* This refers to ‘After Patil’ (IE, December 1). Systemic failures have been rightly underlined as the cause of the Mumbai mayhem. Similarly, as Arun Shourie has noted in ‘Surprised’, the government did have prior information about a possible terrorist threat from the sea, but it did nothing. Since governance in our system is a collective responsibility, should the head of government not own up to the failure and resign? Does the buck not stop with the prime minister?

—M. Ratan, New Delhi

TV monitor

* This refers to ‘Terror vision: live and so terribly inclusive’ and ‘Eyes on terror’. The suggestions made about a prospective debate on the role of TV news, the training of reporters and a law regulating them are valid. What is not understood is the slow response of the authorities to stop live coverage. TV channels symbolised their arrogance and desperation on the one hand and the meek, uncoordinated response of the government on the other.

—Kiran Bhagwat, Pune

Call to unite

* Terrorism is a national issue. There is an urgent need to create a Central agency to deal firmly and quickly with terrorism, whether aided by a foreign state or perpetrated by a terrorist outfit like the LeT. This can and should be done by an ordinance, to be ratified within six months. If the PM and the leader of the opposition are united in eliminating terrorism, this act could be passed with a thumping majority in Parliament.

—Parimal Y. Mehta, Mumbai

... contd.