The announcement by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri of the formation of an Indian branch to open a terror campaign in the subcontinent, is grim news (Sept. 5). It is also a wake-up call to all Indians to join hands, regardless of religion, caste or political ideology, and shut the door firmly on al-Qaeda. If the organisation manages to win any sympathy here, the idea of a peaceful India will be lost forever. No true religion ever encourages terrorism.
K.M. Abdul Wahab,
Malappuram
The announcement is cause for deep concern. The specific references made to “target” certain States in the country should move our intelligence agencies into action. Security agencies need to maintain a hawk-like vigil over the volatile communal situation in parts of the country as this is what causes the seeds of terror to germinate. Though terror groups like al-Qaeda cannot succeed in their designs given the pluralistic nature of our country, we cannot remain complacent.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Tiruchi
This is nothing but an open declaration of terror tactics on the subcontinent. We have already seen the dangerous face of terror, in the form of 9/11 and the excesses in Afghanistan, not to mention the chaos in Syria and Iraq. One only hopes that better sense prevails.
B. Prabha,
Varkala, Kerala
The announcement seems to be a desperate attempt by al-Qaeda to sustain itself after having faced a series of setbacks following actions by the West. It seems to be a last-ditch effort to somehow arouse the passions of gullible fundamentalist elements and then try and establish a home-grown network of terrorist gangs to carry out a pernicious terror agenda. India cannot afford to be complacent.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
The announcement once again brings centre stage the delicate issue of religious tension in the subcontinent. The future is going to be a test for all of us as we need to rise above religious fanaticism and make a conscious effort to keep alive the spirit of brotherhood in the land of Gandhiji.
Abhishek Majumder,
Hooghly
