Sir — The recent Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, in which senior Congress leaders of the State and others lost their lives, points to a huge intelligence failure and security lapse. The brutal killing of Salwa Judum founder Mahendra Karma and Congress leader Nand Kumar Patel, his son and others shows the frustration and anger of the rebels against the political leaders. These so-called crusaders of the marginalised masses are simply murderers by another name and they deserve no mercy. Indeed, those who live by the gun, must die by the gun.
The State Government must move in decisively and deal with this menace in a strong and severe manner. There should be no negotiation with the Maoists, as by their brutality and condemnable acts these terrorists have proved that they are no admirers of law and democratic ethos of this country, and will go to any length to promote their violent agenda.
Also, the Government must seriously address the issue of development and proper governance in Maoist-infested areas to check the possibility of disgruntled people getting misled and taking to the gun.