Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Dealing with terror

The Mumbai serial blasts are yet another reminder of how vulnerable the common man is. India's rapid ascent on the global stage and the realignment of the international system against all forms of terrorism have ensured that the country will remain a prime terrorist target.

We need to cultivate a security culture similar to what exists in Israel, where regular drills are conducted to test the preparedness of medical personnel, fire crew, security personnel, and the people at large. We need to accept that terrorism is here to stay and work to lessen its impact on the common man.

Navin Muralidharan,
Chennai

* * *

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assertion that the Government will spare no effort in cracking down on terrorism reminds one of President George W. Bush's declaration after the 9/11 attacks that Osama bin Laden would be caught dead or alive. The master terrorist is still alive and kicking. All the might of the superpower has not been able to tame international terrorism in the last five years. But President Bush has been able to prevent another attack on his country, at least so far.

Here is a lesson for India. While liquidating terrorist networks and their leaders will be a long-term goal, the immediate aim ought to be to stop the terrorists in their tracks by strengthening the security infrastructure.

K. Vijayakumar,
Bangalore

* * *

The resilience of the Mumbaikars should not give room for complacency. Senior police officials should spend more time with the rank and file of the force to interact, develop grass roots awareness, and guide them. Policing and security are not just about sophisticated gadgetry.

K.V.V. Subrahmanyam,
Hyderabad

* * *

To say that Mumbai returned to normal just a day after the blasts is strange. Of course, no one can make India kneel. The need of the hour is to reassure the average Indian of his safety. Unfortunately, a lot of noise is made soon after a tragedy strikes but complacency sets in as days pass by. It requires another tragedy to wake us up.

Komal Ranganathan,
Chennai

* * *

The people blame the police, the police blame the intelligence sources, intelligence sources blame politicians, and politicians blame Pakistan. This sequence is replayed after all major terror strikes.

B.P. Upendra Roy,
Srirangam, T.N.

* * *

Bomb blast, loss of lives, condemnation by politicians and search for culprits have become a never-ending cycle. It is time to learn a lesson or two from Israel.

S. Kannaki,
Sriharikota, A.P.

* * *

Pakistan's objective is to bleed India through terrorism and impose a solution for the Kashmir issue on its terms. India is fast earning a reputation as a weak state, unable to protect its citizens. We must wage our own battle against terror. If Israel can wage a war to secure the release of two soldiers, India can at least hit out decisively at terrorists.

V.N. Mukundarajan,
Kota, Rajasthan

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