Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

India's shame

The heading of the editorial "Khairlanji's shame" (Nov. 20) should have been "India's shame." Only recently, some argued that the so-called creamy layer among Dalits should be excluded from the purview of reservation. But in the Khairlanji village, four educated Dalits (who would have perhaps become part of the creamy layer) were killed. The cream was whipped off even before it was formed, proving that the sword is mightier than the pen. Just the naming of a few by Bhaiyalal Bhotmange, the sole survivor, is not likely to stand in court. A prominent lawyer will argue "the village killed the four" and the case will be closed on the ground that the entire village cannot be punished.

R. Janakiraman,
Cheyyar, T.N.

* * *

The editorial has called the incident Khairlanji's shame. I would rather think it is India's shame. Aside from giving reservation, what have successive governments done to eliminate caste-based prejudice? How much intellectual capital has any leader since Dr. B.R. Ambedkar invested in efforts to remove this social evil?

Archana Bantu,
Hyderabad

* * *

The butchering of the four Dalits has put not only Khairlanji but all of us to shame. Just as the Green Revolution was launched to help the nation become self-sufficient in foodgrains, it is time to launch a social revolution to eliminate killings in the name of caste, creed, and religion.

Vinod Kumar,
Palayamkottai, T.N.

* * *

Laws alone cannot eliminate repression against the weaker sections. Massive awareness programmes should be launched in villages and steps taken to bridge the gap between the people of different castes. Caste barriers cannot be broken down easily but with persistent efforts at all levels, they can be overcome.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

* * *

The killing of the Bhotmange family has struck at the roots of democracy and free India. Of what use are the right to equality and life if they cannot protect the innocent? Khairlanji is a shame on the country that swears by equality.

Vipul Maini,
Gurgaon

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