Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Time to act

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s claim that the terrorists who attacked Mumbai were “stateless actors” is self-defeating. Unlike wars, terrorism is a stateless act. Under universal jurisprudence, the responsibility for a ‘stateless’ crime is everyone’s. According to Douglas R. Burgess Jr. the doctrine of hostis humani generis (‘enemies of the human race’) was invoked often in ancient times by states to deal with piracy (New York Times, Dec. 5). Mr. Zardari should invoke this doctrine and join the investigations into the Mumbai terror attacks. It may actually help him in his tussle with the military establishment.

P.P. Sudhakaran,

Bangalore

Mr. Zardari has blamed non-state actors for the terror attacks, shrugging off his responsibility to rein in the terrorists operating from Pakistan. If India continues to adopt a soft policy, given its permeable borders, soon it will become a rogue state. How many more attacks are needed before we act tough with Pakistan?

Gangotri Sarkar,

New Delhi

The confidence exuded by terrorists and the support they get from their Indian contacts and sympathisers have made the nation a playground for terrorists. It is time India gave the military a free hand to neutralise terrorist hubs in Pakistan, even if means war.

Shivaji K. Moitra,

Kharagpur

Soon after the Mumbai terror strike, our political leadership made a loud noise to give momentary relief to the people. But till date, no concerted effort has been made to stem the rot. In due course, the government and politicians will dilute the issue and make the people forget the human tragedy. They will reiterate to the comity of nations that we Indians are not serious.

T.S. Mohanchandralal,

Chennai

Contrary to the expectations of Indians, the attitude of Pakistan’s civilian leadership doesn’t seem to be any different as far as relations with India are concerned. No political force can survive in Pakistan without indulging in anti-India tirade. Are we not already fighting an undeclared war with Pakistan in our cities?

K. Devan,

San Francisco

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