Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Jihadi manifesto

It appears that the email sent by the Indian Mujahideen, the group that has claimed responsibility for the Jaipur blasts (“Not just a claim, a manifesto for jihad,” May 18), is not just a move aimed at concealing the identity of the real culprits. Although the actual truth will be known only after the investigations are complete, the nature of the email shows that it is credible. Irrespective of the grievances that any so-called suppressed group, minority or political, may have, the massacre of innocent people cannot be tolerated.

We have in place many legitimate forums for expressing grievances. And they can be suitably addressed in a democratic set-up. The government’s hand should be strengthened and the culprits dealt with without any leniency.

Capt. O.B. Nair,

Kochi

The article offers an insight into the minds of terrorists. After every bomb blast, the media have a routine panel discussion blaming outfits based in Pakistan or Bangladesh. The Hindu, however, has revealed a new angle to the thinking of the jihadis. Our leaders should read the article and evolve a comprehensive plan to eliminate terrorism from our soil. Poisonous seeds sowed by our neighbours cannot germinate on our soil unless it is fertile.

M. Ahmed Ali,

Chennai

I am outraged at the concluding remark that it is more important to ensure that the Islamist jihad does not gain legitimacy because of the Indian state’s failures. One look at the reasons the Indian Mujahideen gives for taking away innocent lives in Jaipur shows that their action has nothing to do with the Indian state’s failure.

Hatred for tourists; hatred for Hindu gods; hatred for moderate clergy such as the Deoband school which renounced terrorism; and hatred for groups such as the VHP and the RSS that do not represent mainstream Indians are what constitute their logic for perpetrating terror.

These terrorist groups which believe that forgiveness can become relevant only after a decisive military victory should be made to realise that they have to renounce terror and join the mainstream. Politicians such as Narendra Modi should hang their heads in shame for giving an alibi to the terrorists to kill.

P.B. Ramesh,

Chennai

It is unfortunate to see the reasons forwarded by the Indian Mujahideen for legitimising their actions. India is a democracy and the minorities enjoy maximum freedom here.

One hopes the government will wake up to the threat posed by Islamist terrorism and take proactive measures to contain it.

V.S. Ganeshan,

Bangalore

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