Sir - The attack on the Amarnath pilgrims was reprehensible. Everyone should condemn it unequivocally. This will send out the message that the country is united against its enemies. Security agencies should also be more vigilant with regard to infiltrators. Terrorists and their sympathizers must know that India will not tolerate attacks on its citizens.

Apart from eliminating terror camps, attempts must be made to curtail financing for terror groups. If their funds are choked, they will not survive for long.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and Commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying innocent pilgrims en route to Vaishno Devi is most reprehensible. After the ambush, the bus plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in the loss of nine innocent lives while another 33 were injured.

This attack underscores a renewed wave of terror in the region and has set alarm bells ringing in the top levels of India’s intelligence services. Such barbaric acts of terror are an attack on humanity and simply cannot be forgiven.

There is an urgent need for an all-out and well-coordinated response from the security forces to neutralise terror elements.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and Commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir — The terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims is reprehensible. It should serve as a warning to India’s security establishment to not be complacent since terrorism has not been rooted out from Jammu and Kashmir. There is an urgent need to send a strong message to terrorists that any threat to our security and national integrity will be met with a firm response even if it originates from across the border. The Reasi incident will add to India’s determination to stamp out terror outfits in the region.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and Commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir — Although the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi must have dealt a major blow to the Islamic State it is far from the end of the road for the terrorist organization.

There is a need for concerted efforts from countries across the world to finish off the Islamic State in all its regional hubs. Cutting off the sources of funding for the Islamic State and other terror organizations would be the best way of doing this.

The world must unitedly work towards ending the menace of terrorism.

(2) Scourage of Terrorism,
The Pioneer, 4th, Nov, 2019, L.Ebr

This refers to the article, “War on terror not over yet” (November 2) by Bhopinder Singh. Although the death of Islamic State (IS) group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi must have dealt a major blow to the IS, it is far from the end of the road for the terrorist organisation. We must not be lulled into a false sense of complacency as with the appointment of a new chief, the IS may go all out to carry out a spectacular attack in retaliation. There is need for concerted efforts from countries across the world to finish the IS in all its regional hubs. Cutting off the sources of funding for the IS and other terror organisations will be the best way of doing this. The world must unitedly work towards ending the menace of terrorism. The US and other global powers cannot abjure from their moral duty from executing a piecemeal solution to root out terrorism.

Sir — Churches and luxury hotels in and around Colombo were targeted during Easter. The bomb attacks must be condemned in the strongest terms. This was the biggest terrorist attack in Sri Lanka since the cessation of civil war. The bloodshed would certainly have an adverse impact on trade and tourism in the island nation.

Some of the blasts took place in places of worship. This goes to show, once again, that terror has no respect for religion. Terrorism can be battled only through coordinated efforts by the international community. Sharing intelligence, choking the financial support of terrorists and greater collaboration are reliable strategies.

Apropos ‘Killing of Afghan Sikhs’ (July 4), there is a great outpouring of grief and anger among people in India, especially Punjab, over the dastardly act which left 19 dead, mostly the minority Sikh population in Afghanistan.

The is seems to have set up base in Afghanistan due to easy availability of highly trained Taliban fighters and its dwindling base in Iraq and Syria. Peace in Afghanistan can come only if its government strengthens its security forces to challenge terrorist networks and the US uses its influence on Pakistan for it to stop supporting the Taliban and Haqqani network.

The funds to terrorist groups should be choked.

Sir - Terrorists recently attacked worshippers at a crowded mosque in Egypt's North Sinai province ("235 worshippers killed in Egypt raid", Nov 25). A bomb was set off within the Al Rawdah mosque. And as the worshippers were trying to escape, a group of 40 gunmen opened fire. The death toll from the terror strike has now crossed 300. Many children have also lost their lives. The ruthlessness of the attack has sent shock waves across the world.

This episode is a grim reminder of the fact that no country is safe from terror attacks. The international community must join hands to combat terrorism. Now is not the time to point fingers at one another.

