Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

`No' to vandalism

The Shiv Sena's reaction to the incident in which mud was found smeared on the statue of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Bal Thackeray, is unfortunate. Vandalism has no place in a civilised society. What is more disturbing is Uddhav Thackeray's ultimatum, warning of a strong reaction in the State and across the country if the culprits were not caught within 24 hours.

V. Shujaath Ahmed,
Chennai

True to the unfortunate tradition, Shiv Sainiks erupted in violence. Far from appealing for calm, the Sena top brass threatened the State and country with dire consequences. The BJP has also joined the bandwagon, and is bent on stalling the State Legislature. Is this leadership? Where does all this leave the common man?

Sanjiv Doraiswamy,
Chennai

The rampage caused by the Shiv Sainiks is condemnable. Incidents such as stoning shops, setting buses on fire, and blocking roads will not bring peace to Meenatai Thackeray's soul. This is not the way to register one's opposition in a democratic country.

A.S. Amjath Ibrahim,
Madurai, T.N.

The aam admi should realise that such incidents are whipped up to recapture personal loyalties, and that they have nothing to do with any public cause such as, say, the plight of Vidharbha farmers who are, by the way, fellow Maharashtrians.

S. Shiv Nath,
Bangalore

Insulting any person, statue or object is an act that deserves to be condemned strongly. At the same time, no one should be allowed to take the law into his or her hands and no organisation should be allowed to challenge the state. This is particularly true of parties such as the Shiv Sena, which create a ruckus with the sole aim of getting the maximum publicity and putting adversaries in a tight position. It is important to curb such tendencies.

Nutan Thakur,
Lucknow

That throwing mud on a statue can lead to riots is shocking. What is worse is the spectacle of party leaders who triggered the rampage giving statements on law and order. It looks like the Sainiks were waiting for something to happen to showcase their violent instincts.

P. Krishna,
Chennai

The "spontaneous" outburst by the Sainiks shows their intolerance. As for the media, they seem to feel compelled to make a mountain out of a molehill. A law should be enacted to ensure stricter control over repeated telecast of violent and obscene news.

P. Ravikumar,
Mahabubabad, A.P.

The Shiv Sena has yet again demonstrated its arrogance and intolerance. Just because a statue was smeared with mud, the Sainiks resorted to arson.

D. Srinivasa Rao,
Hyderabad

Whenever elections are round the corner, the Shiv Sainiks make attempts to attract attention. In the process, they sensationalise issues that are of no consequence to the people. Does the latest issue have any relevance for the man on the street, who is making an attempt to bring a semblance of normality to his life after the monsoon floods? Worse are the electronic media that seem to stop at nothing.

S. Uma,
Coimbatore

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