Tahawwur Rana’s extradition is a major victory for India and a pivotal step towards tying up loose ends related to the 26/11 attacks (‘The devil and the details’, March 9).
His interrogation here is expected to throw up fresh evidence and testimonies, reinforcing the already substantial proof of the involvement of both Pakistani state and non-state actors in the 26/11 attacks.
Whether or not Pakistan officially acknowledges this is irrelevant. What matters is holding Pakistan accountable through diplomatic and geopolitical pressure.
Ranjan Banerjee,
On email.
The extradition process of Rana began nearly 15 years ago, and I am glad it is finally happening. I look forward to the day when we extradite Dawood Ibrahim in a similar manner, provided he is still alive. However, that will be far more challenging and will require the support of global superpowers.
Rana is no less than a terrorist, responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. He must face justice. The sooner, the better.
Rajendra Nath,
On email.
People like Rana have no place in society. This is indeed a moment of justice for the many innocent lives lost on that tragic day—one India is never going to forget.
Rana deserves the strictest punishment. It is deeply disturbing that people who are intelligent and well-educated choose such dangerous path.
Pankaj Khatri,
On email.
Safeguard regional languages
How about safeguarding regional languages? One would expect a Lok Sabha MP like Bansuri Swaraj (‘Right angle’, March 9) to take a more socially responsible stance rather than promoting Sanskrit. Instead of sidelining regional languages like Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and others, why not ensure that the government upholds the three-language formula in its true spirit?
M.K Abhishek,
On email.
Develop Odisha
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has a challenging task ahead (‘We can surpass regional counterparts in industrial growth’, March 9). Odisha has long lagged behind more progressive states, and significant efforts are needed to drive its development.
Odisha has faced governance and economic challenges for years, and attracting substantial investment will be crucial. As one of the gateways to the northeast, Odisha holds immense strategic potential, and it is high time it is developed on par with the northern and southern states.
Sudhakar Rao,
On email.
Good decision
It is a very good decision on the part of the Telangana government to redevelop the Mamnoor airport built by the Nizam (‘Taking wings again’, March 9).
The Mamnoor airport should have been developed long ago as Telangana’s second airport to ease congestion at the Hyderabad airport. With air travel becoming increasingly affordable, airports will be the lifeline of the future.
There is a growing need to establish more airports in smaller cities and towns to improve connectivity and meet rising demand.
Gunjan Pant,
On email.
Intelligent creatures
As a senior citizen, I was emotionally shattered and teary-eyed after reading about the rising man-animal conflicts and captive elephants going berserk, especially in southern states.
However, the story of Laxmi, a once-captive elephant freed from a life of begging and misery on the streets, and now cared for with love and dignity at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura comes as a breath of fresh air (‘Jumbo love’, March 9).
Elephants are inherently peaceful, highly sensitive, and intelligent creatures. They become aggressive only when they are sick, injured, harassed, protecting their young or during musth. Unfortunately, in many southern states, elephants are still used in temples and ceremonial events without adherence to existing regulations on captive elephants.
Let us ensure that these magnificent beings are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Biju C. Mathew,
On email.
Stark lesson
Donald Trump’s drastic measures to deport illegal immigrants stem from the surge of such entrants into the “land of opportunities”, often facilitated by agents who exploit their desperation (‘Last word’, March 9).
While deportation may be justified as a means to protect economic stability, the crude manner of execution—forcing them into overcrowded aircraft with little room to move—is inhuman. This should serve as a stark lesson for those entering countries illegally with the help of agents.
B. Gurumurthy,
On email.
Undocumented immigrants are being labelled as invaders and kept in detention camps under inhuman conditions. They face ill-treatment, deprivation of food, and uncertainty about their future. Many are deported on military planes, shackled hand and foot for up to 40 hours.
Also, Trump’s conduct during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was so inappropriate.
C.K. Saseendran,
On email.
Salute their bravery
Your article vividly captures the physical and emotional challenges faced by soldiers, who brave Siachen’s freezing climate and hostile environment (‘Standing tall’, March 2). With Pakistan on one side, and China on the other, serving in Siachen is a huge challenge for any Army personnel.
These soldiers sacrifice the comfort of good food, the warmth of home, and the embrace of sun, all in the line of duty. Their bravery and commitment deserve our deepest appreciation.
Raghavan Rajagopal,
On email.