The horrible and cowardly terrorist attack on innocent and defenceless worshipers inside a crowded mosque in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula killing at least 235 people and injuring hundreds is the deadliest ever massacre in the modern history of Egypt. Unfortunately, the death toll is even higher than when suspected Islamic militants blew up a Russian airliner shortly after it took off from Sharm El Sheikh in 2015 which is also in the Sinai Peninsula.

The scale and ruthlessness of this latest atrocity has sent shock waves across world; not just because of the high casualties but also because of the terrorists' choice of target, a mosque, as Islamic State usually avoids targeting Muslim place of worship. It shows that when moderate Muslims support the fight against terror, these radicals have no hesitation turning on them too.

That this attack took place during prayers is a grim reminder of the fact that these terrorists have no respect for even the sanctity of the tenets of the religion they claim allegiance to.

Islamic State must be neutered. There is an urgent need for the international community and all people of the world to join hands in combating terrorism and supporting moderate Muslim states in taking on these criminals.

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Iron will and iron hand” (July 12). The cowardly terrorist attacks on innocent Amarnath yatris is most reprehensible. These barbaric acts are an attack on humanity and simply cannot be forgiven. We should all condemn it in unequivocal terms.

There is an urgent need for an all-out and well-coordinated response from the security forces to neutralise these elements who are a blot on humanity. It will send a strong message to terrorists and their supporters that any threat to our security and national integrity will be met with a firm and swift response even across the borders.

This incident will add to India’s determination to stamp out the terror outfits and eliminate them for good. These terrorists groups’ financial support should be targeted if they are to be eradicated.

Sir, THE Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision to order the release of British born terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh, the main accused in the Wall Street journal's former bureau chief Daniel Pearl's murder case, has not only come as a blow to the family of the slain journalist but also in global fight against terrorism, Sheikh was convicted and sentenced to death in 2002 by special terrorism court in Pakistan for masterminding the brutal killing by beheading of the the American journalist Daniel pearl.

Omar Saeed Sheikh is a dangerous criminal who was forced to be released from Indian prison to provide safe passage to the passengers aboard of hijacked Indian Airlines plane-IC 814 which landed in Kandahar In Afghanistan.

It is travesty of Justice by Pakistan, not to find guilt of Omar Saeed in this most heinous act of terror of brutally killing crime of a journalist who was trapped by him in the name of interview, and which truly demonstrates Pakistan's intent of taking action terrorism of murdering Daniel Pearl.

This ruling has been condemned by everybody worldwide, as in future no journalist will take such risky assignments and the US must pressure the Pakistan Government not to release Omar Saeed Sheikh from Pakistan Prisons.

Sir - The attack on the Amarnath pilgrims was reprehensible. Everyone should condemn it unequivocally. This will send out the message that the country is united against its enemies. Security agencies should also be more vigilant with regard to infiltrators. Terrorists and their sympathizers must know that India will not tolerate attacks on its citizens.

Apart from eliminating terror camps, attempts must be made to curtail financing for terror groups. If their funds are choked, they will not survive for long.

Sir - Spain is the latest victim of terrorism in Europe ("Blood on tracks", Aug 21). The continent has faced a spate of terror attacks in the last few months. The terror strikes in Barcelona and Cambrils are chilling reminders of the growth of extremist ideology.

It has now become necessary for governments in Europe to conduct safety audits to find out and secure the places that are vulnerable to acts of terrorism. They must also upgrade their intelligence apparatus.

It is imperative for all nations to join hands to defeat terrorism. Administrations must utilize the resources at their disposal to dismantle terrorist networks. The first step should be to choke the flow of funds to such groups.

The epicentre of terrorism seems to have moved away from West Asia to Europe. Terrorism is no longer a nation or region-specific phenomenon.

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Afghanistan horrified” (June 2). The deadliest terror attack in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, near the diplomatic enclave, in which 90 people were killed and 400 injured, which is supposed to be most fortified and a safe area due to the large deployment of security personnel, this carnage is the most wretched attack of recent times.

The attack that has happened in the the holy month of Ramadan, is a grim reminder of the fact that the security scenario in Kabul is far from perfect and with every passing day, the situation is deteriorating.

