Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Nayagarh attack

The simultaneous attacks on police establishments in Nayagarh by about 600 naxalites are part of the escalation of Maoist violence throughout the country. The purpose of such attacks is to cock a snook at the authorities and demonstrate to the masses the ‘helplessness’ of the police. Instead of wringing his hands in frustration or indulging in a pointless blame-game, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik acted with determination, for which he deserves praise. The swiftness with which his administration sealed all exit points to prevent the Maoists from escaping to Chhattisgarh and deployed security forces to hunt them down is admirable. It is important for all naxal-infested States to pool their resources and share information.

A. Meghana,

Hyderabad

This refers to the report “Orissa losing war against naxalite violence” (Feb. 18). It is true that the magnitude of the naxal scourge far outstrips Orissa’s resources to contain it. The State’s strategy, therefore, should be to win the faith of the people of the backward regions through good governance. This should be the priority while augmenting the police strength.

K.S. Thampi,

Chennai

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s claim that naxalism is not the single biggest threat to the country is callous and irresponsible. It runs counter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s repeated assertions on the magnitude of the naxalite threat. For a well-coordinated response to the Maoist menace to evolve in all affected States, the Minister would do well not to make such misleading statements.

K.S. Jayatheertha,

Bangalore

The Orissa Assembly was adjourned for the second day over the issue. Members of the opposition and the treasury benches indulged in unruly scenes forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House. What a way to discuss law and order in the State!

V.S. Venkatavaradan,

Salem

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Inspiring outcome
Reforming the legal profession: some ideas
Northern Rock’s rescue part of geopolitical sea change
Corrections and clarifications
How it makes economic sense to kill people
Pakistan elections
Nayagarh attack
Tiger count
A record of success and stability in Tripura

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu