IB-CBI tussle

The ongoing confrontation between the IB and the CBI over the killing of Ishrat Jahan and three others in an alleged fake encounter in Gujarat in 2004 is unfortunate (editorial 'A fake encounter', July 5). In fact, the CBI should have focused on reasons leading to the encounter instead of highlighting the IB's alleged role, which should be left for the judiciary to decide. The IB always ensures the authenticity of the information it is going to share otherwise its credibility would be at stake. This issue is likely to adversely affect the morale of IB personnel working in difficult conditions. It will be better if politicians stop politicising such sensitive issues and let these two premier agencies do their work.

RAVINDER SINGH, Jalandhar

Goodbye, telegram

It is sad to know that the 160-year-old telegram service is going to be part of history from July 15. It was one of the popular modes of communications during the good old times. All joys and sorrows were shared through this mode. As everything changes with time, the new faster and efficient modes of communications like telephone, mobile phone and the Internet, which are the gifts of modern technology, have dealt a death blow to this age-old service. It pains us a lot to say goodbye to the dignified telegram service which served us for such a long time.

ANJU D ANAND, Solan

Terror attacks

The terror attack at the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bihar is a shocking and unfortunate incident. More shocking is that terrorists do not spare even religious places. Though the Bihar government had been informed of a potential terror attack, it did not take it seriously. The intelligence input must have been acted on by the state authorities.

Also, just two months ago, we had faced a terrorist attack in Bangalore. The frequency of terror attacks shows that the country has become an easy target for them. The reason for the success of these attacks is the government's apathy or soft approach and the tardy judicial system. If our government had taken pre-emptive action as the US and the UK have done, terror attacks would not have been common in our country.

MAHESH KUMAR, New Delhi

Unpardonable crime

The editorial 'Rapist must not escape punishment' (July 9) has raised a sensitive issue which the government has failed to deal with on priority. Even the national outrage over the Nirbhaya rape incident in Delhi or across the country could not instill fear or change the mindsets of the perpetrators. Rather, the frequency of this heinous crime has increased manifold. It is high time we dealt with this issue sternly so that other innocent lives could not be a potential target. The people should also come forward to teach a lesson to miscreants and eve-teasers.

N UMMAT, Chandigarh

The weakening rupee

The rupee has been touching new lows against the US dollar over the past few months. The rupee has become the worst performing currency in Asia. The depreciating currency is fatal for a developing country like ours. Its continuous fall will result in an increased inflationary pressure and stagnant growth of the economy. Now the woes of Indian students planning to study abroad will mount as they have to shell out at least Rs 2-4 lakh more for their expenses. The common man will bear more holes in his pocket as the oil and gas prices are ready to zoom. The government must initiate some concrete reforms to tide over this bad phase.