•I agree with the observation that insurgent groups must learn to ultimately transform themselves from terror tactics to politics and that this is a consequence of the 9/11 attacks (Learning from the LTTE,IE,May 20). The LTTE would kill anyone,including Tamils,who didnt agree with or support its ideology and modus operandi. With Prabhakarans outfit,there was no scope for debate or revision. Although the author says that the opportunity provided by military success was lost in a complete under-estimation of state power,and seems to believe that terrorists should halt the violence and move to the negotiating table,one wonders how this would play out in,say,Kashmir. Should terrorists be allowed to negotiate at all?
S.C. Panda
Bhubaneswar
Those not included
•n The article Mask upon mask in the BJP (IE,May 21) deals in half-truths and inaccuracies. The author subtly attempts to explain the difference between Hindu nationalism of the Sangh and the inclusive pluralism of the Congress. What is left unexplained is why this much harped upon inclusive pluralism cant absolve the Congress of charges of having acted or acting intolerantly in various phases of our history,or various sections of society still not being able to identify with the party.
Ajay Tyagi
Citizen wishlist
•As we welcome the new government,heres a wishlist from citizens: first,terrorism must be tackled. Second,money lying idle in Swiss banks should be brought back to India and put in circulation. Third,there should be a no-compromise policy towards an imploding Pakistan. Fourth,the UPA must actively pursue educational reforms and ensure that the poorest of the poor get access to schools. Fifth,there must be an effective crackdown on social crimes and violations of law and order in our cities. Last,infrastructure development must be fast-tracked.
Gopal D. Sant
House poles
•While Verdict 2009 fortunately provides for a stable and effective Union government,we should also be thankful that the mandate is not massive. Even as its mandate allows the Congress to head the new government without most of the constraints of its previous one,it will yet be difficult for the Congress (and the UPA) to lose its moorings. On the other hand,the NDA,particularly the BJP,must play the role of a constructive and effective opposition. A more or less bipolar,yet sincere,House will make for good governance. But first,the BJP must shed its Hindu Right ideology.
Sant P. Gupta
Agra
Getting there?
•Perhaps the most dangerous place on earth,the subcontinent may finally be headed for better days. Bangladesh,Nepal and Sri Lanka,all appear to be stabilising,with the Lankan governments spectacular victory in the decades-old civil war being a turning point for the region. Now it remains for Pakistan to destroy the Taliban.
Nishant Bhaiji
New Delhi
