Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120155560800.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

End of siege

The army, the police and the NSG deserve our gratitude for ending the terrorist siege in Mumbai. Having said that, one wonders how a dozen terrorists could land in Mumbai by sea, walk into two prominent five-star hotels, a restaurant, hospital and a busy railway terminal with AK-47s and bombs and start firing at innocent civilians. How could a handful of terrorists keep at bay security forces numbering hundreds for 41 hours?

K.P.R. Iyer,

Bangalore

* * *

But for the police, the army and the NSG, I would have felt insecure in my own country. Irrespective of the holes people may pick in their counter-attack, I feel they are the real heroes. Our country should do more for them. I am a taxpayer and do not mind paying a little more for them. Give them world-class training, the latest equipment, the best bullet-proof vests, and train them to make the best use of information technology to combat terrorism. They should be assured that the country will take care of their families if they die fighting for the nation.

Pavithra Srinivasan,

Chennai

* * *

Three days of terror in Mumbai brought the entire country to a standstill. One hopes the attacks will serve as an eye-opener. People have seen what sacrifice and patriotism are. The national tragedy has infused a feeling of oneness among Indians. It has also exposed our ineffective leadership.

Dinesh Chandar,

Chennai

* * *

I do not think that such a terror attack has been launched in the history of independent India. All these days, terrorists planted bombs but this time, they came in large numbers with bags of ammunition and planned their attack meticulously. The Mumbai attack signifies a real threat to our country’s sovereignty. We should revamp our security system to tackle the new face of terror.

Varijakshan Edakkazhiyoor,

Malappuram

* * *

Terrorism, which started in Mumbai in 1993, has come full circle after 15 years. That the Indian coastline is porous was well known but the governments did little to provide vital security, which resulted in the attacks on Wednesday. If the security provided to politicians in different categories is withdrawn, a sizeable manpower can be diverted to sensitive zones. While the nation pays homage to those who lost their lives fighting terrorism, angry Indians should wake up from their slumber.

V. Rajagopal,

Tirupati

* * *

The Mumbai attacks have exposed India’s vulnerability to terror. I, like a majority of fellow Indians, have never felt so helpless all my life. The elected representatives of the largest democracy should be ashamed of repeatedly letting down their people. What we need today is a leadership that inspires confidence in the people and puts down terror with an iron hand.

K. Vijayaraghavan,

Hyderabad

* * *

That the government and police were caught unawares in Mumbai is a shame. The managements of the Taj Mahal Palace and the Oberoi are also to blame for their laxity.

Rahul Markonda,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

I am extremely worried at the direction in which the country is headed. In spite of frequent attacks by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, we have not acted tough with Pakistan. Words such as “putting down terrorism” and “we will not bow to terror” will not serve any purpose.

G. Mahendran,

Coimbatore

* * *

The only solution to terrorism is hot pursuit of terrorists across the border. The terrorist training centres in Pakistan should be destroyed. If this is not done, India will continue to face terror attacks, and for no fault of theirs hundreds of aam aadmis and soldiers will lose their lives.

Bhaskar Rao Mudbool,

Gulbarga

* * *

It is not just Mumbai but the entire country that is in the grip of terrorists. The only solution is to adopt Israel’s policy of dealing with terrorists. Israel, despite being a tiny nation, has succeeded in fighting terror. Mumbai and the country should rise from the ashes like a phoenix and fight fire with fire.

Sushma Patri,

Hyderabad

* * *

It is clear that detailed and meticulous planning went into the action of the terrorists who struck Mumbai. There is no point in blaming other countries. It is important to upgrade our police force.

Baikadi Suryanarayana Rao,

Bangalore

* * *

Those who died in Mumbai were victims of not terrorist bullets but the archaic system that is in place. It has become a habit to blame Pakistan for everything. Even if its complicity is a fact, is it not embarrassing to acknowledge that we can be attacked wantonly by anyone we share our borders with?

We have to stay vigilant and can ill-afford to be caught napping. Only our politicians can afford to sleep without the slightest trace of a worry as they have Z-class security.

Pradhyuman R. Kansara,

Milford, Connecticut

* * *

The Pakistan Army and the ISI are anti-Indian and it does not matter who is in power there. It is time India talked tough and followed it up with action on the ground.

M. Ahmed,

Chennai

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Killing civilians, attacking places of worship, etc., are not permitted by any religion. The government should spare no effort in getting to the root of the conspiracy and crushing the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. Every individual should help the authorities eliminate terrorism. Remember, we are fighting a faceless enemy whose aim is to disrupt normal life.

A. Samshath,

Chennai