India and Pakistan must not escalate tensions further

Our readers weigh in on Kashmir, the World Trade Centre in Dubai and aircraft travel

Pakistani soldiers stand next to what Pakistan says is the wreckage of an Indian fighter jet shot down in Pakistan controlled Kashmir. AFP

I refer to your online article India fighter jets 'destroy terrorist camp in Pakistan' (February 27): India is a country of secularism, respecting religion and the beliefs of people and home to a large Muslim community almost equivalent to the population of Pakistan, who wish to live peacefully, respecting the beliefs of others.

War is never the best way to resolve issues and the recent attacks on Indian defence personnel in Kashmir are of immense concern.

Meanwhile, the cricketer-turned-Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan must refrain from turning this into a political football. It is a known fact that in Pakistan, defence matters are very much influenced by the powerful military establishment.

Both India and Pakistan must clamp down on the hideouts of militant groups and help rid the world of extremism.

Within India itself, there are groups fighting against the state, which is disappointing and needs to be addressed immediately.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat

If war escalates, both Pakistanis and Indians will be the losers. And the only winners will be those supplying them with arms.

Samuel Langit, Al Ain

Two Indian jets have now been shot down in Pakistani airspace, following the recent Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed 40 Indian soldiers. I believe that most Indian citizens stand behind prime minister Narendra Modi, who decided to strike targets in Pakistan in response. People in both countries have waited for decades for friendly relations but Mr Modi is determined to make decisions that will safeguard his people. There is bound to be fervent debate on this but Mr Modi’s decision is justified in my view.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Happy 40th birthday to the Dubai World Trade Centre

I write in reference to your video on the 40th birthday of the Dubai World Trade Centre (February 26). Thank you to Dubai for this symbol of its growth. This is where my father used to work, when I was just a child living in the emirate. He used to take me regularly to his office and I used to spend time simply standing and gazing out at swathes of barren land. Now, of course, the city's glittering skyline would rise up before me. This video brought back some nostalgic memories.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Flying an aircraft is a very tricky business indeed

I write in reference to your online article Terrifying moment British Airways flight swings in the sky above Gibraltar (February 26). It must have been a difficult moment for the pilot and their passengers. Such occurrences are rare and therefore many pilots would be caught off guard. The careful and effective handling of the aircraft by the pilot should be lauded. We take it for granted, but flying an aircraft is a very tricky business.

Name withheld by request