issues related to governance have been divided into three lists.

With the advent of Pak-sponsored terrorism and Naxalism, a new dimension has been added to crime, where the political and geographical boundaries have taken a back seat. This changed scenario demands a new approach to tackle this menace and the states need to work in close association with each other and with the Centre.

The problem arises when many states are run by political parties which are opposed to the ruling establishment at the Centre. So, there is a lack of trust between the states and the Centre. Past experience also shows that the party in power at the Centre has many times in the past killed the spirit of the Constitution by dismissing governments in the states ruled by opposition parties.

The track record of the ruling party in the Centre and the unilateral decision of setting up the NCTC without allaying the genuine concerns of states breeds suspicion that Centre wants to control the governing of states through specifically designed legislation in the garb of protecting national security, which it has failed to do politically.

If the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and Sonia Gandhi collectively want to really protect India, they should firstly address the problem of mistrust between states and the Centre which has arisen due to the loss of credibility of the Central government, due to many acts of its omissions and commissions.

ARVIND DHUMAL, Jalandhar

III

Whenever a policy or law with national and international ramifications is to be introduced, it should be prudent for the ruling political party to consult all concerned parties beforehand especially the allies and the Opposition.

The fight against terrorism is a very serious responsibility of the governments at the Centre and in states. As rightly brought out in Inder Malhotra’s article "Coordinating counter-terrorism" (May 9), it is imperative that there is perfect cooperation among various intelligence and security agencies to achieve success. The difference of opinion must be sorted out quickly and the NCTC made operational at the earliest to unearth terror groups and their sympathisers. Since some politicians have been known to render indirect support to terrorists' organisations, the NCTC should be kept free of political interference and influence. It may report directly to the President for effective functioning. The matter is already delayed and need to be finalised on top priority.

SC VAID, Greater Noida

Put MIGs to rest

Though during wars with Pakistan, the Indian Air Force proved to be superior to the Pakistan Air Force, the report presented in Parliament by Defence Minister AK Antony is not so praiseworthy. These MiG planes were first purchased during Nehru’s time.

We should have reverted to other airplanes much earlier, as MiGs now seem to be unworthy in the face of more advanced technology.

SS TAGGAR, Ludhiana

‘Active’ Pranab

If we look at the results of some of the recent elections, the Congress has lost ground faster than many would have thought. The Mukherjee card is being played to come back in this game. Can the Congress afford to let go of its trouble-shooter? No, because 10 Janpath has never invested time in grooming its second rung of leaders. More so, India needs an energetic person like Mukherjee more in active politics. India has not been very kind to several much-needed reforms in the recent past, but that has been due to coalition politics. As far as Pranab Mukherjee is concerned, he has always advocated a more liberal, strongly regulated and fast moving India

SUMEET SETH, Karnal