To counter Pakistan & China, defence budget must be raised

Refer to ‘PM’s firm message’; the editorial aptly highlights the shift in India’s counter-terror doctrine, with Op Sindoor delivering a bold, precise and morally restrained response, signalling that trade and talks will no longer coexist with terror. However, the undue haste in agreeing to a ceasefire without forcing Pakistan to hand over the Pahalgam attackers or dismantling terror networks is troubling. Besides, heavy reliance on foreign-made Rafales and S-400 systems for the operation’s success underscores the pressing need to raise the defence budget and build advanced capabilities to deter threats from Pakistan and China. Strategic gains must be utilised to secure substantive diplomatic concessions, not just short-lived military success.

AMARJEET MANN, UNA

Op Sindoor only a trailer

Apropos of ‘Won’t take N-blackmail, talks only on PoK, terror: PM’; the Prime Minister asserted that talks, trade and terrorism cannot go together nor can blood and water flow together. He made it crystal clear that India would hold discussions with Pakistan only on PoK and activities of terrorists operating from Pak soil. Terrorists belonging to JeM and LeT must have realised the consequences of wiping out ‘sindoor’ of our mothers and sisters. India avenged the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in a befitting manner. Operation Sindoor was only a trailer; the sponsors of terror and terrorists must be prepared to face a full-fledged response to such acts in future.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

Time to liberate PoK

Instead of an open war with Pakistan, we should fight it diplomatically and strategically. It is an almost-ruined country, whether on the political or economic fronts. We must not let it get off the hook this time. Now is the time to liberate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the root cause of enmity. The whole of India — all communities and political parties — are rallying behind PM Modi. Operation Sindoor is the appropriate military action by India to teach Pakistan a lesson after the Pahalgam massacre.

Karnail Singh, Kharar

India is a tough opponent

“Don’t hit at all if it is possible to avoid hitting, but never hit soft.” Taking a cue from these golden words of former US President Theodore Roosevelt, our armed forces decisively launched attacks on Pakistan. Now, Pakistan is busy raising a hue and cry, and trying to gain sympathy from other countries. India is aptly following the formula — When I dealt with a friend, I am a friend-and-a-half; when I deal with a crook, I am a crook-and-a- half. Is Pakistan listening?

DV Joshi, Zirakpur

Kohli, the disciplinarian

A hardcore disciplinarian, a diet freak and an intense workaholic is what makes Virat Kohli stand out among cricketers. His career is exemplary and a great source of motivation for budding players, who must emulate his tactics and versatile talent as a captain and an agile fielder, apart from being a fine batsman. Undeniably, he is an icon of Indian cricket. Known for his grit, determination and excellent leadership, Kohli brought a rare passion and intensity to Test cricket at a time when the format was increasingly under commercial and popular pressure.

Vasudha Pande, Paonta Sahib

Women have shown their prowess

With reference to ‘Feminine value of caring must matter in our economies’; humans have a far higher consciousness than any other species of living beings. There may have been a time in history when the physically weaker woman needed a man to protect her. But this is no longer true as they have evolved their intellectual capabilities, bringing them on a par with men. Women do household chores like cooking or maintaining the house without monetary rewards because society has imposed this role on them as part of their duty. Giving them opportunities to work, apart from their domestic duties, has brought a sea change in the way our economy functions.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

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