The area was supposed to be most secured in Kabul due to the proximity of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s residence and other diplomatic establishments — like the Germany embassy. Even after so much security deployment, if terrorists can drive a vehicle full of explosives, then it clearly points towards a systems failure. The Afghan forces and intelligence must pull up their socks.

Peace in Afghanistan can come only if the Afghanistan Government improves it's security forces to challenge terrorist networks and the US uses its influence on Pakistan for the latter to stop supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani network supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence. Otherwise, things will continue to drift from bad to worse. Another important point is these terrorists group’s financial support funds should be curtailed.

Dear Sir, The chemical attack in the northwestern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun that claimed more than 80 lives, many of them children, is a grim reminder for the world community to act urgently to stop the gruesome killings of civilians in Syria.

This horrible and unspeakable act of savagery should compel the world leaders to work together to bring the Syrian civil war to an immediate end.

The war in Syria is the worst humanitarian disaster since World War II, unfolding before the international community that has failed so far to act decisively to end the miserable conflict. This civil war has now been going on for over 2,000 days, almost the same duration as that of World War II. During these tragic years, civilians have been heavily targeted, leading to a catastrophic situation resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and driving about half of the Syrian population out of their homes. There cannot be any justification for this scale of human suffering.

Unfortunately, the world community has been mostly silent on this tragic situation except for airing views in the media. The deadly chemical attack by the Syrian regime should have prompted a bigger global outrage and a more fitting international action.

Unfortunately, the UN has become an ornamental institution. It is expected that the new UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres would play a more assertive role and work towards finding a permanent solution to this strife. The Gulf states, India and the new US administration led by President Donald Trump should join hands to put an end to the human suffering in Syria.

Sir,The latest attack near Britain’s Parliament — a symbol of British values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law — is saddening. Suspicion falls on Daesh’s network in Europe.

The recent spate of terror attacks worldwide, especially in important European cities, calls for reviewing safety measures in all public places on the continent. European governments, especially the UK, should conduct safety audits of all public places and give more attention to improving intelligence networks.

The attack in London is a grim reminder of the growing menace of terrorism spreading across Europe, hence the urgent need for the international community to join hands in combating it. Terrorism is no longer nation-specific or region-specific.

Dear Sir, The terror attack which killed more than 90 people and injured about 400 in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul is one of the deadliest and among the most wretched of mindless violence of recent times. That it happened in the diplomatic enclave, which is supposed to be the most fortified and the safest area in the city, makes the carnage all the more reprehensible and worrisome.

The attack also happened in the the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims all over the world spend their time in fasting and prayers. It is a grim reminder of the fact terrorists have no qualms about the sanctity of tenets of any religion.

The bombing raises serious doubts about the security scenario in Kabul and points to a rapidly deteriorating situation. A large vehicle laden with explosives was able to get through the checkpoints and reach the top security area where the suicide bomber detonated the bomb, causing such a huge loss of lives and property. One wonders whether this dastardly act could have been executed without the active collusion of the members of the security forces. It has very clearly exposed the chinks in the armour of the Afghan government.

Peace in the strife-torn country can be achieved only if the Afghan security forces are able to challenge the terrorist networks and the US uses its influence to stop support for the Taliban and Haqqani network.

Sir — This refers to the report, “Lucknow terror siege ends” (March 8). The killing of Islamic State (IS) terror suspect in Lucknow is a giant stride by the Indian security agencies. It also underscores the fears that the IS is gaining foothold in India. After the fall of Aleppo, the IS is rapidly losing ground in Syria and Iraq.

It is, therefore, natural for a brutal terror organisation like the IS to shift its base and operations to other regions like Pakistan, Afghanistan and India — which could be its natural sanctuary due to the availability of well-trained and highly-motivated cadre.

It is time the Central and State security agencies intensify their operations.

