The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Beyond the terror

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 07, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Beyond the terror

Sir, — The editorial "Beyond the terror" (Oct. 5) expresses the hope that if India drops the idea of `muscular talk', it can secure the cooperation of the Bangladesh Rifles to block the insurgents trying to cross over. But can the innocent continue to become victims of violence till such time? Resort to force can be the only way out, provided the Centre and the States synergise their efforts in combating insurgency.

Mondakini Mahanta,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — Shivraj Patil's assurance to support the Assam Government, and his approval of Tarun Gogoi's suggestion for concerted action by the Northeastern States are appreciable. But he also needs to stand up as Home Minister of the country. The federal mantra he is trying to follow will have an adverse impact on the unity and integrity of the nation.

Venkat Manthripragada,
Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — The recent spate of violence in Assam and Nagaland shows the determination of the insurgent groups to create instability in the region. Apart from launching a coordinated exercise against the terrorist groups, it is imperative that the Government send a tough message to Bangladesh and Myanmar to dismantle the terrorist network operating from their soil.

Sutirtha Sahariah,
Gurgaon, Haryana

* * *

Sir, — The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act came into force in 1958. Ever since, the Army and insurgents have been at war. The Army is as responsible as the NDFB or the ULFA is for the disaster in the Northeastern States. It is time the Government evolved an effective policy. Or is it waiting for another nude protest?

Ashwin Ramanujam,
Visakhapatnam, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — Terror in the Northeast is more dangerous than terrorism in Kashmir. At least in Kashmir, there is hope that it can be tackled if cross-border infiltration stops. The frustration of the Bodos seems to spring from years of neglect. The Government should address the root causes of the problem.

Rahul Bapat,
Shimoga, Karnataka

* * *

Sir, — Successive governments at the Centre have talked at length about their plans for the Northeast but have done nothing. As a result, many youth have joined the ranks of the militants.

K. Asha,
Bhadravati, Karnataka

* * *

Sir, — Once again, innocent civilians have been murdered in cold blood. Steps should be taken to close down terrorist camps in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Illegal immigration adds fuel to the fire. It is time these issues were dealt with realistically rather than adopting an ostrich-like approach.

Prasant G. Nair,
Kottayam, Kerala

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