The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Act tough

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Tuesday, Aug 23, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Act tough

The Andhra Pradesh Government's decision to re-impose the ban on naxalites is welcome at one level. At another, it is a matter of shame that the Government has landed itself in a situation from which it can neither retract nor get the naxalites off its back. Giving the ultras the status of a negotiating partner was in itself a retrograde step. Now that the Government's efforts have run up against rigid positions, it is time to use the tough strategy to navigate the obstacles and combat naxalism.

C.R. Venkatesh,
Bangalore

* * *

None in the State, including the powers that reimposed the ban, is under the illusion that the clampdown will tackle the extremist menace. The YSR Government slapped the ban only after exhausting all other options. The Maoists misused the ceasefire period by regrouping. As long as they do not resolve the paradox arising from the killing of the innocent and claiming, at the same time, that they are on the warpath for the welfare of the people, nothing can be done.

B.V. Kumar,
Nellore, A.P.

* * *

The Revolutionary Writers Association (Virasam in Telugu) is one of the most prominent streams and forums of Telugu literature and society. It has its own worldview and promotes a particular ideology.

Some of its cherished universal egalitarian values and concerns are articulated by naxalites too. But that is no reason to ban Virasam. The ban sends the signal that even the feeblest expression of dissent will not be tolerated.

C. Pavankumar Prasad,
Chittoor, A.P.

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