Sir, Apropos Two I.S Men arrested in Gujrat (DH, 27th Feb), The arrest of Islamic Activists in Gujrat is a giant stride by the Indian security agencies in their attempt to rein in terrorists activities. it also underscores the fear that I.S is gaining its foothold in India beside Pakistan and Afganistan, which are its sanctuaries because of the avaialblity of well trained and highly motivated cadre of armed Taliban fighters.

In Fact, the bomb blast at the famous Sufi shrine in Sindh in Pakistan points to the growing clout of I.S there.

It is time of our intelligence and security agencies further intensified their operation till the last sympathiser of Islamic state (I.S) in India has been apprehended.

The deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels illustrate the capacity of Daesh to wreak havoc across continents with impunity. There is an urgent need for a well-coordinated response from the international community to neutralize extremist movements like Daesh and Boko Haram.

Be it Europe, West Asia, North Africa or the Far East, the Daesh terror organization knows no boundaries when it comes to causing bloodshed and mayhem. The surge of Daesh has to be stopped by the world unitedly, considering the enormity of these tragedies. These barbaric and cowardly acts are an attack on humanity, which simply can’t be forgiven or forgotten. We should all condemn it in unequivocal terms.

Sir - A suicide bomber killed more than 80 people at the famous Sufi shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar at Sehwan in Pakistan ("Killing machine", Feb 21). The South Asian republic has seen a spate of attacks in recent times. There are fears that the Islamic State is widening its reach in the region.

The horrific tragedy suggests that Islamabad needs a more comprehensive action plan to tackle terrorism. The Islamic State is rapidly losing ground in Syria and Iraq; it is but natural for the terror organization to try to shift its operations to other regions.

Sir.The arrest of Yasin Bhatkal — whose real name is Mohammed Ahmed Siddibapa — is a giant stride in the country’s attempt to rein in terrorist activities. The dedicated officers of India’s security agencies who apprehended Bhatkal must be applauded. Bhatkal is one of the founding members of the Indian Mujahideen and has been behind some major terror strikes in India in the recent past. The key operator of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Abdul Karim Tunda and Bhatkal were caught at the Nepal border within 15 days of each other, Sir.

The operation to nab Bhatkal was carried out with precision. His arrest is another feather in the cap of the Indian intelligence agencies. Bhatkal had been carrying out terrorist activities in India for a long time — in places such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Surat and Ahmedabad — and had always managed to give the law the slip. He is said to be a highly-trained bomb-maker and a master of disguises. He featured high on the most wanted list of the National Investigation Agency.

In order to clamp down further on terror activities in the country, law enforcement agencies need to streamline the sharing of intelligence and information and improve coordination among themselves. Terrorism can only be defeated if it is dealt with aggressively from as many directions as possible.

The arrest of Abu Jundal is a significant step in the fight against terror. He was one of the key players who organized the deadly 26/11 attack in Mumbai in which so many people died and belongs to the inner ring of Let. His arrest is the result of painstaking efforts made by Indian intelligence agencies.

Saudi cooperation was a marked departure from the past. Jundal’s arrest also makes it evident that the 26/11 attack was fully supported by sections of Pakistan’s ISI and their fight against terrorists a farce.

Sir, This refers to "army hits back killing 50 NE ultras" (DH June 10) It is strong response to ambush that massacred 18 soldiers in Manipur, elite commandos of special forces of Indian army on Tuesday launched a major surgical operation,along Ind-Myanmar Border killing several militants and inflicting heavy damage on militant infrastructure.

Governmnet of India should be congratulated for the proactive policyagainst terror, with this major anti terror operation,India has sent strong message, Any threat in our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm and swift response even across the border.

In a strong response to the militant ambush that killed 18 soldiers in Manipur earlier this month, elite forces of the Indian Army on Tuesday launched a major surgical operation across the India-Myanmar border, killing several insurgents and damaging their infrastructure. Indian soldiers went well into Myanmar territory and destroyed the two camps from where the militant outfit, led by the Khaplang faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland, had launched their attack. In the process, no casualties were suffered on the Indian side.

