Terror links

THE pattern of the recent bombings in Uttar Pradesh clearly points to terrorism aimed at unleashing fear, this time among lawyers and members of the judiciary (Cover Story, December 21). By targeting courts in Lucknow, Faizabad and Varanasi, two of which are dealing with cases involving Islamist terrorists, the perpetrators have sent out a clear message: any attempt to punish jehadis will be resisted through further violence.

K.S. Jayatheertha Bangalore

THE article Terror links unquestioningly toes the line espoused by the state machinery. Many terrorist organisations have been banned by the Indian state since its inception, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The only instances of a ban having been revoked is in the case of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, which was banned thrice and exonerated each time. The Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) contests its labelling as a terrorist organisation and consequent banning in the courts. The article, however, pre-judges SIMI without an iota of evidence.

Pranesh Prakash BangaloreAssam outrage

AT a time when there is so much media hype about Indian women achievers in space science, corporate houses and politics, the stripping of a woman in public was shocking (Tribal turmoil, December 21).

Avadhoot N. Dongare Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

THE attack on the Adivasi woman was outrageous but describing Adivasis as helpless is an exaggeration. The Adivasis taking part in the rally went on the rampage, vandalising shops and business establishments while exercising their democratic right to protest. It is time to realise that all tribal people are not marginalised, especially in the northeastern States where a large section of the population is tribal and enjoys constitutional protection.

Meghana Hyderabad

THERE is no doubt that a violent section of Adivasi agitators broke away from the rally and went on the rampage, destroying property and attacking people. But the retaliation, targeted at women and children, is testimony to the depravity that a cowardly mob is capable of. The incidents are also a pointer to the contradictions that undermine the true progress of Indian society. We are not close to even a basic framework that can address social issues.

A. Vani HyderabadEast Asia

THE stabilisation of the East Asian Summit (EAS) is certain (Greater East Asia, December 21). India and China are the mind and heart of EAS. The United States, too, may find a place as an observer in EAS in the near future. One fondly hopes that Japan plays a pivotal role in creating a sustainable East Asia. East Asias political future depends on the security and stability of this region. China, India, Japan and South Korea have a golden opportunity to play a role in achieving this.

Thomas Edmunds ChennaiParadise on earth

THE Special Feature on Andaman & Nicobar made informative and interesting reading (December 21). A lot of the flora and fauna in these islands are endemic and need total protection. A great deal of research needs to be conducted for preserving the islands forests, mangroves, fragile coral reefs and marine life in a better way. It is imperative that tourists are made aware of their ecological value.

Vinoj Matthew Philip ChennaiDowry abuse

JENITAS tale is a sad story that should be a lesson for people who rush into NRI marriages (December 21). However, for an NRI working in the U.S. one or two lakh rupees is not likely to make much of a difference. So there may be more to the story than harassment for dowry. The case should be thoroughly investigated.

A. Jacob Sahayam ThiruvananthapuramLine on China

IN the book review Task of diplomacy (December 21), A.G. Noorani says that most of them [Opposition parties] espoused a hard line on Pakistan and China, opposed any settlement on Kashmir and the boundary question and egged on Nehru as he pursued the disastrous forward policy in Ladakh in 1961-62 to settle the boundary dispute by force. While this assessment may be true as regards the main Opposition parties, it does not apply to the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Even during the India-China war, E.M.S. Namboodiripad took a principled stand that the border dispute was a legacy of the British colonialists and could be settled peacefully through negotiations. He toured the country advocating his position.

For taking up this line, he and other Communist leaders were branded pro-Chinese, Peking patriots, traitors and what not. So it is unfair to brand all Opposition parties as having espoused a hard line.

K. Lakshmanan Tiruchi, Tamil NaduANNOUNCEMENT

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