•Collection of multiple-point data by the proposed national intelligence grid

(NATGRID) will perhaps be the easier part (‘Big Brother?’, IE, September 28). Any information obtained thus, to be developed for further investigation, would need means and methods backed by tough laws. The US passed the ominous Patriot Act soon after 9/11, sending out strong signals of its toughness on internal security. Such postures also help in sharpening attitudes and actions.

Your argument that personal information gathered about a citizen must be held in absolute trust is well taken, more so given corruption levels and our unsatisfactory record in quickly bringing errant officials to book. Notwithstanding this, having taken a step to gather information and then leveraging it to defend internal security, we have to go ahead. The government must now consider 26/11 as its point of reference and show its determination.

— R. Narayanan Ghaziabad

Family matters

•This refers to ‘The chosen ones’ by Seema Chishti (IE, September 28). Family has indeed shaped Indian politics. It’s no surprise that in the last 60 years India has been ruled by many political families; and political power has been shifting amongst their members. A small number of such families have been deciding the fate of billions, and twisting policies in their favour. Civil society, the media, conscious citizens and an accountable judiciary can make a significant difference. They have the potential to alter the situation in future.

— Kamal K. Pandey Anand

Police reforms

•The Union home ministry’s directive to state governments to grant greater operational and financial autonomy to state DGPs is welcome. However, as in the past, the home ministry’s latest missive will go in vain. I joined the IPS about half a century ago, hoping to see some positive reforms. Sadly, problems that existed then not only persist still but have got worse. True, numerically there has been an exponential growth in paramilitary forces. Several police commissions set up by Central and state governments submitted excellent recommendations of reform, but these are gathering dust. Even the Supreme Court’s intervention failed to move the mountains of lethargy and vested interests.

... contd.