The Government of India should be congratulated for taking a pro-active policy against such terrorism. This is the first time that the Indian Army has officially carried out such a major anti-terror operation outside Indian territory. Through this strike, India has given a strong message to all militant groups that any attack on the country will not go unanswered and a heavy price will be extracted.

DNA deserve praise for exposing in the city's security system, it shows that our city is soft for terrorists . Since Delhi has been targeted again by terrorists, steps have to be taken to improve security security and surveillance across country, especially in Bangalore Where up 10,000 It professionals work in single I.T park.

Security arrangements have not improved much over the years although terrorists are using latest technolgy to strike at will.

To prevent terror strike city needs more CCTV cameras at sensitive points. Security checks should be made mandatory at entry points, well trained guards should keep an eagle's eye at public places and system of intelligence gathering should be improved.

Sir — The terrorist attack in Patna on Sunday has exposed the complete laxity in security on the part of the State regime in Bihar. No emergency evacuation plan was in place; no mandatory anti-sabotage checks were conducted at the site where Mr.Narendra Modi addressed a huge gathering; people were not frisked; bomb disposal squads were absent from the scene and the surrounding areas.

National leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, need to be protected effectively. Instead of indulging in mud-slinging, political parties should work together to defeat terrorism.

Sir, Nairobi has witnessed what can be described as horror of horrors. The massacre can only be compared with the Mumbai outrage in November 2008.

This outrage in the shopping mall in the Kenyan capital raises the question of safety and security of these glitzy retail outlets.

Even in India, the police must immediately visit these malls to conduct a safety audit; the owners should be advised to take appropriate safety measures. Security needs to be visible with metal detectors, checks at the entrance and exit points. The response to a terror threat ought to be prompt and efficient.

Dear Sir,
The latest terror mayhem in Paris is barbaric, senseless and defies conventional wisdom in every sense; it is the deadliest violence France has seen since World War II. It has anguished all peace-loving people of world.

The multiple attacks are black marks on our civilized society.This apparently well-co-ordinatesd assault on France, the second this year after the Charlie Hebdo attack, brings to fore that terrorism knows no boundaries and it is menace that has gripped the entire world. Hence all countries of the world need to unite against terrorism and find a common strategy to tackle the menace cutting across boundaries. Another important factor is to choke the terrorist groups’ financial resources. Our prayers for families who have lost their dear ones in the dastardly act in Paris. We are all united with French people in their hour of grief.

US went for massive revamp of internal security and invested heavily to make it full proof internal security, in the process they establishing a separate Home land security, Unfortunately U.S did"d pay any attention on gun culture, today it is easiest to purchase Gun in US and even elder school children have acess to firearms, In countries like India, Pakistan and GCC countries, one has to really prove bonafide for the need for having gun License, serious threat to his life.

It is high time, that US review it easy gun licensing policy, allow guns to only those who really need and have serious security threat.

Sir —After the ordeal of 26/11, counter-terrorism measures had been adopted and intelligence systems strengthened. But the blast in Varanasi is a grim reminder of the fact that our intelligence department still has serious shortcomings. Effective intelligence gathering is essential for preventing terror strikes.

The country’s intelligence wing seems to have been neglected and perhaps its officers have little incentive to work in it. They are required to keep a low profile and even their successes are kept largely under wraps. The government must commit itself to building an effective and efficient system of intelligence. To begin with, dedicated officers should be appointed. A spirit of dynamism and professionalism must be infused in the ranks of the country’s intelligence personnel.

The intelligence services have dealt with even greater challenges in the past. In the present crisis, there is no reason why it cannot rise to combat terrorism at the urban centers.

The near simultaneous blasts in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai, which claimed the lives of 18 innocent people and injured dozens others is sad and despicable. It must be stated that the need of the hour is to make the police force/intelligence machinery more effective by taking holistic measures to deal with terrorism. The government of India has promised the nation the revamping of police/intelligence machinery across India with large investments, we all are looking forward to government’s action on this. This attack clearly shows terrorists

are rearing their menacingly ugly head again on India’s commercial capital and the police /intelligence apparatus is still unprepared to tackle these attacks.

