Mr Powel advising India to exercise restraint yet again, and Gen Musharraf’s growls ‘warning us of dire consequences for any misadventure reek of threats. 

They sound derogatory to the extent of sounding like stern warnings given by a master his pet dog — “down boy, down”! The only language the Americans will understand is if import of their soft-drinks and potato-chips based junk food is stopped to begin with immediate effect, later to be followed by imposing restrictions on other imports. That ought to hurt them where it matters. If we have them by the short and curlies, their hearts and minds will follow. We must initiate some substantial, tangible steps post-haste, world opinions can be formulated and moulded later. Afterall American and Israeli response to terrorist invasion on their national integrity and dignity has made it clear: Jiski laathi, uski bhains!

If the USA is actually sincere in its commitment to wipe out terrorism globally, let it prove so by pressurising Pakistan to hand over Masood of Kandahar hijacking notoriety to India.

Incidentally, where in the name of god, is the crisis management group? If the terrorists can show the determination and dedication by having mock runs, are not our CMG supposed to be a step ahead in a state of ever ready preparedness.

VIVEK KHANNA, Panchkula

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Mr Hari Jaisingh’s editorial is a timely advice for the Prime Minister in context of India’s fight against terrorism. Enough is enough and the common man of the country also wants to see action that speaks louder than words. Fellow countrymen, may they be those MPs who were at the target of terrorist yesterday or the farmers in this agriculturist state of the country, want the government to act now. They are no longer ready to be lured by attractive phrases and mere sloganeering against those who have dared to attack the highest seat of Indian democracy.

With the sanctum sanctorum of world’s largest democracy under fire, the NDA government must retaliate as the USA and Israel do whenever and wherever they are under attack. It’s time the stigma of India being lamented as a soft state was removed.

POONAM V. CHAUHAN, Rohtak

A BEFITTING LESSON: The Centre is responsible for the ongoing terrorism in the country which is being aided and abetted by Pakistan. Its lenient policy towards Pakistan is to be blamed for the long-time continuation of terrorism. The recent terrorist strike on Parliament seems to have shaken the government. Prime Minister Vajpayee, has assured the nation that the battle against terrorism has entered the last phase. Let his words be translated into action sooner.

India is militarily much stronger than Pakistan and it must teach the latter a befitting lesson. All the evil designs of Pakistan should be nipped once and for all. The intelligence and security system in the country should be revamped.

D. P. JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

PROXY WAR: I am disappointed to read the editorials in Indian newspapers. Our opinion makers do not understand the nature of the threat we are facing. All they talk about is how to fight terrorism. Terrorism is just one of the many tools Pakistan is employing against us because it cannot defeat us in an open war. India is facing an all out proxy war for its total destruction and oblivion.

All Pakistanis share the dream of re-conquering India for Islam and are willing to go to any length and take any risk to fulfil that sacred dream, even if it takes a thousand years as the late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had said. It has made matters worse for us that they have also concluded that Indians will never have the courage to go to war with a nuclear Pakistan whatever be the provocation. The rest of the talk about fighting terrorism is pure waste of time as none of that is ever going to work.

Col MOHINDER KADYAN (retd), On e-mail

TALK ONE LANGUAGE: I am happy that your editorial highlighted the need for all political parties to stop recrimation and talk one language the language of national unity. We should not forget the brave sons of Mother India who defended our Parliament on that day of terror. I wish your organisation arranged a fund to support their bereaved families, as many more like me would surely want to help them. I hope the parliamentarians recognise the valour of the brave policemen who protected their lives and the honour of India.

Dr SANJEEV VASISHTHA, On e-mail

HONOUR AT STAKE: Mr Hari Jaisingh has rightly pointed out that the honour of the nation is at stake. Having seen the impact of terrorism during the last two decades, our forces and legal experts should come forward with new strategies and laws to deal with any situation, to keep the honour of the nation intact.

HARISH K. MONGA, On e-mail