No time for blame

No time for blame

* Parties must stop their blamegame and unite in condemning the Hyderabad blasts ('BJP accuses govt of having casual approach on terror', IE, FEbruary 22). If we are seen as a divided nation, it will only make us more vulnerable to terror attacks. It is time the Centre and the states made common cause and fought this menace together. The idea to float a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) could be revisited. Several states, including those run by allies, had resisted it on the grounds that it infringed on the rights of the states. But the Union and state governments need to rise above petty politics to make India safe. Tougher state police forces and better police-public coordination are also needed.

— Amit Bhandari

New Delhi

State of terror

* THE Hyderabad blasts show that internal security continues to be fragile. After the executions of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru, the government should have taken strict preventive measures against such attacks, at least in vulnerable cities like Hyderabad. It should also revamp our security system, adding more men and machinery to the existing forces. If terror is not dealt with firmly now, it will become even tougher to combat in future.

— N. R. Ramachandran

Ooty

Silence on Sri Lanka

* GIVEN the Indian government's anxiety to maintain good relations with Sri Lanka, it is not likely to take a strong stand against human rights violations against Tamils in the country ('British documentary alleges Prabhakaran's 12-yr-old son killed, Sri Lanka dismisses charge', IE, February 19). This might not be received well in Tamil Nadu. But the international community can initiate action against Sri Lanka for war crimes and also for failing to keep its promise of granting equal rights to Tamils. If Sri Lanka continues to ignore the steps taken against it, it could permanently damage peace and stability in the country.

... contd.

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