Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Outrageous

It is sad that the Shiv Sena continues to believe in violent policies, evident from Tuesday’s attack by some of its activists on the Mumbai office of Outlook magazine for its criticism of party supremo Bal Thackeray in the Independence Day special issue. Why can the Shiv Sainiks not use the Saamna platform to take Outlook on rather than indulge in such attacks? The Maharashtra Government should initiate strong action against the culprits to end such strong-arm tactics.

K. Aravamudhan,

New Delhi

The attack on Outlook’s Mumbai office deserves condemnation. The recent attack on Taslima Nasrin in Hyderabad and the way the Andhra Pradesh police have handled the case can only strengthen obscurantist forces such as the Shiv Sena and embolden them to attack all and sundry in the name of expressing their protest. The one aspect bothering most in this 60th year of Independence is the increasing number of violent attacks on freedom of expression and creative art. Whither democracy?

Divakar N.,

Mysore

It is not the first time that Shiv Sena activists have resorted to such attacks to register their protest. Such incidents clearly indicate their lack of tolerance. On the other hand, in the name of freedom of expression one should not hurt the sentiments of others. Editors should exercise a lot of caution.

Inamdar Ramchandra,

Bangalore

It has become the favourite pastime of some members of the Shiv Sena to indulge in vandalism at will, often questioning the authority of the state and the law of the land. It is regrettable that none of the misdemeanours committed by the party has attracted action from the State government.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam,

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