Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Need for restraint

The manner in which India has conducted business with Pakistan after the terror attacks is commendable. A responsible state should take calibrated action rather than hasty decisions like declaring war. Instead of solving the issue of cross-border terrorism, military action will only worsen our economic and security situation. As the largest democracy, India should pressure Pakistan through diplomatic means and force the country to stop helping or abetting terrorists.

A.S.L. Narasimha Rao,

Khammam

I think a war with Pakistan thrust upon by the opposition and the media will do more harm than good. Some vested interests have introduced the war sentiment to exploit the people’s anger. We should not allow the U.S. to dictate our policy even if Barack Obama, the President-elect, is seen as a messiah of peace and friendship.

Pranshu Gupta,

New Delhi

S.S. Prasad,

Arcadia, California

The Mumbai terror attack has turned the people against politicians and rightly so. But in a democracy, politicians are representatives of the people. When they go wrong or become ineffective, the people must take corrective action. We should not sit at home when elections take place. We must ensure that only the good and capable are elected. But we don’t do it. So what is happening is our fault, not ‘theirs.’ The need of the hour is proactive action, not reaction.

P.N. Rajan,

Hyderabad

This is the right time to give a fitting response to Pakistan. Diplomatic relations should be suspended and the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh sealed at once. A thorough combing operation should be carried out in all the States, especially in areas which are suspected of harbouring terrorists. All refugees, irrespective of the nation they belong to, should be deported. And India should start issuing a national identity card to every citizen, carrying his or her fingerprints along with other personal details.

S. Rajamanickam,

Tiruchi

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