Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Disappointing

As a Mumbaikar, I am disappointed with the Government's rather weak reaction to the blasts. The need of the hour is strong retaliatory action against Pakistan and not just the postponement of talks. We must cut off all ties, diplomatic, social, and sporting, with Pakistan till cross-border terrorism comes to an end. Our leaders, surrounded by security commandos and blessed with the luxury of car travel, do not know what it means to be in the midst of a bomb blast in a crowded train. An Israel-like response is what India must consider now.

T.S. Bharadwaj,
Mumbai

* * *

The blasts have driven home some hard truths about the establishment and Mumbaikars. The Mumbaikar has become, over the years, more stoic and resilient. Disasters hardly bother him or her any more. This may sound laudable but also borders on callousness. The Mumbaikar has become more resilient, the terrorists have become more ruthless, and the government has become softer over the years.

V.B. Manjeshwar,
Udupi, Karnataka

* * *

Is it not an exaggeration to say that Mumbaikars are resilient on the basis of crowds on trains the day after the blasts? The people of Mumbai have to struggle all day long to earn their living. They are not as lucky as politicians who work for about one month before elections and earn not only salaries but also perks, just by showering promises that are honoured more in breach.

K.V. Prasada Rao,
Vijayawada, A.P.

* * *

I fail to understand what the terrorists have achieved by killing innocent passengers in hundreds. For whom did they blow up the trains? Did they get the go-ahead from the section they claim to represent? The relatives of those killed certainly have a right to know why they lost their dear ones.

J. Sidharthan,
Tuticorin, T.N.

* * *

The die-hard, foolish criminals should know that their cruel deeds do not benefit anybody, least of all Muslims. In fact, they tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims. If their aim is to provoke a Hindu backlash, it only shows they do not care for Muslims. Such inane incidents are un-Islamic and those who perpetrate them are not friends but are enemies of Muslims.

Areeb-ul-Muneeb,
Hyderabad

* * *

Such acts of cowardice will continue to take place as long as there are misguided elements that do not care for their and others' lives. It is obvious from the fact that even after deploying the Army and paramilitary forces in large numbers, we have not been able to contain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Judicial delay is another important reason why fighting terrorism is rendered a challenge to the police.

C. Gopal,
Bangalore

* * *

Capital punishment should be awarded to confirmed terrorists. They should not be allowed the right of appeal. The punishment should be executed within a week of pronouncing the judgment. Those found guilty of financing terrorism should be awarded rigorous imprisonment of not less than 25 years.

S. Padmanabha Mallya,
Kochi

* * *

Amid the shock, horror and condemnation over the Mumbai blasts, let us also spare a thought for the victims of terrorist attacks of Kashmir. The people and the media should speak up strongly about the happenings in Srinagar in the same way as they do about the tragedy in Mumbai.

K.P. Balakrishnan
Thrissur, Kerala

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