Lalu146;s right

This refers to your editorial 8216;Singh is keen8217;. Lalu Prasad8217;s call for an all-party meeting to contain terrorism in the country is very good news.

8226; This refers to your editorial 8216;Singh is keen8217;. Lalu Prasad8217;s call for an all-party meeting to contain terrorism in the country is very good news. The UPA government, under the able leadership of Manmohan Singh, is leading the nation to the forefront of the international stage. Yet, lapses by the intelligence machinery lead to repeated terrorist attacks throughout the country. A discreet examination of the functioning of these agencies is essential. A thorough revamp might boost the morale of the personnel.

The all-party meeting mooted by the railway minister is apt as the NDA could come out with concrete propositions to combat terror. L.K. Advani8217;s role in framing new norms for the intelligence bureau and for local police forces will be helpful. Singh need not only be 8220;keen8221; but also 8220;king8221;.

8212; N.V. Unnithan

Mumbai

Home truths

8226; While the country is still recovering from the shock of the serial bomb blasts causing mayhem in the capital, Home Minister Shivraj Patil has no priority or urgency other than claiming the support of Sonia Gandhi. Does he mean that she is not concerned with his colossal failure to take on the terrorists or does his statement mean that her support to him is more important than the security of the country?

Our ministers have the habit of putting words in the mouths of their benefactors when their chair is threatened because of their own inefficiency.

8212; Tarsem Singh

New Delhi

The principle?

8226; This refers to the report 8216;Stephen8217;s steps back for step ahead8217; IE, September 13. It is incredible that despite the unpleasant controversy that surrounded Valson Thampu8217;s earlier stint as OSD and acting principal of Delhi8217;s St Stephen8217;s College, necessitating his eventual resignation six months ago, the college supreme council in its dubious wisdom has formally selected the same gentleman for the top post.

8212; M. Ratan

New Delhi

Scared of a bully

8226; The editorial 8216;Minimum city8217; correctly summed up the reasons for the Maharashtra government not taking action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for his provocative statements and disregard of the law of the land in the name of safeguarding and promoting the supposed interests of the Marathi people. He has now started challenging and ridiculing even the government authorities, leave alone politicians.

What is also unfortunate and deplorable is that even film personalities and other public figures, who are also rubbed the wrong way by bullies like Raj Thackeray, prefer to stay silent. This is despite the fact that they are in a very advantageous position to mobilise public opinion against Thackeray8217;s lot and to call their bluff.

8212; Satwant Kaur

Mahilpur