• A reduction in terrorist violence seen in 2009 must not serve as the basis for troop reduction in Kashmir. It may well be the case that terror outfits in Pakistan have been under pressure in 2009 and thus the fall in violence. There always existed the possibility of terrorists awaiting an opportunity to cross over; and the fidayeen attack on Wednesday in Srinagar proved just that point. Therefore,easing the security mechanism in Kashmir may have serious consequences.
M.C. Joshi
Kashmir paradox
• Just as the NSA had issued a statement vis-à-vis the improving situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the prospect of a withdrawal of some troops,the fidayeen struck in the heart of Srinagar. Further statements from President Asif Ali Zardari over a thousand-year ideological war may have reinforced the terrorist campaign. One wonders if India can deal with leaders who talk of peace and war in the same breath.
R.J. Khurana
Colour of consensus
• A decision seems to elude the big leaders that matter in resolving the knotty Telangana issue. Indeed,politicians do not want to offend either side. Theres no use imposing Presidents Rule,or passing the buck to the Supreme Court. But,unfortunately,till a decision is made,the question of maintaining law and order in Andhra Pradesh will cause big problems. For instance,commuters will find it hazardous to travel. When a Pope is to be elected,the collegium of cardinals meets in secret conclave. The hall is then sealed off and the collegium doesnt remerge till it has reached a decision on the successor. The world outside gets to know whether a successor has been elected or not by the colour of the smoke coming out from the burning of the ballot papers after each session.
Why dont we adopt a similar mechanism in decision-making whenever a consensus is necessary? It will certainly be good for the people on either side of the divide in Andhra,and also for the country as a whole.
C.G. Sivakumaran
New Delhi
Return home
• This refers to Australian envoy: Not all attacks are racist. That there has been a large number of attacks on Indians in Australia,coupled with the reluctance of the government to recognise them as racially motivated,indicates that there may be deep hostility towards people of Indian origin. Should Indians then not be asked to wind up their establishments in Australia and return home? There are other foreign countries that welcome Indians.
V. Subramanyan
