• I would like to put in a word about the use of the word ‘‘militant’’ in your newspaper. You have described the Chechen killers as militants. Actually, they are terrorists, not militants. The word ‘‘militant’’ is used to denote extremist, or those who use violent means. That implies that their views are correct, but their means are wrong. So it is unpleasant when terrorists are described as militants, especially in our country. Terrorists are not militants. They do not attack military or State apparatus. They may claim they are fighting for freedom, but actually they are usually funded by vested interests. Moreover, most terrorists were criminal record holders before took to terrorism. So, don’t you think those who target the common citizens are terrorists, and not militants?Rakesh Saswadkar• I am an overseas reader of online newspapers from India. While there are many good columnists, it is very surprising and unfortunate that most write on the intra-party politics and so on. They never seem to write anything for the betterment of the Indian community as a whole. Our country is in the middle of a political and religious turmoil. No one emphasises national issues like national identity cards, population explosion, terrorism and the Congress party’s support to religious fundamentalism with its appeasement of minorities. We need good writers to highlight India’s development and progress. Our PM must be asked to implement a strict population policy like the one in China.Vani Malini• After reading your article, I am not sure whether your main worry is the adverse effect that Parliament not working has on our country or, what Nawaz Sharif would say. Till now, at least we used to seek the approval of western democracies. But now you are taking us down to the level of a tin-pot dictatorship like Pakistan.Rajendra Madangopal Mandhania • I enjoyed reading your interesting article on the code of conduct of Parliamentarians. Difference of opinion is the very soul of democracy. However, no democracy can flourish unless its handlers, i.e. the lawmakers, resolve to protect and uphold the Constitution in its true letter and spirit. In my opinion, the recent display in the Indian Parliament was in bad taste, but it is insignificant compared to what is happening in Pakistan. Lawmakers in India deserve all praise for upholding the sanctity of the ballot box. It is the maturity of the political system, which has given India a respectful place among the community of nations. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
