False narrative of peace

Apropos of ‘A litany of lapses on the Intel front’; after an intense public outcry, the powers that be meekly admitted intelligence failure and security lapse in saving hapless tourists in Pahalgam. The million-dollar question arises: Who is responsible for the brazen lapse? Ordering an NIA investigation alone would not serve the purpose of plugging the security loopholes. People should not have been lulled into a false narrative of peace in terrorism-infested areas in the Kashmir valley or even in Jammu region. Secondly, motorable roads should be constructed in remote areas with tourism potential. All places where the security forces cannot reach within minutes should be declared out of bounds.

Prem Singh Dahiya, Rohtak

Cannot trust Pak on probe

Apropos of ‘Pak duplicity’; Pakistan’s offer of a ‘neutral’ investigation into the Pahalgam attack should be viewed in the light of its past record. It has never honoured evidence provided by India despite our country sending detailed dossiers and DNA samples of terrorists involved in various terror attacks. No action was taken by the Pakistan authorities. Joint investigation teams of both countries inspected the site of the terror attack in Pathankot. However, later the Indian team was denied the opportunity of conducting a probe on Pakistani soil. Pakistan has lost credibility in bilateral relations and should not be trusted.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Intelligence, security lapse

Refer to ‘Beyond visits’; how the terrorists crossed the border and reached Pahalgam to execute their nefarious activities without any hassle puts a question mark on the seriousness and alertness of intelligence authorities and the security forces. The carnage took place in broad daylight, but surprisingly, state security personnel were conspicuous by their absence. It is a serious security lapse on the part of the Central and state governments which failed to ensure the safety of tourists. Both have a lot of explaining to do.

MD Sharma, Shimla

Vaccination drives a must

With reference to ‘Immunisation at risk’; the warning of global bodies like WHO and UNICEF regarding resurgence of certain vaccine-preventable diseases demands urgent attention and should not be disregarded under any circumstances. This neglect could be catastrophic. All children and adults (especially women) should be immunised as per the latest national immunisation schedule. Vaccines not only prevent certain diseases but also protect vulnerable groups, check the spread of communicable diseases, diminish virulence of several infections, reduce healthcare costs, save lives and boost country’s economic stability. By ensuring timely vaccinations, governments invest in the future. The Union Government should not slow down the immunisation coverage at any cost.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

An inquiring mind

Refer to ‘Manmohan Singh was a quintessential scholar’; his contribution to the nation is invaluable. Moreover, he strongly believed in the role of teachers in bringing about a change in society. In his lectures, he emphasised on the inclusion of the right critical approach towards the problem concerned and the cultivation of an inquiring mind. With his sheer dint of commitment and motivation, he achieved goals and remained optimistic in every situation. He also stressed upon the importance of education as the only tool to make people receptive to the dynamic changes taking place in the 21st century.

Rupinder Kaur, Ambala Cantt

Multi-dimensional personality

With reference to ‘Manmohan Singh was the quintessential scholar’; the former prime minister was a multidimensional personality — a distinguished scholar, a dedicated teacher, a suave bureaucrat, a great economist, a seasoned politician, an astute statesman, an inspiring visionary and a fine gentleman. He emphasised the role of education in nurturing independent thinking and freedom of expression for holistic personality development. His political leadership was marked by intellectual capability, honesty and transparency.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Letters to the Editor