The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : `Be vigilant about terrorist activities'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 30, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Be vigilant about terrorist activities'

Police need a separate division to counter terrorist threats to Bangalore, say our readers

Be vigilant

IF PEOPLE in Mumbai can do it, so can Bangaloreans.

We can show the world we are not scared of terrorists, who are cowardly because they strike at innocent people without any warning.

While the law enforcement agencies get their act together to cope with terrorists, citizens should be more vigilant. People should not panic if rumours fly around.

M.A. Sudhakar,
Vijayanagar

Keep an eye

IT IS easy for those with terror links to find shelter in this city. It is not difficult to rent a house or a flat in one of the outer suburbs where police vigilance is slack.

As citizens, we need to cooperate by reporting to the police suspicious movements by newcomers to a locality. If at all terrorists strike, we should do all we can help the victims and stand united and brave.

Terrorists should not succeed in terrifying us.

S. Pishe,
Indiranagar

Be cautious

THE POLICE need a separate counter-terrorism division, recruiting the best from paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies. Overstretched as they are, it is difficult for the regular personnel to be alert to the movement of terrorists or their arrival into our city. Terrorism as the name implies is meant to frighten people into giving into the demands of those who strike at innocent victims.

G. Lakshman Rao,
Jayanagar

Verify antecedents

PHOTO IDENTITY cards are a must, even if they may get forged. The police should tighten control over all arrivals into the city by air, road or rail. House owners should be asked to register details of tenants with the nearest police station.

With reports of terrorists joining paramilitary forces, it becomes imperative for all employers to verify the antecedents of new recruits.

Joshua S.,
Langford Road

Stand united

EVEN THE United States and the United Kingdom could not prevent or anticipate major acts of terrorism on their soil. In India, it is easy for people to travel across the country without having to establish their identity.

Vulnerable spots, whether Defence establishments or telecom and IT organisations, need more than usual security arrangements in these times. We, as citizens, should forget our sectarian differences and stand united and give full support to the law enforcers.

Jaya Murthy,
Ulsoor

Vigil

CONSTANT VIGIL at airports, rail and bus stations and on highways leading to the city has become a must. The State intelligence agencies should widen their network with their counterparts in other States and start seriously looking at the possibility of terrorists intruding into Bangalore.

This is the time for people to display unity, courage and fortitude and not let terrorists enjoy even a moment gloating over their evil deeds.

S.R. Vinayak,
Malleswaram

New kind of war

SHELTERING TERRORISTS, even under misguided feelings of loyalty to a cause, is tantamount to abetting terrorism. We should not be nervous about reporting to the police movements of any suspicious new arrivals in our neighbourhood. Terrorism is a new kind of war and the enemy may not be very different either.

M. Faziuddin,
Shivajinagar

Hoax calls

AFTER THE commercial capital, it may the turn of the high-tech hub of the region to be the target of terrorism. The hoax calls may not all be pranks but a ploy to lull the police into complacency. Those indulging in such (im)practical jokes deserve strict punishment. Meanwhile, we should be careful about unclaimed objects in crowded places.

S. Mahesh,
Wheeler Road

NEXT WEEK: Are our youth being influenced and misguided by sections of the entertainment media? Violence, crime, betrayal, revenge and adultery are shown on television and in movies. "True crime" stories give gory details of criminal acts as though it is entertainment. Does the media need more self-restraint and should parents keep a watch over what their children watch on television? Readers are invited to send their views to The Hindu, 19 and 21 Bhagwan Mahaveer Road, Bangalore 560 00, or email bglreflections@thehindu.co.in.

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