—Jigme Wangdi, New Delhi

Prime challenges

* This refers to Ajey Lele’s ‘Terror 2.0’ (IE, December 4). Technological advances are being put to diabolical ends. Consequently, our intelligence gathering needs to be stepped up, with the help of technology. We have excellent IT capabilities; but need stringent laws to avoid the breach of privacy. The US, UK and others formulated strict laws post-9/11. India needs to be bold in order to face unconventional terror.

—R. Narayanan, Ghaziabad

Politicians & pain

* This refers to ‘Proud of a notion’ (IE, December 3).

Disenchantment with politicians of all hues is widespread. After the Mumbai terror attacks, if there is one family that has every reason to be angry with politicians, especially the BJP, it is ATS chief Hemant Karkare’s family. But his wife chose to express her anger and pain more effectively — she refused to come out of her room and accept Narendra Modi’s condolences, while her children did. She is also said to have refused to touch the Rs 1 crore offered by the Gujarat CM for all the slain security personnel. Perhaps, it’s time politicians learnt and remembered that money is the last thing on the mind of those wronged and bereaved. It is time for a value education of our leaders so that they change.

—Aditi, New Delhi

* Politicians’ reactions during and after the Mumbai crisis showed their real worth. It is the same mud-slinging we see after every terror strike. Politicians are quick to see an opportunity in a tragedy that has shaken the nation’s collective psyche. In this situation, the media has to play a very important role. It will have to promote honest and capable people in politics and governance. As a polity, we need to devise such a system. We need issue-based politics and not a politics based on vote bank and sentiment. After India’s systemic failure over Mumbai, 26/11, can we expect better governance?

—Hasan-ul-Huzaibi, Pune

In their own interest

* The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has stated that her visit was meant to express solidarity with India. This obviously is not the real American goal, despite it being the most visible one.

Although the US advertises its endorsement of the Indian point of view that support is very much in its own interest.

—Lakshya Gupta, New Delhi