The terrorist attacks in Mumbai, reinforces the need to make our police force and intelligence agencies more effective so that such dastardly acts do not keep recurring. Revamping the police machinery across India so that challenges of hi-tech terror, has become an absolute necessity. With the attacks exposing the loopholes in our intelligence network, a full fledged analysis should be undertaken so that we match the counter terror measures of the western world where the attacks have been dwindling over the years.

Sir — After the ordeal of 26/11, counter-terrorism measures had been adopted and intelligence systems strengthened. But the blast in Varanasi is a grim reminder of the fact that our intelligence department still has serious shortcomings. Effective intelligence gathering is essential for preventing terror strikes.

The country’s intelligence wing seems to have been neglected, and perhaps its officers have little incentive to work in it. They are required to keep a low profile and even their successes are kept largely under wraps.

The government must commit itself to building an effective and efficient system of intelligence. To begin with, dedicated officers should be appointed. A spirit of dynamism and professionalism must be infused in the ranks of the country’s intelligence personnel.

The intelligence services have dealt with even greater challenges in the past. In the present crisis, there is no reason why it cannot rise to combat terrorism at the urban centres.

SIR, ~ The latest Maoist outrage in Chhattisgarh was not an attack on the Congress or the BJP; it was anattack on democracy. Mahendra Karma, the founder of Salwa Judum who was killed by the extremists, was fondly referred to as “Bastar Tiger”. He was a combative leader, whose support base was not limited to his Congress party; his rivals in politics also respected him as a man of principle, who had entered politics to serve the people. Even the ruling BJP chief minister, Raman Singh, maintained cordial relations with him.

Karma had served as minister in undivided Madhya Pradesh. After Chhattisgarh was carved out in 2000, he became the industry and commerce minister. In 2003, when the BJP came to power, he took over as leader of the Opposition.

The Maoists of Bastar had been trying to target him for quite some time. Karma and the state government had lost the ideological battle when the Salwa Judum was disbanded in 2011 on the orders of the Supreme Court of India. In the Gondi language of the tribals, Salwa Judum means “Peace March” or “Purification Hunt”. Karma enjoyed a measure of support, cutting across party lines.

That the blast took place not more than 500 metres away from the prime minister’s official residence is a telling comment on the status of the country’s security.

It is a stark reminder that terrorists can strike at will anywhere in the country. If even a VVIP zone in the country is not safe, it goes without saying how sage the common man’s hangouts are.

Moreover, a highly sophisticated magnetic sticker bomb was used to execute the blast. The anti-social elements are upgrading their technology and way of functioning. Even as the government claims to have advanced surveillance equipment, it has given little or no attention to improving human intelligence, an integral part of any country’s intelligence system. Also, India should ensure that it does not become a host to proxy war between Iran and Israel.

Sir, This refers to 'Bomb blast rocks Pune, 8 killed'. The security agencies have not learnt a lesson from the Mumbai 26/11attack, knowing well that David Headley had visited Pune also. Although the government has been buying a lot of hi-tech hardware for the police across the country.

it has lagged behind in improving the intelligence network and coordination between various state and Central agencies to preempt any such attacks.

India’s Intelligence still needs improvement. It is really horrifying to see the blast at Pune which has totally exposed lack of preparedness in the intelligence network of the city that is the prime education and emerging IT hub.

What is more agonizing is that security agencies didn’t learn a lesson from Mumbai 26/11 attack which should have been an eye opener. Though the government has been trying to improve security network by buying large quantities of hi-tech hardware for police across country, it has lagged in improving intelligence network. There is lack of proper coordination across the country between various state and central security agencies. Need of the hour is to further improve and make intelligence agencies strong and effective to carry out counter-terrorism activities by placing dedicated police officers with interest in intelligence to infuse professionalism.

Successive governments have neglected the intelligence department which has become the dumping ground for unwilling officers, as here one is required to keep a low profile.

The Pune bomb blast has exposed holes in the city’s intelligence network and shows how careless the Maharashtra police can be.

