* This refers to Dhiraj Nayyar’s ‘We the elite’ (IE, December 4). The elite in India do have the power to change things. They have woken up to a reality that has hit them directly. They did not react when terrorists struck in the past. Delhi and a host of other cities have been witness to a number of bomb blasts but then the victims were not usually the rich. Did we have to wait for Mumbai, 26/11, to happen for this reaction? Still, better late than never.

—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.

... contd.