Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120155560803.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Living with terror

Terror has no heart. But we have to live with it. We need to make some changes in our way of life. We must overcome differences of religion, caste, region, etc., and vote for candidates on merit. We should cooperate with the authorities in maintaining tight security, and inform the police of suspicious characters and activities.

Anyone breaking the law - starting from basic traffic violations - should be dealt with severely to drive home the importance of discipline.

Donald DCruz,
Kollam

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It is clear that we have to learn to live with terrorism. In a vast country like India, it is difficult to eliminate terrorism as there are a number of points from where terrorists can enter. We should be taught to protect ourselves when faced with gunfire. I read in some old newspapers that during the Second World War, people were taught how to use bunkers during an attack. If the citizens are taught the ways of safeguarding themselves during terror attacks, many lives can be saved.

R. Murugesan,
Mettupalayam

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Throughout the debate on television, I heard many people ridiculing politicians and holding them responsible for the Mumbai tragedy. Some blamed intelligence failure and suggested corrective measures. The facts are there now. Over 200 have been killed in the three nights and two days of ordeal. Brave and able officers and securitymen have died defending the nation. One of the terrorists has been arrested. But the question is: are we to live with such horrific incidents or will there be an end to all this? I feel that in the times to come, such incidents are bound to increase. The Iraq war provides a cause for those who want to die. The Gujarat riots of 2002 are still fresh in people's memory. The Indian state, while dealing with terror firmly, should make sure that in the name of combating terror, it does not victimise the common people.

Tikender Singh Panwar,
Shimla