• The arrest of terror suspects of radical Hindu outfits is very alarming. It was a trend to blame Islam for any bomb blasts or terror attacks in the country and no one was ready to look beyond that. Now following the arrests of some persons who have connections with Hindu radical outfits, it is clear that terror knows no religious boundaries.Linking any particular religion to terror is unfortunate. There is a desperate need to understand the basic lessons and principles of various religions. Only then can national unity and integrity be restored. Terror cannot be rooted out from the country, if one does not think it separate from any religion.— Abdun Nasir AliNew DelhiBeyond religion• The report that a Hindu extremist outfit is responsible for the recent Malegaon blast should aid an honest discussion on the true face of terrorism.The usual statements by the government describe the terrorists euphemistically as belonging to “a particular community” though the name of their community is all too clear. Terrorism has no religion and lest we should ignore this truth, it is the terrorist, not his religion, who should be tried under the laws of the country without favour or fear. — P.V. Maiya Bangalore Lines of benefit• It would be sufficient for both India and Pakistan to strengthen economic ties with each other. The recent tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir had affected the bilateral relations of both countries but now the time has come when Pakistan should go beyond its old assertive claim on Kashmir by extending economic ties with India.Given the recent statements of Pakistani President Zardari regarding relations with India, it seems that Pakistan is now ready to abandon its its narrow mindset to paint a much larger picture of good relations.The opening up of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot trade across the Line of Control would help both the countries protect each other from economically drastic situations. It could also help create political solutions to bilateral problems between India and Pakistan. — Anuvrat AryaNew Delhi Inside, outside• There are a few political leaders always attempting to remain in the limelight, particularly during an election year. MDMK general secretary Vaiko threatened to take up arms and fight for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Surely Vaiko is fully aware that the ethnic strife is an internal matter of Sri Lanka and should be sorted out politically and diplomatically by India.— B.K. Chatterjee Faridabad
