Need for a democratic government in Pakistan
Sir, The militants have struck again in Pakistan. In this ongoing war between the government and the militants, innocent people are falling victims. Now the failure of the government’s anti-terror policy which is no more in doubt, reveals itself in the ability of the militants to carry out with impunity bomb blasts wherever and whenever they wish.

The fact is that a military-backed government does not have the credentials to work and execute a political strategy. It only knows how to use the gun. By identifying itself with the US, the Musharraf regime has further become for the militants the proverbial red rag to a bull.

A government elected in a fair and free electoral exercise will alone be in a position to develop a national consensus on addressing the challenge of militancy, restoring peace and curbing religious extremism in Pakistan.
J AKSHOBHYA
Mysore

Focus terrorism
Sir, The Left parties are threatening the UPA Government over the nuclear deal with the US just because they are opposed to that country on the outmoded notion of imperialism. Why don’t they show the same vehemence on the issue of religious terrorism which requires an urgent intervention by the authorities.
The Left should realise that terrorism is ruining the country rather than their imaginary fear of imperialism.
V S Ganeshan
Bangalore

Travesty of truth
Sir, What is Deve Gowda upto by anointing Merajuddin Patel as the state chief of JD(S)? Is he trying to corner the BJP to whom power has to be transferred on October 3, as per the power sharing understanding between the coalition partners or has he a hidden agenda to deny the BJP a chance to rule the state.
It would be a travesty of truth and injustice if Kumaraswamy goes back on his solemn undertaking when he formed the government with the BJP's support.
V Padmanabhan
Bangalore

Alternatives possible
Sir, Recently, the price of sand used in construction of buildings, roads etc skyrocketed due to the transporters’ strike. Also, the price is increasing every year due to shortages created due to various reasons. Constructors can look into using “no-fines concrete” where fine aggregate in concrete is not used.
Alternatively, if controlled crushing is practiced at the quarry, quarry dust can replace the fine aggregate in very many situations. Hollow block manufacturers can safely use this in place of sand.
Dr H Achyutha
Bangalore

Unhealthy practice
Sir, The quality of justice by B G Verghese (DH, Sept 3) makes sad reading. The charges against Justice Y K Sabharwal, former Chief Justice of India, are graver than those against Abdul Kareem Telgi, the master mind behind the stamp paper scam. No country can fully progress, which applies different yardsticks to different sections of its society.
P Joseph
Belgaum

Catch them young
Sir, With the August 25th Hyderabad twin blast, security personnel across the states have been on red alert. We have forgotten that decades of communal tension has given birth to a  generation who use violence and force as a means of resolving disputes. It’s high time that we realise the importance of forming a generation who can create a better tomorrow.
Asha Kiran
Mangalore

Political gimmick
Sir, I refer to the article N-Panel in place (DH, Sept 5). It is interesting that the panel does not have a single scientist. The most important question is whether the 123 agreement would benefit the Indian people and if so by what means and how much?  This question can only be answered by a scientist.
Pradeep
Bangalore