* Are the Hindutva parties aware of the meaning of terrorism, let alone capable of fighting it out? Are they not aware that inter-caste terrorism has been rampant in

India’s history? Even today, the continuing internal — familial, feudal, caste and parochial — terrorism causes far more violence than external terrorism. The latter is as yet comparatively sporadic and marginal, but the increased importance paid to it is continuing. History tells us that internal terrorism feeds external terrorism.

—Ashok Lal, New Delhi

With caution

* This refers to the report ‘Pandey stayed as ex-Governor’s guest, claims Mufti’. By insinuating that Mahant Dayanand Pandey, a suspect in the Malegaon bomb blasts, was a guest of the former governor of J&K and that the Indian army which has heavy presence in the Kashmir Valley has been infiltrated by the Hindu communal elements, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed is not only calling the integrity of the former governor into question but also accusing the Indian army of bias.

We need to be cautious in making such suggestions. One, the religious leader, as of now, is only a suspect. Let the law take its course. Two, governors are constitutional functionaries. Hundreds of people meet them every day. If the Mufti knew what that the Mahant was heading a Hindu terrorist outfit, why didn’t he warn the former governor then?

As for his suggestion that the army has been infiltrated by communalists, that is nothing but a slur. The Indian army has been as patriotic, as apolitical and as neutral as a national army can be. Aberrations are possible but these are immediately taken care of.

... contd.