• Theres nothing novel about terror attacks in Pakistan. However,Sri Lankas decision to play in Pakistan was unwise,especially when India had already cancelled its tour. There are many in India who endorse the freezing of bilateral relations with Pakistan till it changes its attitude and approach to terror. However,that is not to discount the credit due to the Pakistani policemen and the heroic bus driver. But theres no question of setting sports apart from politics anymore after what happened in Lahore. One hopes,nevertheless,that the upcoming IPL schedule will not be affected.
Bhavesh C. Jani
Nala Sopara,Thane
Bad deal
• The so-called peace deal between the Taliban and the Pakistan government has only worsened security threats in Pakistan,and by extension,in India. It seems that despite all the aid sent to Pakistan,only terror gains. All help to Pakistan by the international community should henceforth be made conditional on visible and effective tackling of terror.
Gehna Vaishnavi
Standing strong
• Without trivialising the terrorist threat faced by India,I feel that some of the counter-terror measures are regressive. Now theres a possibility of the axe falling on IPL matches. Such panic plays into terrorists hands. We are a big and strong country with entrenched democratic and secular institutions. We should leverage our strengths while improving our security. In the war against terror,we expect a resolute rather than a reactive leadership.
R.R. Palsokar Pune
Storys obverse
• The heaviest burden of rate cuts will be shouldered by retirees and all senior citizens whose deposit rates will also come down. This group constitutes a large section of the population. They are heavily reliant upon interest,and this amounts to a major source of their income. The policy planners in the finance ministry have so far turned a blind eye to the grievances of this category.
Jorhat Singh
About time
• Picking a symbol for the rupee might not be easy; but it would provide an identity to the Indian currency which at present lacks an appropriate symbol. The criteria set by the government for a rupee symbol seem appropriate as the symbol should represent not only the cultural and social ethos of India but also citizens ideas. Another reason why the rupee needs a symbol of its own is the fact that almost all major currencies boast their respective symbols. One of the fastest developing countries,despite the recession,India must have a symbol for its currency.
Agam Dhingra
