Date:02/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120255100802.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Face the challenge

The Mumbai terror attack was a slap in our face. We cannot blame the government alone because in a big country like India, it is difficult to check every individual entering or leaving a city. Besides, the terrorists were a motivated lot which was evident from what we saw last week — they did not even bother to cover their faces! Let us therefore understand that we cannot stop terror attacks. What we can do is to be more aware of what is going on around us.

Satyam Tyagi,

Roorkee

* * *

We will continue to fail in the fight against terrorism if we do not ensure political non-interference in the functioning of police and other security agencies; the politician-criminal nexus is not broken; and the police do not stop patronising criminal outfits.

A. Ameenur Rahman,

Ambur

* * *

Terrorists clearly had an upper hand for two full days. How can the police who are already overburdened be expected to tackle ruthless terrorists with sophisticated weapons? At the end of three days, the terrorists killed 183 people whereas we killed nine terrorists and lost crores worth of property. It is only when we kill 100 terrorists and lose 10 of our men can we claim that we have learnt to tackle terror.

K.R.K. Prabhakara Murty,

Vijayawada

* * *

True to the adage that adversity brings out the best in us, there is a perceptible outburst of oneness among people, which augurs well for our nation.

We hope the attack on Mumbai — and India — will spur the policymakers into taking decisive action on all fronts to counter terrorism.

P. Sunand,

Hyderabad

* * *

It is a matter of shame that India, which aspires to be a superpower in the near future, is so vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Perhaps no other country has witnessed as many terror strikes as we have in 2007-08. We hope that the recent attacks will serve as an eye-opener to the authorities.

Shivam Sharma,

Aligarh

* * *

Within a few hours, India was rattled. Resignations, allegations, insensitive comments and the blame-game are doing the rounds. If democracy is to have any meaning, leaders cutting across party lines should display solidarity and for once agree to listen to experts.

K.S. Aparna,

Bangalore

* * *

There is no point in indulging in talk after a tragedy has taken place. Besides the police, the NSG, the army and political leaders, we, the people, should do our bit to fight terror. We should keep our eyes and ears open for any suspicious activity and inform the authorities. A common will on our part can surely safeguard our democracy.

Kala Chary,

Bangalore

Corrections and clarifications:

The sixth letter, under the sub-heading "Face the challenge" ("Letters to the Editor" column, December 2, 2008), was written by Dr. Nanjundan Murali, Madurai, and not K.S. Aparna, Bangalore, as was published.