Powerful message

Refer to ‘Threats to Kashmiris’; an over-dependence on physical deployment of troops cannot prevent Pahalgam-like attacks. The real game-changer lies in strengthening our human intelligence (HUMINT) network. The spontaneous and widespread condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by the Kashmiri public sends a powerful message. It reflects a growing alignment of Kashmiris with peace and democratic values that are not seen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This sentiment must be nurtured. This tragic incident must become a turning point — one that leads to better intelligence coordination and stronger local engagement. Only then can we hope to truly weaken the forces that seek to divide us.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Restraint not weakness

Refer to ‘India must prepare for Pak endgame’; despite India’s repeated efforts to foster peace, especially after the 1971 war, Pakistan has continued its proxy wars and terror campaigns over the decades. While war is never ideal, endless restraint must not be misread as weakness. Pakistan today stands economically crippled, internally unstable and diplomatically cornered. This is the time to send a clear, powerful message that sponsoring terrorism in India will come at an unbearable cost.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Work silently towards the goal

Refer to ‘Pahalgam terror: Govt at strategic crossroads’; the Indian government must not falter while prioritising the sensitive issues related to national security. It should not indulge in jingoism, but work silently towards its goal. War is catastrophic, with consequent losses, both physical and financial, being enormously high. If we can prevent war, there’s nothing better than that. The carnage at Pahalgam has happened because of failure of our intelligence agencies and a security lapse at a critical tourist place. The loopholes in the security set-up must be plugged and a path of planned but measured response must be followed at different levels. India should not take drastic steps in a fit of rage.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Terror attack has united parties

The Pahalgam tragedy has united political parties in Kashmir and at the national level too. Though Pakistan has denied its role in the terror attack, it is a diplomatic challenge for India to prove the Pakistan military’s role in sending well-trained terrorists across the border to kill innocent people. India must leave no stone unturned in exposing the Pakistan army’s support to terrorists and ensuring this terror-breeding country’s diplomatic isolation in the international community. Some global platforms like the IMF and the Financial Action Task Force should be used by India. India should explore more options, overt and covert — economic, diplomatic and military — like the ones it scouted when militancy was at its peak decades ago in Kashmir.

Mona Singh, by mail

Loan waiver for Pahalgam locals

The terror attack will affect livelihoods in Kashmir, with tourism suffering a big loss. Many locals had taken loans to conduct their businesses, but now there is no hope of income generation in the near future. The source of their income has dried up. The ponywalas have been left to fend for themselves. Under such circumstances, it would be appropriate for banks and government agencies to waive their loans.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

India should join global forum

With reference to ‘IMF trims forecast’; the International Monetary Fund’s prediction for India, though modest, highlights a broader shift in global trade dynamics. As major economies recalibrate their trade ties, India must widen its portfolio-deepening engagements not just with traditional partners, but also with emerging markets. Perhaps it is time to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which India bypassed in 2019. Negotiated on India’s terms, this step could anchor the country in Asia’s evolving supply chains while hedging against Western unpredictability. With Donald Trump’s tariff onslaught having effectively sidelined the WTO, bilateralism has emerged as the strategic path forward.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Letters to the Editor