Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Fast as an instrument

Without going into the merits of the Narmada issue, one feels that indefinite fast as an instrument to force the Government to concede to one's demands has dangerous portents. That Mahatma Gandhi resorted to it, in a different time and under different circumstances, cannot legitimise such fast. The cause Ms. Patkar is championing is noble. But what if someone resorts to such a move for not-so-genuine causes? However just the cause, such methods of pressure cannot acquire legitimacy. At the same time, it is unfortunate that governments act only under duress and often succumb, sometimes wrongly, to pressures as seen during strikes and bandhs.

K. Parthasarathi,
Chennai

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Fast as a means of protest, though better than violence, is not suitable in a democratic set-up. Debates and discussions are the only sensible means of espousing a cause. Attempts to make emotion prevail over reason in decision-making are undesirable.

S.P. Asokan,
Chennai

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Ms. Patkar should rethink on using fast as a weapon in a democratic set-up, where the will of the people is expressed by the vote. This system may have some drawbacks but it is the best we have. Any attempt to bypass it by even a justified fast is nothing short of political blackmail. Mahatma Gandhi's weapon was relevant in a wholly different setting and is certainly not a panacea for all ills.

V.K. Vallioor,
Hyderabad

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