General Pervez Musharraf's speech was a step forward in his drive against terrorism ("Can Pakistan Change?", January 21). But though it may have won him accolades and America's goodwill, it will not dilute the threat posed to his regime by the extremists and hawks. By sounding the bugle in the war against Islamic terrorism and religious fundamentalism, he has become a pariah of sorts among his own countrymen. Musharraf is treading on a precarious path and needs to consolidate his hold over his country-for his own good as well as for reaching a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

Jinu Mathew, on e-mail

In quality management, the Alligator Allegory is a theory that illustrates the difference between control and improvement: when the reptiles are eliminated before they approach the pool, it denotes "control" of the problem-a tactical move-whereas when the nearby hatchery is closed, it is "improvement"-a strategic solution. Similarly, what the Musharraf doctrine promises is improvement-a ray of hope. Control-apprehending terrorists and eliminating them-perhaps still is our duty.

F.M. Soonawalla, Lucknow

Musharraf says that the issue of Kashmir has to be resolved according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people, but with so many Kashmiri Pandits having taken refuge in different parts of India, how can a referendum represent the true will of the Kashmiri people?

Abhishek Kaul, Delhi

Letters Battle Won, War None Having been a part of the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, I firmly believe that there is no possibility of another war at this juncture ("Raising the Stakes", January 7). It suits Pakistan that without losing a single soldier, its proxy war in Kashmir kills Indian troops. Besides, having attacked first-and lost-in the previous wars, it will not dare to be the aggressor, and India is so strongly under Gandhian influence that it will not attack first either. Moreover, Pakistan knows that should there be a war, whatever India gains by blood and grit would be returned to Pakistan. So why have a war? Brigadier (retd) T. Kartikeyan, on e-mail The war against terrorism would be effective only if we address the issue in a comprehensive manner. By militarily flushing out the terrorists-or the nation patronising them-we cannot eliminate the ideology on which they operate. Terrorism demands a holistic socio-economic and political solution. Ashish S. Thakare, on e-mail

Leave the Kids Alone

Your report on Indian youth cricket highlighted the appalling mismanagement of Indian cricket ("Young, Promising, Undone", January 28). While Jagmohan Dalmiya and the BCCI squabble about television rights and sponsorship deals and play political games at the international level, the future of Indian cricket is left in the hands of a soulless gang of money-grabbing speculators who deserve to be publicly whipped. Young cricketers are India's future and their importance to the emotional health of the country cannot be overstated.

Martin Da Costa, Mumbai

Junior cricket is now on a wet wicket and is unfortunately receiving less importance these days. The team to New Zealand did not get the necessary encouragement. It makes for glaring contrast with the hype and hoopla created by the BCCI and the press when the senior team travels overseas despite its poor track record of failing to win a single series away from Asia for the past 16 years. It is time to encourage our youngsters or else the trophy cupboard will be empty after the 2003 World Cup.

C.K. Subramaniam, on e-mail

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