26/11 justice in sight after Rana’s extradition
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, often called 26/11, left an indelible scar on India’s soul. Over four days, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists unleashed carnage, killing 166 people, including civilians, security personnel, and foreign nationals, and injuring over 300. Among the masterminds was Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman whose extradition to India in April 2025 marks a pivotal step toward justice. Rana’s role was insidious. A close associate of LeT operative David Coleman Headley, he provided logistical support, including false credentials and visa assistance, enabling Headley to scout targets in Mumbai. Evidence, including Headley’s testimony, revealed Rana’s awareness of the plot, with communications linking him to LeT and Pakistan’s ISI. His actions facilitated the meticulously planned assault on iconic sites like the Taj Mahal Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Nariman House. Despite convictions in the U.S. for supporting LeT and a Denmark terror plot, Rana evaded accountability for Mumbai until now.
The extradition, secured after years of diplomatic and legal efforts, reflects India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged Rana under the Indian Penal Code and anti-terror laws, with hopes that his trial will unravel more about LeT’s network and its state-backed enablers. Survivors like Devika Rotawan, who was nine during the attack, and families of victims like slain constable Rahul Shinde, voice a collective demand for closure. Many, including Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, call for the death penalty, seeing it as a fitting tribute to the fallen. Yet, justice remains incomplete. Headley’s plea deal shields him from extradition, and Pakistan has stonewalled efforts to prosecute LeT leaders like Hafiz Saeed. Rana’s trial must not only punish but also expose the broader conspiracy, ensuring the 26/11 victims whose lives were shattered find truth and retribution. The world watches as India seeks to heal a wound that still bleeds.
Chandan Kumar Nath,
Sorbhog, Barpeta
Vulnerability to HMPV
Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I wish to highlight the growing concern of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been spreading rapidly throughout the world and raising global alarms.
HMPV is a respiratory virus causing mild infections, similar to the common cold or respiratory syncytial virus. Symptoms include cough, fever, a runny or blocked nose, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a sore throat.
These symptoms usually show up three to four days after the person has been exposed to the virus. Severe illness due to HMPV may require hospitalisation. While anyone can contract HMPV, this virus may be deadly for people with underlying health conditions and young children under the age of five years, particularly those born prematurely.
Globally, HMPV was discovered in the year 2000 and affects around 20,000 children under five years annually in the US. While it causes symptoms similar to influenza, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued specific advisories.
To curb its spread, I suggest adopting preventive measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and educating the public. Prevention is better than cure.
Jubel D’Cruz,
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)
Happy hunting ahead
Ever since India started playing Test cricket, India was known to be a breeding ground for spin bowlers. We had the likes of Mankad, Bedi, Prasanna, Chandrasekhar, Jesu Patel, etc., to name a few, who mesmerised the top batsmen of the world with their magic on their spin-friendly home pitches. Instances are there when India opened their bowling attack with a spinner. Pace attack was just a formality. But our neighbour Pakistan was the breeding ground of pace bowlers when they had the likes of Imran Khan, Sarfaraz Nawaz, Sikandar Bhakt, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, etc., to name a few, who were a terror to the leading batsmen of the world.
Thankfully of late India too is loaded with some young pacers who can bowl above 140 km/h. The appearance of these quickies also helped our batsmen to get used to facing genuine quickies as they face each other in domestic cricket. Indian domestic cricket pitches are no more spin-friendly, which has encouraged our pacers. In the meantime, we have the likes of Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Hashit Rana and a few others who can be hostile in any ground condition. Our spin attack needs no introduction. Our batting lineup has a depth up to number nine.
So, Team India is now very much balanced in all departments. So, get cracking for the coming English tour. Happy hunting.
Dr Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati
Blind beliefs in modern society
In today’s technologically advanced and scientifically aware world, it is surprising that blind beliefs still hold a strong grip on many people. Despite access to education and information, superstitions and irrational practices continue to thrive. Blind beliefs refer to unquestioned acceptance of certain ideas or customs without logical reasoning or evidence. These may include fear of black cats, belief in astrology, reliance on godmen, or harmful rituals. Often rooted in tradition, these beliefs are passed down through generations and followed blindly, even if they cause harm or hinder progress. In modern society, blind beliefs can lead to exploitation, fear, discrimination, and even violence. They can prevent individuals from seeking medical help, trusting science, or making informed decisions. Media, fake news, and lack of critical thinking further amplify these issues. While faith and culture are important, it is essential to separate them from superstition. Encouraging scientific temper, questioning outdated practices, and promoting rational thinking are key to overcoming the negative effects of blind beliefs. As responsible members of society, we must challenge such beliefs respectfully and strive to build a future based on knowledge, awareness, and empathy.
Sunita Ray,
R.G. Baruah College
Retired, but not tired
The news article ‘Retirement from service doesn’t mean retired as a citizen: Dr Singh’, published in your esteemed daily on April 11, has drawn the attention of the older generation, whose salient reality of anxiety is due to ageing, but Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in his message, said many officers at the age of sixty are at the prime of their energy and experience. So, retirement from government service should not be seen as an end but as a transition into a new role as contributors and partners to nation building. It is true that when a young person thinks of old age, he or she often relates it to the incapability of carrying out daily activities efficiently, with ailments clenching onto us, and that one generally starts to feel vulnerable. It is true to some extent, but a lot of positives are attached with it as well, where some may call it a time of reconnecting with something that they had loved to do in their younger times. The social status of people of this age group is somewhat related to its effective influence in the society. Their productivity also determines their well-being. If an elderly person knows and believes he/she is contributing effectively to his/her surroundings, there is a higher sense of fulfilment in him/her. Previously, and even today in some societies, the elderly are considered wise, and the tradition of sharing their life experiences orally with younger people is practised. This attaches a sense of responsibility that allows them to continue to be productive members of their community. The minister’s call for a paradigm shift in the way Indian society perceives retired government servants must be appreciated. If we parents, instead of providing the children with mobile phones just to get away with attending to their cries and woes, asked them to just sit and talk with their grandparents and listen to tales of their lives and stories long forgotten, there would be a shift in the mentality of young and old in a better and more valuable way. The narrative across all societies that age is a burden needs to be replaced by being kind and giving with enough empathy, as we should not forget that we are going to take their place at a certain point in time. The bonding among the members of the family ought not to be limited to the economic benefits. At the same time, we should keep in mind the help they had to offer what we call a home throughout their lives, shedding blood and tears. Today, we need a well-planned-out institutional mechanism that can integrate retirees into developmental roles based on their skills and inclinations to ensure old age and its blues remain intact.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati
Key role of women in society
While many women face challenges due to patriarchal structures, there are regions and communities in India where women have been empowered and continue to hold leadership roles. Kerala and the Northeast serve as examples where women are often at the forefront of decision-making in both familial and social matters. It is important to shift from seeing daughters solely through the lens of marriage and instead focus on their capabilities and aspirations. Education plays a pivotal role in this transformation. When both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to grow intellectually and professionally, it can challenge long-held patriarchal norms. Female personalities who have made remarkable contributions, and we need to extend support.
Jayanthy Subramaniam,
(jayantck1@hotmail.com)