The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Distressing

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Friday, Nov 18, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Distressing

This is with reference to the news report, `Kushboo enlarged on bail,' (Nov. 17). What is the role of civil society when a group of " party cadre" get together and throw footwear and rotten tomatoes at a person for expressing her opinion on chastity and the role of women in society? Why are women's groups and social activists silent when a woman is being harassed in this manner for her opinion? Why is there no reaction from academics and politicians who are supposed to protect citizens?

Ramiah Ariya,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

* * *

The hate campaign directed against Ms. Kushboo is sad. Every citizen is entitled to his or her opinion. The Constitution of India guarantees such freedom of speech and it must be defended.

It is unfortunate that another actress, Suhasini, who came to Ms. Kushboo's defence was also targeted by members of a few political parties. These so-called upholders of morality and virtue are the ones who must be prosecuted, not Ms. Kushboo.

J. Rama Murthy,
Colton, California

* * *

Since when did exercising one's right to freedom of speech, enshrined in our Constitution, become an offence?

Rohini Muthuswami,
New Delhi

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One common thread runs through the moralistic frenzy and campaigns against Ms. Kushboo for her candid remarks on pre-marital sex and chastity. And that is hypocrisy.

Anilkumar.K,
Tirupur, T.N.

* * *

Have those who criticised Ms. Kushboo first and Ms. Suhasini later raised their voice against minor girls being forced into the sex trade?

U.N. Bhat,
Bangalore

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The treatment meted out to the actress reveals, sadly, that we still have a long way to go in accepting a person's right to freedom of expression and dignity.

M. Bhuvaneswari,

Chennai

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