Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Tackling Maoist menace” (June 30). The inhuman cruelty, violent insurgency operations and barbaric acts of ambush of the Red rebel brigands in the States can be tolerated no more.
The stage of compromise and other peaceful options is past. Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh has unequivocally stated that the security forces of the affected States must freely conduct their counter-operations as well as unleash pre-emptive attacks on left-wing extremists, unless the Maoists unconditionally surrender or shun violence.
The Maoists have no faith in the Constitution or the rule of law. They have no ideology. Their only ultimate objective is to overthrow the democratic establishment and enforce their writ through the power of the gun.The UPA dispensation, although being aware of the threat, did not take firm steps to neutralise the Maoists because it had no political will.