MyVoice: Views of our readers 4th April 2026

Weaning people away from naxalism

The editorial “Govt’s victory over naxalism is remarkable, must be highlighted” (THI April 3) rightly highlights the government’s success against naxalism, but the story of Naxalism has always been rooted in the water and land cry. When a man has no chappal in his feet but a gun in his hand, it is a sign of deep injustice, not ideology alone. Security operations may silence the gun, but only justice, land rights, education and dignity can silence the anger. Victory will be complete only then.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Think beyond security operations

Apropos “Govt’s victory over Naxalism is remarkable; must be highlighted” (THI, April 3). I agree that the near elimination of naxalism in large parts of the Red Corridor deserves wider recognition. It is a significant achievement as it has saved countless lives. At the same time, sustained peace will depend on more than security operations alone. Greater focus on genuine development, land rights, education and local governance in these regions is essential. Only when people see tangible improvements in their daily lives will the gains become lasting. The government would do well to combine its security success with patient, inclusive efforts on the ground.

S M Jeeva, Chennai-32

Govt bid to end Maoism is praiseworthy

This is further to your editorial ‘Govt’s victory over Naxalism is remarkable; must be highlighted’. Centre’s resolve to eradicate the scourge of Maoism and Naxalism that prevailed across 12 states deserves unconditional appreciation for the resolve to end Red Terror that put the states in perpetual poverty and underdevelopment.

The movement by these elements was not for a revolution, but to undermine the advantages of democracy the country has been enjoying. This is almost akin to Gen Z reactions witnessed in some parts of the world to destabilise the governments in power, without any roadmap or goal. The time frame of 2026, fixed by the Union government for the end of the menace, has been successfully met with the elimination of top naxal leaders, and surrender of countless misguided cadre was no mean achievement.

S Lakshmi, Hyderabad

English teachers only focussing on grammar

English teachers in Andhra Pradesh government schools are raising a hue and cry regarding what they call ambiguities in Thursday’s SSC English public exam question paper. They say that there were some questions that the students found too confusing and they must be awarded with bonus marks totalling to 15. The fact of the matter is that teachers are a confused lot because they fail to understand that English is a language more than a subject and it needs to be treated so by giving pupils many opportunities to practice the language rather than merely teaching grammar.

Passages for reading comprehension may be asked from either the main reader or the supplementary reader or the workbook or sometimes from newspapers. A blueprint for a question paper is not that important for English. One must learn English exactly the way one’s mother-tongue has been learnt, by giving importance to listening, speaking, reading and writing in that order. The teachers are simply teaching grammar.

M Vishnu Tanush, Kadapa

People and the civic body must tackle mosquito menace

With reference to the report “Civic bodies fail to swat mosquito menace in Hyd” (THI, April l) I wish to draw attention to the alarming rise in mosquito infestation across the city. The report rightly brings out the urgency of civic agencies’ action to step up efforts and ensure that the menace does not weigh on public health, especially among children and the elderly. Unseasonal rains, stagnant water, clogged drains, and uncollected garbage have all added to create breeding grounds. Areas near nalas, water bodies, and even residential colonies must be mapped out and flagged as high-risk zones.

Civic bodies need to roll out a revised roadmap by scaling up fogging drives, carrying out regular anti-larval measures, and cleaning up waste without delays. Authorities must also bring in technology to track and wipe out breeding hotspots. Citizens, too, must pitch in by cleaning surroundings, covering water storage, and throwing out waste responsibly. Communities can team up with local officials to speak up against negligence and follow up on complaints. These prevention measures should be taken up as a continuous mission. Unless both authorities and people join hands and act together, the problem will keep coming back.

Raju Kolluru, Kakinada