Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Checking infiltration

Sir, — The editorial `Not the moment for hawkishness' (June 18) is to the point. The yardstick now spelt by the Union Home Minister, L.K. Advani, for resumption of bilateral talks lacks the outlook of a statesman. The surveillance of the Line of Control calls for a systemic approach.

The sensors meant for monitoring militant influx do respond to other moving objects (animals) as well. Hence, the alarms need verification. The oblique suggestion for a joint U.S.-U.K. helicopter inspection was meant to take care of such contingencies. In the absence of such a comprehensive approach, any amount of discussion over cross-border terrorism and closure of terrorist camps will not carry conviction. Moreover, such a strategy will discourage Islamabad from backing any remnant militant camps.

This together with the positive approach towards bilateral talks is sure to result in a conducive atmosphere towards confidence-building.

Otherwise, the global understanding that has been so skilfully generated hitherto will be lost for want of a meaningful approach.

Syed Gowher Ali,

Chennai

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Stories in this Section

• The politics of hatred
• The unprotected toilers
• Politics after Gujarat
• Challenges before Kalam
• Checking infiltration
• Not a deserter
• Wrong spokesperson
• Unfair criticism
• Irrelevant reference
• Kalam should be firm
• What about Pearl?
• Dismal performance
• A rude shock

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