Combating terrorism

Sir,

The war against terrorism is always tough. It is more so when the country which fuels it is your next door neighbour.

Our country is fighting a war against an enemy which is hardly seen. The terrorists use tactics which are not employed in a usual war like situation. As per a news report published in this newspaper (Mar 12) in view of the enhanced surveillance of the security forces along with the installation of sophisticated gadgets along with border the infiltration and exfiltration of the militants has become tougher. Some of the militant commanders who have been captured have revealed that due to the tight vigil on the border many terrorists who were trying to infiltrate or exfiltrate have been either captured or killed in encounters with the security forces.

In view of these developments a new threat is looming large. This high rate of attrition has forced the militants to decide to opt for local training. So the war against militants has taken a new turn. It is reported that LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen have decided to train militants locally. In view of these developments the security forces need to take a serious view of these developments. Better surveillance of remote area is needed so that these militants training camps are located and destroyed. The security forces will have a new job on their hands now and we all hope that they will combat terrorists with same bravery as they have been over these years.

Yours etc...
Ashwani Khajuria
Kot Balwal,
Jammu

Mubarak Mandi

Sir,

Mubarak Mandi is a central heritage spot in the city of temples. It is believed to have been constructed by Raja Dhruvdev Singh in 1710-1715 AD. When the State passed into the hands of Dogras they added new complexes to it. Mubarak Mandi Complex is huge sprawling complex of Palaces, offices etc. which are built with bricks on which a plaster of lime brick mortar has been used. The huge gates of wood which must have been built about a century and a half. They stand guard at many places.

Mubarak Mandi has attracted attention of people of all hues whether they are Government Ministers, high officials, conservationists or common people. Every body is evincing keen interest in the preservation of Mubarak Mandi Complex. It is only now that the Government after deliberating upon the methods of conservation are finally coming to the view that it whatever is now left of Mubarak Mandi is to be saved. The only way is to save it is through scientific conservation.

Without the experience and technical expertise such a complex task cannot be achieved. Archeological survey of India is the only organisation that can handle the complex work of conservation of this place of heritage. It will take a lot of time to complete the conservation work. But only thing that escapes the notice of the authorities is that there are many offices in Mubarak Mandi which should be shifted to other places so that they do not further damage the fragile and salient features of the complex.

Besides lot of attention is paid to the conservation of the complex but a complex, how well maintained it is will not attract any tourist if it is not well connected by road. The present approach to Mubarak Mandi is choked with cars parked on the road. The road is also narrow. We need to have an alternate road to Mubarak Mandi which will have a direct and hassel free approach without passing through the interiors of the city.

Yours etc...
Ajay Jamwal
Julaka Mohalla
Jammu

Defence preparedness

Sir,

Defence is a paramount dement of a country. It is basic pillar on which the survival of a nation stands. Especially and more importantly so if the country is like India which is surrounded by inmical and belligerent forces.

India is uniquely placed in the geopolitical situation of the continent. On one hand it commands a central position in south Asia and on the other being a rapidly developing country with a democratic dispensation it is eyesore of many other nations. These countries are not so far but are in our neighbourhood. With the rapidly changing strategic and tactical situation in the neighbourhood we have to be wary of the evil and nefarious designs of countries who are nursing wrong intentions against us. We are thus compelled to fortify our defence capabilities in view of the present circumstances. In past also our country has been subjected to external invasions. In 1947, 1962, 1965 and 1971 we had to bear the brunt of major wars which our neighbours, against whom we had no evil intentions thrust upon us. The unleashing of a Jihad against us has also forced us to rethink our policy of deterrence. But keeping in view the rapid modernisation of Chinese and Pakistani defence forces it is important that we take all measures to counter these build ups. In this context the delays in acquisition of jet fighters are causing harm to our strategic interests. Our Airforce was planned to have 45 squadrons for a deterrence and to the on both China and Pakistan we need at least 55 squadrons of high end bombers and fighters. But now the aircraft strength has come down to nearly 30 squadrons which is woefully short of meeting the basic necessities of defence. The delay in induction of top end and important defence equipments like aircrafts tanks, submarines etc. is not a good trend. We have to become conscious of these chinks in our armor. The Govt should do something speedily in this regard.

Yours etc...
Kudeep Sharma
Channi Himmat
Jammu