Kerala   

Need to address core issues to deal with terrorism

We have been witnessing terror strikes and terror threats across the country. The government, it seems, is doing its best to tackle the security situation. It is but a fact that we only respond to such visible and damaging actions by subversive elements. The State should concentrate on finding a permanent solution to the menace. The basic issues should be addressed. Fundamentalist elements should be urged to come for talks. Strong action should be taken in the interests of the country. Terrorists have been successful in meticulously taking advantage of the lapses and loopholes in the security system. This should be prevented. The public, on its part, should cooperate with the government machinery to deal with emergency situations.

S. Paul Dhason

Thiruvananthapuram

It is better to ensure that there is always a certain level of security. We have access to the most sophisticated technologies in the world and it should be used to prevent terrorist elements from entering the country. The public should do their best to cooperate with the security agencies. Evacuations from beeches, parks, etc., is part of security exercises. Ensuring security is vital than a small period of relaxation.

Naresh S.J.

Thumba

Security measures such as evacuation of people from beaches, parks, etc., and closing down of cinemas will not instil a sense of security in the public. Such steps, to a level, will make people panicky. We should know that fear spreads fast. Citizens should know that they have a role to play. They should not panic. Children should be taught to be careful.

Awareness and a participative mental make-up will go a long way in creating a sense of security.

P.R. Srinivasan

Thiruvananthapuram

Vote bank should not stand in the way of dealing with terrorism. People aiding and abetting terror groups should be punished. Public interest and safety should be the primary concern of every government. We should not allow any group to spread extremist propaganda in the name of religion.

K.P. Karunakaran Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

Security checks at public places such as beaches, bus stations, railway stations and airports provide a sense of security. The public should cooperate with such searches as these are carried out in the larger interests of the nation. Also, we have to be consistent in checking extremist elements. Terrorists easily exploit a period of lull.

B. Peter

Thiruvananthapuram

The peace of the State was disturbed by terror threats in the past weeks. Though some security measures create inconveniences to the public, it is unavoidable.

I would like to highlight an incident. Recently, the station master at the Irinjalakuda railway station got a bomb threat call. I was a passenger in the Raptisagar Express.

The train was stopped and all passengers were asked to assemble on the platform with their luggage. The bomb and dog squads then searched the empty train. Steps like these are ridiculous.

How can the police conclude that the bags with the passengers are trouble-free? Had a miscreant carried a bomb in the train, in a bag, the police would have missed it.

Such strategies of operation should be rectified. After the check, everybody was asked to board the train and it proceeded to Thrissur. Also, hoax callers should be brought to book as they cause untold inconveniences to the public.

Renjan Mathew Varghese

Thiruvananthapuram

A global menace, terrorism keeps creeping up. Terrorism is the evil design of a few disgruntled and desperate elements. We, in our haste, tend to treat the symptoms instead of the disease. This peripheral or cosmetic treatment will not help us in eradicating the menace. Our politicians should show the will to see that terrorism does not thrive in the country.

N. Sadasivan Pillai Guntakal (AP)

When there is threat to national security, civilian life is naturally affected. That is inevitable for the common good.

We cannot take chances in an emergency situation. These are not the permanent solutions. We need effective anti- terrorism laws and these should be strictly enforced.

Strengthening of security forces and intelligence services is of utmost importance.

Smitha Mol M.S.

Thiruvananthapuram

It may be suspected that some terror elements are testing the capabilities of our agencies. Police pickets in communally sensitive areas and surveillance at bus stops, railway stations, airports, shopping malls and cinemas without conducting search will not help.

Terror groups have to be busted. Youth hostels, lodges, places of worship, etc., should be targeted. The police and Central intelligence agencies should work in tandem.

Ravi Kumar N.

Thiruvananthapuram

People should be alert against the growing interests by vested interest groups to destroy the social fabric and economic potential of the country. Steps to enhance security should be taken in all earnest. The public should learn to adjust to such emergency situations. At the national level, we should see that terrorist groups do not have points of entry into the country. There should be coordinated and planned action to deal with the situation.

Pooja Elizabeth Mathew

Thiruvananthapuram

The recent terror threats saw many random security measures being adopted. These are only temporary devices. Long-term policies have to be applied. The authorities involved, especially the intelligence wing of the police, should be trained and sensitised. They should be well-equipped and be ready to tackle any situation. The most important thing is to spread awareness among the public. The reach of the media should be used for the purpose. Kerala is predominantly peaceful. We should not allow vested-interest groups to destroy the fabric. People, irrespective of their religion, caste and creed, should fight against terrorism.

Shyama A.S.

Thiruvananthapuram

The procedures initiated by the government trigger a sense of security in the populace. They have been in panic after the explosions in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Certain elements have been trying hard to spread trouble in the country. The State should view the situation seriously and address the concerns of the people before the situation moves out of control. The peace and stability of the nation is at peril. The issues in the State of Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved once and for all. Unless the government moves in that direction, we will not move ahead in handling the terror situation. Also, the public should support and cooperate with the initiatives of the government.

N. Ramchandran

Vakkom

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