Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Massacre of innocent

As pointed out in the editorial "Massacre of the innocent" (July 19), the killing of Salwa Judum activists in Erraboru, Chhattisgarh, by naxalites is a ghastly act perpetrated by frustrated elements. The Maoists, who were once considered champions of the poor, are losing their credibility by indulging in such mindless acts of violence. Armed groups would do well to remember that by merely adding the label of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist they cannot become `revolutionaries.' Without the support of the people, no revolution can succeed. And people won't tolerate killing of the innocent in the name of revolution.

K.V. Ramana,
Tirupati, A.P.

* * *

Yet another indiscriminate massacre by the naxals has raised many questions regarding security. That the Governments of naxal-infested States are virtually unable to stop such acts of brutality is appalling. How can they watch innocent people being slaughtered in hundreds?

V. Prashanth,
Coimbatore

* * *

While Pakistan-based terrorists enjoy cross-border support, naxalites are domestic self-styled war gangs whom the government can easily tackle by talks and force. Naxals take to rebellion out of poverty, unemployment, and the resultant destitution. But the ultimate result of violence is the arrest of growth and development. Effective steps should be taken to persuade these groups to shun violence by sending ample signals that the core issues of poverty and unemployment will be addressed.

C.P. Velayudhan Nair,
Kochi, Kerala

* * *

The attack on the tribals who stood up for themselves is heinous in every respect. The Government should wake up to the reality that naxalism is no longer a menace. It has grown in alarming proportions and tackling it will be nothing short of a full-fledged war.

Shiva Chaithanya,
Bangalore

* * *

As a civilised society, we must hang our heads in shame over the incident. Unless Maoists eschew violence and come to the negotiating table, they will stand isolated.

S. Venugopalan,
Chennai

* * *

If terrorists and ultras strike at will, the people will lose all faith in the Government. It is time for Governments of naxal-affected States to take concerted action.

R. Rajendra Kumar,
Coimbatore

* * *

The terror attacks on innocent people in Mumbai and Srinagar and the Maoist strike in Chhattisgarh demonstrate the UPA Government's inability to deal with security threats and to provide protection to the people. It is a great disservice to the people who trusted the Congress and voted it to power.

V. Shanthi,
Pondicherry

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Hurdles in the last mile
Turning the clock back on Lebanon
A `business model' to help the tiger
In Hieun Tsang's footsteps
First steps on the road to devolution
Corrections and clarifications
Massacre of innocent
Gag on blogs
Coping with terror
Doctors and strike

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu