EDITOR

NOT GUNS ALONE

THIS REFERS TO the article, ‘India’s medieval counterinsurgency’ (IE, April 27). The problem of insurgency is all about local people’s resentment. Security endeavours are, of course, a necessity. But winning people’s hearts is more important than displaying guns. There should be a two-pronged strategy: Inclusive development should be combined with efforts to boost security.

Suchak D. Patel, Ahmedabad

A BREAKDOWN

THIS REFERS to the editorial, ‘A tragedy repeated’ (IE, April 26). The deadly Maoist attack on CRPF jawans in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma indicates the Maoists’ desperation to oppose tooth and nail any development that comes their way. It also indicates a breakdown in intelligence gathering as well as possibly ineffective coordination between the state police and paramilitary forces. The government needs to upgrade its intelligence units and deploy personnel who are well-trained in combat to challenge the Maoist menace. There should be attempts to bring together local villagers’ groups, civil society organisations and political parties. Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

CONGRESS ERRORS

THIS REFERS to the article, ‘Distant Neighbours’ (IE, April 24). The article rightly argues that the Congress’ love for Maoists and left-leaning institutions has undermined the strategic leverage the country enjoyed in Nepal. The Congress’ position in Nepal was also in line with its other ideologicallydriven pursuits which have comprised national interest.

Saurabh Raj, Gandhinagar