What’s more agonizing is the fact that the security agencies haven’t learnt any lesson from the 26/11 attack which should have been enough of an eye opener to them. The police also knew that David Headley had done a recce in Pune too and yet could not pull up their socks and ensure fool-proof security at public places.

With terrorism crossing the confines of J&K and reaching major urban centers, the only way left to stop it from spreading further is to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen the anti-terror force by placing dedicated cops in sensitive posts.

The Pune bomb blast exposed the lack of preparation and the holes in the city’s intelligence network. Our security agencies do not seem to have learnt anything from 26/11, despite knowing that David Headley had visited Pune. With terrorism crossing the mountains of Kashmir and entering major urban centers which showcase India’s economic success, it is necessary to improve and make our intelligence agencies strong and effective.

IN the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attack, the home ministry had decided to take effective counter terrorism action by improving policing and revamping intelligence but Tuesday’s bomb blast in the holy city of Varanasi, is a grim reminder of the fact that our intelligence still has shortfalls which we need to address.

Effective we need to address. Effective intelligence gathering is a prerequisite for counter-terrorism measures. The intelligence department, which is supposed to be the eyes and ears of the government, seems to have become a dumping ground for officers who are unwilling to serve with zeal.

The terrorist attack on Pakistan's high-security defense establishment Mehran Naval Base in Karachi is one of the most brazen in recent years.

This attack is of grave concern not only for Pakistan but for the entire region. A few days ago Saudi diplomat Al-Qahtani was killed in Karachi. Since late seventies the Pakistani establishment has been appeasing extremist elements. This has to stop.

Also Pakistan should put an effective security mechanism in place. Otherwise Pakistan's very survival will be in danger.

This latest attack is bound to create more questions regarding the effectiveness of European intelligence agencies, and rightly so. The attack once again highlights chronic deficits in Europe in terms of how terrorism is managed.

Sunday" attack on Mehran Naval base in Karachi, A security establishment,is one of the most brazenterrorists attack in recent times, This attack is of grave concern not only for Pakistan but for security of entire region.

Infact a few days ago,a saudi diplomat, Al qahtani, was killed by terrorists in Karachi, This appeasement of extreme elements by began in late seventies and was continued by successive military and civileans governments in Pakistan.

This saga of extremism has continued to foster because of the stand of taken by Pakistan establishment, it is of utmost important for the governmnet of Pakistan to take the support of all sections of society, intelligentsia,military, judiciary and above all political class and those elements and who are active in Punjab heartland of Pakistan.

Also Pakistan should put an effective security mechanism in places, otherwise this self consuming fire will engulf all the sundry putting the Pakistan nation's existence at stake.

Sir, Pakistani jihadi group do Not even spare the visiting cricket team, ( terror ambushes cricket, march 4).

It was a condemnable and dastardly attack and proved the right the apprehension of many cricketing nations which cancelled their tours to Pakistan due to security concerns in pakistan. it was 26/11 Mumbai attack that prompted the cancellation of tour of Pakistan by Indian team, Perhaps that decision saved our cricket team from similar or worst disaster,

The world should condemn Pakistan and ban its future participation in all international sports, as the country has failed provide adequate security to the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team, Incidentally Sri Lankan cricket team paid for their bravado for volunteering to visit pakistan when India withdrew.

The Sunday's attacks by Taliban in Kabul, targeting high profile locations such is Nat (bases, Parliament and Western embassies demonstrates that all this while, the militant group was down but not out. The Taliban's near-simultaneous attacks in three other eastern cities—all highly protected areas—speak, volumes about the group's capability to strike at will. This was one of the boldest and deadliest attacks in the recent times. it seemed that a highly trained group was behind the attacks. What is further worrisome is that the outfit is in possession of advanced arms and ammunition, with which it can target even highly fortified places.

The development is a matter of Concern particularly because the Nato forces are set to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. The global community should make an effort to ensure that peace is restored in the volatile region.

