The assault on Karachi airport by Taliban gunmen that left 28 dead and scores of others injured is reprehensible and has left a nascent peace process in tatters. The attack underlines the need to beef up Pakistan’s security system, especially at important public places, and raises serious concerns on Pakistan’s ability to counter terror on its soil.

Taliban militants have unleashed a series of similar raids in the past too. With the outfit indicating that it will step up its efforts to launch more attacks in retaliation for the deaths of hundreds of tribal women and children in Pakistani air strikes, the prospect is frightening.

The Pakistan military deserves a pat on the back for taming the gunmen and restoring calm. The Indian government has also done well to react swiftly by putting airports across the country on extra alert and increasing the presence of CISF quick reaction teams.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Not quite it

Your edit “A crisis of identity” (June 9) about Aadhaar is welcome but it fails to detail the implementation pitfall beyond mentioning the existence of shortfalls and shortcomings. The voluntary nature of schemes used for statutory implementation is only the tip of the iceberg. Excess information is a deterrent. Introspection into why the voter’s card failed and the relative success of the PAN card is called for. It’s not enough if the idea is sound.

Also, some opinions shared by A Rangachari in “We expect a no-nonsense budget” (June 7) are difficult to agree with. Especially passenger fares being subsidised by freight charges and scrapping employment guarantee. Trains are rife with cockroaches and the stink from the toilets pervades compartments; no cleaning takes place on long journeys involving overnight travel. It’s actually touts who clean the compartments. The trash is not emptied at the end of the journey and the less said about time-keeping the better.

Rather than scrapping job schemes, it is better to restructure the programme. Why not include agricultural labour? Why should employment be confined to road-laying and the like? As for taxation, it is necessary to treat single income families differently from double income families.

Hariharan N

Thiruvananthapuram

Stop this fraud

Public sector banks are rushing to Asset Reconstruction Companies to sell their NPAs in an effort to clean up their balance sheets. ARCs seem to bid for a bargain price comprising a low cash component and the balance by way of security receipts.

Where the underlying security of the NPA includes real estate, ARCs tend to bid for higher amounts as sale of such property can be clinched for a consideration in white and black money. Thus ARCs seem to be poised to facilitate the emergence of a scam. The RBI must investigate this immediately and stop this fraudulent practice.

PV Maiya

Bangalore

Time to clear out

Those who have become ex-MPs and ex-ministers following the recent elections are required to vacate their official accommodation within a stipulated time.

There are Supreme Court guidelines for this and the new government must show the resolve to deal firmly deal with those who overstay. The law must be made applicable to all fairly and squarely.

CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

It has been reported that 265 former MPs have been issued notices to vacate their official accommodation by June 18. Fifty-five former ministers have been reportedly issued notices to vacate by June 26. The time allowed is said to be one month from the date of dissolution of the Assembly. Why then do they wait to be given notice? They know that new MPs and ministers will need accommodation. As law-makers they should set a good example.

KV Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

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