The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : On countering terror

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Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On countering terror

This refers to the forthright editorial “Political will to counter terror” (Nov. 26). As rightly pointed out, Islamist terror groups have created a domestic infrastructure to sustain their violent campaign. We could have prevented this but miserably failed, thanks to our governments’ soft policies. Even now, no serious attempt is made to meet the explosive situation in the country. With elections approaching, there is little chance of any stern measure being taken by the Centre or the States.

M.P.R. Nair,

Kochi

* * *

Politicians and their parties should share a large part of the blame for the lack of will to counter terrorism. Vote-bank politics is pushing the country to anarchy, deepening the differences among various communities at the cost of national unity.

It is the duty of governments at the Centre and the States to put down terror with an iron hand, without fear of losing votes.

J.P. Reddy,

Nalgonda

* * *

That recruitment to terrorist groups has seen a significant increase over the last few years is a cause for concern. The communal pogrom in Gujarat might have been a reason but violence cannot and should not be condoned. Steps should be taken to put an end to the radicalisation process of Muslim youths. The legitimate grievances of Muslims should be addressed. The criminal justice system should be made more efficient and justice should be speedier. The state should play a proactive role in promoting secular values and bringing about institutional reforms to combat terrorism.

Sujata Shamim,

New Delhi

* * *

Terrorism has assumed a new dimension. Social injustice, poverty, unemployment and religious discrimination cannot be cited as reasons any longer. These problems exist in all communities.

Religious discrimination is faced by members of the majority community too in places where they are in a minority. There is space for every citizen in our democratic system.

Athigaratty N. Ravi,

Coimbatore

* * *

The editorial should serve as a warning to the powers-that-be and all self-serving politicians. There is a deep rot in the system, which was exposed in Gujarat. The people are fast losing faith in the criminal justice system. Instances of people takin

The Hindu’s efforts to expose Islamist terrorism deserve praise. At the same time, one wonders why no newspaper does a series on Hindu terrorists. Fundamentalist is a fundamentalist, whether Hindu or Muslim.

Suresh Bhat Bakrabail,

Mangalore

* * *

Referring to the serial bomb blasts in Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has said terrorism cannot be linked to any particular religion. The fact remains that the trail of terror, particularly bomb blasts in public places, has so far led only to a particular community.

The series of investigative articles in The Hindu bears ample testimony to the designs of Islamist terrorists. It is time our politicians accepted the reality.

K.N. Ramani,

Coimbatore

* * *

Mr. Patil’s statement obfuscates the real issue. Terrorism can be tackled only with the cooperation of educated, liberal Muslims, including the religious heads.

Quick fix solutions like reservation, and economic sops will not help. The sooner the government realises this, the better.

K. Venkatachalam,

Coimbatore

* * *

Mr. Patil has condemned the terrorist attacks strongly in Parliament. What more could we ask for? The UPA government and its allies are secular. Terrorists have no religion as they kill Hindus, Muslims and Christians indiscriminately.

It is, therefore, only the communal outfits such as the BJP, the RSS and the VHP who ought to be wiped out from India. Politicians should wake up at least now.

K. Mukunthan,

Kuzhithurai

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