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Where the buck stops

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  • * 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.

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    —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

    Words to action

    * In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, the PM has warned a neighbouring country against indulging in a proxy war with India. He has also subtly hinted at adopting some stern measures to end the menace of cross-border extremism. However, it remains to be seen as to how and when these words will get translated into concrete action.

    —Arun Malankar, Mumbai

    Coastal security

    * The course of events that has unfolded before our eyes over the last few days is indeed bewildering. The unbelievable attacks on Mumbai have redefined tragedy and insecurity. Never before has the vulnerability of our port cities been exposed so blatantly and brutally. Our enemies know now just how ill-guarded or unguarded our shores are, what sitting strategic targets they provide. Another cause for alarm is the symbolic significance of the targeted spots. The Taj and Oberoi are bastions of international presence and India’s face of globalisation. The message from the terrorists is loud and clear — they intend to not only instil fear but also jeopardise India’s economic interests.

    —Sarthak Gupta, New Delhi

    Try To wake up, INDIABy: Sidarth Shah | 03-Dec-2008 Reply | Forward Here we have one more lesson to show that we Indian are careless.We don't learn from our mistakes.Soon, everyone will forget about this incident as if it never happened. Elections campaigning will start and all parties will utilize this issue for new, fake promises. Post elections, it will be the same old story.Makes me wonder why shud i vote;or actually for whom shud i vote, all are same! Self-centered,egoless,hounds for power i know it will feel strange when i say "we need someone like Hitler for our country".Why?? Becoz no matter what he did, aside he believed in his countries unity,which to good extent he maintained.He made Germany a super power,which world feared.Hitler also said before capturing Czechoslovakia that "These are either too lazy to rule or too foolish to understand that 1 day their country will divide"..... Unfortunately i see the same fate for my country also.Either the terrorist will do it Or our politicians seem capable enough for it
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