Trial by terror

The serial blasts in UP cities on Friday have once again exposed the inefficiency of the intelligence machinery and slackness of the authorities.

The serial blasts in UP cities on Friday have once again exposed the inefficiency of the intelligence machinery and slackness of the authorities in tightening security measures in view of the threats from jehadis to destabilise India. The government is far more concerned about the security of VIPs than the common man who is an easy target for terrorists.

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JN Mahanty, Puri

II

Now that terror has struck Uttar Pradesh when blasts killed 15 persons and injured many others, the blame game has started. But should we really blame the intelligence, police and the government for this atrocity? Have we ever thought about how careful we are? Do we have time to look beyond our busy lives? Terrorist attacks can be prevented only if we start caring for our surroundings and unite in tackling the problem.

Shailesh Kumar, Bangalore

Selective secularism

The editorial We really don’t have to pretend to be liberal (November 24), has rightly pointed out the limitation of the West Bengal government and the people of Kolkata in protecting the freedom of expression. The Muslim hardliners have forced the government to throw Taslima in to a burqa at night. This outburst of Muslim ire has to be seen in the context of pan-Islamic terror. The communists and Hindu liberals are only too eager to attack Hindus who are basically secular but have maintained a measured silence in the face of Muslim anger. This skewed view hurts Hindu sentiments.

Ratna Ghosh, Lucknow

II

It is unfortunate that the West Bengal government succumbed to pressure from Islamic fundamentalists who do not believe in democracy or freedom of expression and were rioting in the streets over the stay of exiled writer Taslima Nasreen. The government refused to take a stand and resorted to the rather dastardly act of whisking her off to some unknown destination.

PC Chakraborty, Delhi