C. Raja Mohan aptly brought out the fact that the nation cannot afford to remain a mute spectator at the sight of the rapid crumbling of the most professional,apolitical and secular institution due to the sheer apathetic approach of those who matter (Awaiting orders,IE,April 1). Over a period of time,the armed forces have accepted the humiliation meted out as a fait accompli. The negative reaction to all proposals to maintain a professional and modern armed forces by the government has left the forces disillusioned. The new army chief is no doubt fully aware of the challenges,like his predecessors. But will the people in power oblige?
Amitabh
Goa
Infirm rebirth?
Pratap Bhanu Mehtas Incomplete makeover (IE,March 30) appropriately focused on the dilemma the BJP is caught in. The party suffers from several infirmities. A makeover and shuffling of members alone will not do. Young and new faces have a limited role to play. The BJPs problems are fundamental. Its reach is limited to upper caste Hindus. It will never succeed in creating a Hindu vote bank. Another disadvantage it suffers from is that it doesnt have a single individual who can keep the flock together. The BJP has to identify itself with the common man. It has to enlarge its reach and make itself acceptable to all segments of society. It must focus on issues of infrastructure development,provision of bijli,sadak,pani,education,health,etc. The BJP must give thought to these aspects if it wants to emerge stronger.
S. Shankar Singh
New Delhi
Root causes
This refers to Mountains of terror (IE,March 31). Persistent terror attacks should make the political leadership across the world realise that this common enemy cannot simply be dragged out and destroyed. The malady of fast spreading jehadi terrorism must be studied objectively and its socio-political causes collectively remedied before we can hope to eradicate it. Repeated suicide bombings,particularly by women in Ingushetia,Dagestan and the rest of the North Caucasus,call for some introspection by the Russian leadership. The fast growing economic imbalances and problems of unemployment,corruption and mal-administration feed discontent among educated and innocent youth and turn them into potential dangers to the civilised world.
Ved Guliani
Hisar
Play the cards
After healthcare at home and announcing a new nuclear arms control treaty with Moscow,Barack Obama is ready for the kill. But his declaration to engage US troops till the job is done cannot be taken at face value,because the ground realities in Afghanistan have not changed. Now is the time for India to play its cards carefully.
C. Koshy John
