Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Intelligence failure

This refers to the news report, ‘Intelligence warning on terror plot failed to spark police action’ (Aug. 29). While the Intelligence Bureau should be commended for sounding an alarm just five days before the August 25 blasts in Hyderabad, it is sad that the Andhra Pradesh police failed to take cognisance of the warning and act on it. In view of the fact that the Mecca Masjid attack occurred just three months earlier, the information from the IB should have been given proper importance and adequate precautions taken.

R. Murali Kumar,

Srirangam

The report makes disturbing reading. That the IB warning failed to spark police action since the government was fearful of sanctioning standard emergency response procedures since “in the wake of the Mecca Masjid bombing in May, many city Muslims were dismissive of claims that an Islamist terror group had carried out the strike and deeply resentful of police action,” is a sad commentary on the government’s functioning.

Why should it bother about the views of only one section of the people? Should the government not be held responsible for the attack that claimed so many innocent lives?

K.R.A. Narasiah,

Chennai

Even though the failure of the intelligence and security wings of the State police cannot be denied, the entire blame cannot be placed on them. The common people have to play a greater role if such incidents are to be averted in the future.

A. Mitra,

Bangalore

The Hyderabad blasts have highlighted two major lapses: political interference in matters where professionalism should be the chief determinant of action; and, the policy of selective recruitment of personnel on a low-scale to reduce non-plan expenditure. Both have proved disastrous. No government can afford to be complacent in matters of security and compromise on the safety of the people’s lives, wittingly or unwittingly.

A. Leelamohan Rao,

Guntur

While terrorist strikes have become fairly common, the condemnation and appeals for calm by politicians of all hues seem to be following the same pattern. The problem of terrorism can only be tackled by strict action, proper awareness among the citizens, and their total cooperation.

A.R. Balasubramanian,

Chennai

In dealing with terrorism, let us not target a specific community. Let us concentrate on building relationships at the grass roots level. The solution is strengthening our secular principles.

Sreenivasan V.P.,

Bangalore

A point being missed by most is that no normal specification attributed to human beings can be suitable for a terrorist. No human rights can be applicable to them. There is no point in crying hoarse about the menace unless we are ready to deal with it the way it should be dealt with.

K.P. Aravindakshan,

Palakkad

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