Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Unprecedented

Wednesday’s terror attacks in Mumbai were unprecedented in nature — well-planned and executed to have the maximum impact. Post-Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts, we should have been more cautious. The Mumbai attacks have reinforced how easy it is to acquire weapons and explosives. By targeting places frequented by foreigners, the terrorists have tried to malign India’s image abroad. It would require immense political will and vision to put down terror.

Amit Tripathi,

Hyderabad

The Mumbai attacks show how vulnerable our country has become. The death of Hemant Karkare, Maharashtra ATS chief, is unfortunate. Never have terrorists attacked the country so daringly. We must have tighter security measures and stronger laws to deal with the menace.

R. Srikanth,

Chennai

Terror is spreading its tentacles like an octopus. Top policemen and many people have been killed in the latest Mumbai attacks. Sneaking into the Taj Hotel seemed to be a cakewalk for the terrorists. One is at a loss to understand what needs to be done to deal with terror groups. Do we need better laws, law-enforcement or vigilance?

Philip Joshua,

Secunderabad

That about two dozen men could take on Mumbai after gaining entry, reportedly through the sea route, and strike terror in an orchestrated manner is more surprising than the acts themselves. The death of the ATS chief and other policemen within a few hours is indeed a great loss. The nation salutes them for their sacrifice.

S. Chandan,

Hyderabad

How safe are people in a city where terrorists can just walk into 11 places and kill indiscriminately? It appears that once we leave home, there is no guarantee that we will return safely.

M. Mangayarkkarasi,

Coimbatore

The terrorists launched a frontal attack on India’s economic capital just three days after the Prime Minister addressed the top police brass urging them to fight terrorism effectively. It is indeed distressing that our agencies failed to detect a large group of terrorists with lethal weapons approaching Mumbai. India needs to tackle terror by placing the national interest above all other vested interests — personal, political and religious.

Salin Thomas,

Kottayam

It was shocking to learn that a group of terrorists came by boat undetected by the Coast Guard. Just as we have united as a nation in times of war, we should sink our differences and fight terrorism together.

V. Hari Haran,

Chennai

It is shocking and shameful that our intelligence agencies had no clue that deadly arms and ammunition were finding their way into the business capital. The country has seen enough terror attacks in the recent past. It is time Home Minister Shivraj Patil took responsibility for his failure to control terrorism and resigned.

T.C. Girivasan,

Puducherry

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