It is saddening that paramilitary personnel were caught unawares despite surveillance and close monitoring (Page 1, “37 CRPF men killed in J&K suicide attack”, February 15). Neither Governor’s rule nor President’s rule appear to have resulted in any significant change in the State of Jammu and Kashmir as far as curbing terrorism is concerned. The people in the State seem to have no hope of peace. Eliminating terrorists is going to be difficult as terror elements appear to be working in isolation.
N. Visveswaran,
Chennai
Evidence points to security and intelligence lapses. Where were the explosives sourced from? It is time the international community came together and pledged to root out terror or act against terror centres.
Sachin V.K. Jadhav,
Lakhala, Washim, Maharashtra
If there is incontrovertible proof of terror outfits being involved, India should step up its efforts to have in place a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. This must be at the level of the United Nations. Reports of Kashmiri youth now being a part of terror are deeply disturbing. Sincere efforts should be made to bring them back to the mainstream.
P. Alarmelmangai,
Palani, Tamil Nadu
It is unfortunate that even after being admonished publicly and warned of surgical strikes for any form of outrageous aggression, the forces backing terror have not mended their ways. The incident has also brought to light the vulnerabilities in India’s counter-terrorism defences against fidayeen attacks. Lawmakers must address the lack of an institutional arrangement for the management of India’s counter-terrorism response. The country can ill-afford a loss of precious lives at the hands of a few extremist forces.
Shreyans Jain,
New Delhi
One is at a loss for words and one’s heart goes to the families of all those who have lost their lives. Defence officials must now ensure a calibrated response so that anti-India elements do not dare to touch Indian soil.
Debasish Baruah,
Kohora, Kaziranga, Assam
One fears that people in the Valley will suffer for a terrible crime perpetrated by a few. Of course passions are high and cries of “blood for blood” are heard. Yet we still hope that even now there will be officials at the senior levels who will have their heads on their shoulders and proceed with patience and caution. Before furious retaliation is unleashed, there must be a dispassionate inquiry.
Inderjit Singh Jaijee,
Chandigarh
