The Hindu : New terrorism's base

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 17, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

New terrorism's base

Sir, — The article, "Morality and new terrorism" ( July 12 ), by Mukund Padmanabhan reflects on terrorism old as well as `current'. However, it misses a very vital aspect. Terrorism of any type cannot function and flourish unless there is a sustained local support base in its territory of operation. The bandits of Chambal ravines, the Veerappan gang in the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka forest terrain and the LTTE's operational base, for example, command reliable support-base. It is this support-base that Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair have under-perceived in Iraq today. The `why' of terrorism rather than the `what' and `wherefor' of terrorism warrants concerted study and analysis to help contain it. Pre-emptive strikes hardly help.

K. John Mammen,
Thiruvananthapuram

Sir, — This refers to the article, "Responding to terrorism — some operational dilemmas", by P.K. Doraiswamy ( Open Page, July 15 ). Perhaps, one of the potent obstacles in the implementation of anti-terrorism laws is the undue popular support available to some of the terrorist groups. Some of them are even being called "popular movements". It has also become a tactic of the terrorists to offer ideological arguments in pursuit of their nefarious ends. In no case should the terrorists be permitted to acquire ideological sympathy or mass support. The people need to be educated, prepared and made to learn about the price of their wrong beliefs.

C. Ramesh,
Keeramangalam, T.N.

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