This refers to the report, “IM founder Yasin Bhatkal nabbed” (August 30).The arrest of Yasin Bhatkal, the brain behind the Indian Mujahideen, has again put the spotlight on the crucial issues of national security, the porous India-Nepal border and the absence of an extradition treaty with Nepal. These are serious concerns, as on numerous occasions the source of drugs, counterfeit currency, infiltration by jihadi elements who perpetrate acts of terrorism in our country, have been traced to some unfriendly neighbours. Our porous border with Nepal has proved to be a haven for terrorists who easily escape to that country after each terror attack. Reportedly, the Pakistan intelligence agency, the ISI too exploits the vulnerability of the India-Nepal border to pump in fake currency, arms, drugs and terrorist elements into India.

The Government needs to address the issue of fencing the border with Nepal, as has been done at our western borders. It would help also to set up checkposts, deploy more security personnel and introduce a visa system to curtail infiltration/illegal entry into India.

This refers to the editorial, “Talk, but talk on terror” (December 5). The Pathankot terror attack has brought to fore the need for enhanced security system and better coordination among our security agencies. There can be no doubt that the terror attack at the Air Force base was meant to inflict maximum collateral damage to the strategic assets of the Air Force. Thankfully, that failed

That the blast took place not more than 500 meters away frontier 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 safe the common man's hangouts are. Moreover, a highly sophisticated magnetic sticker bo was used to execute blast.

The anti-social elements gents are upgrading, 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.

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.

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.

Sir — After the ordeal of 26/11, counter-terrorismmeasures 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,Few Incidents clearly and aptly highlights the fact that India’s coastal security can still be breached, though huge funds have been allocated for the purpose and plans are under implementation to prevent the recurrence of what happened on that fateful day 26/11, 2008,when ten terrorists entered Mumbai unchecked and carried out mayhem killing large number of people and practically keeping city under hostage for three days,

Second incident is equally alarming of the fact that when two ships entered Mumbai Coast on different dates one at Juhu beach undetected clearly exposes the hollowness of authorities that country’s Sea coast are safe and under constant watch by Maritime agencies for any intrusion Hence navy, coast guard and Sea Police should be clearly asked what they were doing as It is plane which can enter airspace in few minutes as takes at least couple of hours for ship to enter and appear near juhu.

What would have happened if these ships were hijacked ships by Somali Pirates with laden with Explosives and asked for huge ransom or some unreasonable demands like releasing of some hardcore terrorists or huge ransom.

As clearly it is being proved beyond a point that Somali Pirates have ties with anti Indian terrorists organizations otherwise these Pirates can’t operate with such a great immunity collecting huge ransom without the support with powerful forces as they have even given tough time to worlds most powerful navies like US,India etc.

Recent capture of these pirates of in Indian waters is alarming as they have started foraying into Indian waters as we have small islands far away from India’s mainland,

India has vast coastline on Eastern and Western side, hence there is urgent need for constant vigil and enhancing maritime security on our Coasts on 24x7 basis as principle goal of these terrorists organisations is to undermine the political order and economic prosperity of India by having terrorists attacks like 26/11 at Mumbai as India’ has vast vital economic Installations like Mumbai High as Economy and maritime security are interlinked, Hence effective coastal surveillance network ensure protection of our vast shoreline .Maintaining that martime security should be governmnet't top priority.

I hope that your esteemed newspaper's report will have an impact and the central and state administration, and which will wake up to do still more for the important subject of coastal asecurity which is life line for any country's economy.