Editor,
The drone strikes at the IAF base in Jammu and subsequent sightings of drones close to military stations has set alarm bells ringing. Several army stations in this area have been targeted by Pakistan-sponsored terror in the past. In each case evidence corroborated Pakistan’s involvement in the terror. Drone strikes indicate that terrorists have changed their modus operandi and that advanced technology has been incorporated into their terror activities. By adopting drone assisted terror attacks terrorists have dispensed with suicide attacks. This advanced strategy empowers the terrorists to carry out repeated attacks. These attacks show that terrorists may exploit chinks in the armour to carry out attacks successfully. An advantage of drone attacks is that it enables Pakistan to deny its involvement as there is lack of concrete evidence.
Terrorist attacks show that it is very difficult to protect each and every asset and vital installation. On the other hand, India cannot afford to come under sustained terror attacks. Instead of being defensive like in the past, India must be on the offensive and bring prompt retaliation to the attacks. Once the enemy is identified counter-attacks must be carried out. Billions of dollars are spent to buy protection. This has proved to be unnecessary. Instead, India must adopt retaliatory measures that will make the enemy remain under threat.
Carrying out of terror attacks using drones poses a new threat to India. Drones could be used not just to attack airbases and military stations but also carry out attacks on military convoys and public gatherings. Attacks of this kind have serious consequences. India must realize the seriousness of the situation and must be prepared for counter attacks. Drone attacks show a paradigm shift in terror attacks. To counter it, India must have the military resources like anti-drone systems. There must be facilities for detecting, tracking and destroying drones.
There have been a lot of developments in the region lately. As the US troops are leaving Afghanistan, the Taliban may take over that country. This will allow Pakistan to get India out of that country. As the region is overrun with radical extremists, Pakistan will instigate more terrorist activities against India as it will boost the morale of terrorists. Terrorism continues to be Pakistan’s state policy. The attack in Jammu is only a beginning. In such a situation, establishing peace with Pakistan is impossible.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS
Kollam
Population control
Editor
Of late there is lot of discussion among the public, at the behest of politicians, regarding population control, and apparently directed at a particular minority community. This is quite amusing and interesting too. Studies and research have repeatedly shown that population growth is not influenced by religion (Iran or even Bangladesh are examples), or for that matter, large families are not confined to a few religious communities. Rather, growth in population is influenced by ignorance (or lack of education), economic and societal positions, specially of women. It is well known that even today, an average family size in rural areas is larger than that of urban areas.
In fact, rate of decadal population growth in India, overall, is continuously showing a declining trend in recent decades.
The recent publication by the Lancet, the reputed peer reviewed medical journal, analyses that the population of India would decline to around 130 crores by the end of the century. In fact, the replacement rate of population would be lower than the mortality rate. Of course, the study reveals, the population of the country is likely to increase and peak to around 160 crores, in a couple of decades, from the current level of around 135 crores. This may have severe impact on the society, especially if old-aged population, by far, outnumber the young ones.
We would do well do also to note that China, the country having population larger than India, started allowing couples to have a third child from a stricter control, earlier.
The average age of Indians is getting older, with more people in the higher age groups. With better medical facilities, the longevity of people would also increase. With more people in the higher age groups (with low or nil economic productivity or income), more people, with economic productivity would be required, additionally to support those who are aging.
In the days of modern science, when education and awareness holds the key to progress, the society must be alert so that it would not be doomed in future for its actions today, and fall prey to selfish themes aroused by politicians, of different hues.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia,
Via email
Good gesture by SC
Editor,
It is a good and highly appreciable gesture of the Supreme Court asking all state governments and Union Territories to implement by July 31 the ’One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme. According to a report, passing a slew of directions on June 29, 2021 to the Centre and States for the benefit of migrant workers, a bench of the Supreme Court also ordered the Centre to develop a national portal by July 31 to register the unorganized and migrant workers. Going to details the SC also asked the state governmentz to frame schemes for distribution of food grains to those not having ration cards.
The Centre is told to allocate food grains as per the demands of the state governments. This One Nation One Ration Card scheme is really the need of hour because with this scheme all the migrant workers and labour will be able to avail the ration benefits in any part of the country.
We know many workers and poor labourers migrate to other states to earn their keep. They are not able to utilize the benefits of the ration card just because they don’t have the ration cards of the state where they work. I am certain that this scheme will work to the advantage of migrant workers and ease their burdens.
Yours etc.,
Muaz Qasmi,
Via email