Rationalist leaders must guide Indian Muslims

Apropos of ‘The Indian Muslim problem’; the real challenge is their growing radicalisation to the extent of perpetrating terror at the behest of their masters across the borders. Sadly, the silence of Indian Muslim leaders across the spectrum, except Asadudddin Owaisi, to condemn and negate jihadi terror, smacks of approval, if not blatant complicity. The onus is on nationalist and rationalist leaders to raise the ante to thwart death and destruction by the brainwashed, reckless few who bring bad name to the entire community.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Easier said than done

Refer to ‘The Indian Muslim problem’; a big gulf exists between Muslims and Hindus; both knowing well that they have to stay together forever. It is a serious matter why Indian Muslims participate in terror acts. When a Muslim is dragged from his house and lynched based on a rumour, it strains the already fragile relations. As a majority community, we must focus on our perspective and wherever the minorities are at the receiving end, we must sort out the problem amicably. However, it is easier said than done.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Modern intellectual radicalisation

Radicalised networks are deliberately cultivating individuals who offer legitimacy, mobility and operational cover. Radicalisation now is being shaped through a modern intellectual interpretation of religious texts. Extremist influencers create a psychological and religious dependency by offering false emotional security. White-collar individuals give terror organisations social visibility, access to resources and institutions and the ability to mask logistical activities under professional legitimacy. Such profiles allow extremist groups to operate discreetly within urban environments. Radical recruiters exploit personal vulnerabilities such as identity crisis, academic stress and other grievances.

Deepak Bhan, by mail

Prudence in space missions

Refer to ‘Gaganyaan: Long haul before crewed flight takes charge’; India’s space ambitions are laudable. However, the tearing hurry to rival the US, Russia and China and advancing without the correct test sequence seems imprudent. The article rightly questions the decision to launch G1 before the vital TV-D2 escape test and to field a scaled-down uncrewed mission with a basic crew module. Also, the abrupt shift from importing ECLSS from Russia to indigenously developing the life-support system reveals worrying gaps in readiness. As a human spaceflight cannot afford even minor lapses, ISRO must restore proper sequencing and prioritise absolute safety.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Address schoolkids’ problems

With reference to ‘3 states, 3 tragedies’; sometimes, the parents don’t take children’s complaints and feedback seriously and fail to act urgently and decisively. Technology, with the social media playing a major role, has brought along a host of psychological issues for the children to cope up with. Working parents in a nuclear family setup has added to the woes. Private schools appoint temporary and underpaid teachers and staff and they, in turn, don’t do justice to their work and are apathetic to the psychological and mental needs of students and vent their own frustrations on the hapless pupils.

Manmohan Singh, Kharar

Violation of model code of conduct

The Election Commission of India’s reputation for neutrality and professionalism during the TN Seshan era is well established. But in recent years, the commission has faced increasing criticism. In the Bihar assembly election, the NDA government declared to pay Rs 10,000 to women just 10 days before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect and continued to pay the said amount to beneficiaries during the election process, which is a clear violation. Can we call it a free and fair election?

Surinder Kumar Khanna, Amritsar