Sir — This refers to the news report, “21 dead as Taliban storm Kabul hotel” (June 30). The ghastly attack carried out by heavily-armed Taliban militants on the Intercontinental Hotel at Kabul stands proof of their ferocious might. But the way they have violated the security apparatus to carry out the terrorist attack either on Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel or on the heavily-fortified PNS Mehran is a reflection of their growing intelligence strength. It clearly shows that before targeting such heavily-guarded buildings they carry out a reconnaissance, gather enough intelligence and then only create mayhem. By following similar plan they attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul and killed 11 civilians and two policemen. Severity of attack was such that Nato forces and helicopters were employed to end this siege by the evil forces.

Moreover, the dreadful attack clearly underlines the fact that the year-long presence of the Nato forces has not weakened the Taliban, let alone finish them. Also, it does not complement the decision of the US President to withdraw troops from Afghanistan where the Taliban can carry out terrorist attacks in the areas under strict vigilance of the Nato forces.

The well coordinated series of attacks by heavily armed Taleban militia at multiple locations across Kabul and at least three provinces of Afghanistan on Sunday also involved an assault on heavily guarded Western targets like the German, British, Canadian, US embassies and Nato’s Headquarter. The severity of these attacks shows that the Taleban may have been down but are not out and they have clearly demonstrated their might. This is one of the boldest and deadliest assaults carried out by a highly trained group in the last decade. Regional countries like India, Pakistan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should take note of it. Since Qatar has also joined the peace process, all these states should work together to bring peace and stability to this volatile region.

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “A gruesome massacre” (July 25). Nowadays, when we speak of terror, we immediately think of gruesome attacks in South Asia, which is the epicentre of global terrorism. But it is hard to imagine that a place like Oslo which serves as a symbol of international peace-making could also come under attack. It is not only the Norwegians but also people across the world who are shocked to see this devastating new face of crime, reportedly caused by a Right-wing extremist.

Also, this serves as an indication that the lowering of guard in Europe has proven to be a dangerous idea. It is time countries in the West tightened their security apparatus keeping in mind the 21st century global security scenario.

Additionally, the twin attacks in Oslo also highlight the importance of keeping a watch on the moves and tendencies of those who express extremists views.

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Terror revisits Europe” (March 24). The deadly terrorist attack in Brussels illustrates the capacity of the Islamic State to wreak havoc across continents.

The terror attack in Brussels has brought to fore the need for a well-coordinated response from the international community in order to neutralize extremist movements like the Islamic State and Boko Haram.

The surge of the Islamic State has to be stopped considering the enormity of tragedies that has convulsed a part of the world. Barbaric attacks like these cannot be easily forgiven. We all should condemn such attacks.

This is with reference to the article “Nice carnage: A wake-up call” (July 17) by Bikram Vohra. The horrific terror attack in Nice, France, is a chilling reminder of the fact that no place is safe anymore. These terrorists are heartless people who could unleash their wrath on innocent people when they least expect it. The suicide attack outside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah also shows that these people have no respect for any religion. It sure is a wake-up call for all of us. I fail to understand what makes them so brutal. Why do they hate peace so much? Why don't they live and let live?

The recent spate of terror attacks across the world calls for reviewing safety measures at all public places. Governments should conduct safety audit of all public places by getting threat and risk assessment surveys done.

Sir,The latest terror attack in spanish city of Barcelona — is saddening, Suspicion falls on Dash’s network in Europe.

The recent spate of terror attacks worldwide, especially in important European cities, calls for reviewing safety measures in all public places on the europe, European governments, should conduct safety audits of all public places and give more attention and better co-operation of their intelligence network.

This attacks in Spanish city of Barcelona is also a grim reminders of the fact, that the growing menace of terrorism is spreading across Europe, France, Germany, UK and Spain have already seen such brutal terror attacks recently,hence there is urgent need for the global community to join hands in combating these attacks,

This attack also demonstrate terrorist's sophisticated networks and their ability to penetrate.

It is high time security and intelligence agencies of european governments not intensifies their operations against terrorists (ISIS), they should work with full force at their command to dismantle their network and chock their funds as well.

It has proved, menace of terrorism has shifted from from Syria and Iraq to Europe,and their network is getting better organised By now it is proved that terrorism is not nation-specific, nor is region-specific.