Shekhar Gupta has shown deep insight into the terror infrastructure still flourishing in Pakistan,with ISI and other institutional support (The next attack,IE,January 23).
The fact is that the threat to India has never waned,though a brief lull could be misconstrued as it may be a strategy to wait,regroup and chalk out plans for yet another attack. Sadly,every time a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack takes place,there are just threats of decisive action by the Indian government, which were never carried out.
Further,as per reports,LeT and Al Qaeda are contemplating 9/11-type attacks or paragliders. While this could be a major cause for worry,safety lies in pre-empting such attacks by using intelligence inputs and a determined preparedness to fight terror.
S.K. Gupta
Shekhar Gupta has done well to point out that it is not our luck but Pakistans strategy of waiting thats responsible for the lull. Given the global dimensions of terrorism,we need a proactive foreign minister. Since purchases of military equipment are reportedly behind schedule,and terrorist attempts are on the rise again in Kashmir,a quick and responsive defence minister is a must. Also,a strategist rather than a career bureaucrat would make a better NSA. Vulnerable states have to rise above linguistic and regional politics to unite the people. The opposition will be expected to be a watchdog and constructive counsellor. Lastly,citizens have to be vigilant. Are we ready for all this?
Y.G. Chouksey
Pakistans call
Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilanis statement that Pakistan cannot guarantee stopping 26/11-type attacks on India when it itself is facing sustained suicide bombings,is too smart a statement to be taken at face value (Gilani tells US cant guarantee no repeat of 26/11 in India,IE,January 23). Despite a spate of attacks that killed many Pakistanis recently,Pakistan continues to shelter and guarantee safe passage to anti-India outfits. It has to understand that radicalised and armed militants are sooner than later disastrous for patrons. The best course is to severe ties with all terrorists and start believing in the yet unattained truth that India and Pakistan can co-exist.
R.J. Khurana
Careful with climate
It is astonishing that R.K. Pachauri dismisses lightly the goof-up over the melting of Himalayan glaciers as a mere human error (Idea Exchange,IE,January 24). Its equally astonishing that he refuses to admit that the error has seriously undermined the credibility of the IPCC. He should remember that powerful industrial lobbies are working against organisations and scientists working on global warming. Already there are murmurs that the environment has become big business itself. Naturally,people like Pachauri are under the scanner. Hence,they have to be doubly careful.
Subramanian Venkataraman
