For two consecutive days (Aug. 29 and 30), the pictures on the front page have been a slap in the faces of all those who call themselves members of a civilised society. While the photograph of Salim being dragged by a policeman exposed the human rights scene in Bihar, the picture of a mob setting a truck on fire in Agra shows the lawlessness that prevails in some parts of our nation.

Such incidents should make us hang our heads in shame. It is a pity that despite ours being one of the oldest civilisations, we still have not learnt the basic human values.

Harsh Chopra,

Chandigarh

The Bhagalpur incident (Aug. 29) brings into focus the barbaric and ugly face of the police. It brings back memories of the 1989 riots when the bodies of the victims were buried in a field and cauliflowers grown over them. And the Bhagalpur blindings in which the police poured acid in the eyes of undertrials.

Such actions by policemen bring a bad name to the entire force, alienate a section from the mainstream forever, and morally weaken our fight against all kinds of terrorism and extremism. Justice Anand Narain Mullah once observed that policemen are criminals in uniform. Was he wrong?

Ali Akhtar Khan,

Aligarh

This refers to the article “Musings of a Bihari” (Open Page, Aug. 26) which reflect the feelings of every Bihari who steps out of his State in search of better education and work.

In Delhi, one can see Biharis employed in almost all occupations but they are rarely taken seriously. I think the attitude towards them should change. We certainly do not need another issue that will threaten our unity in diversity.

Chandra Shekhar Yadav,

New Delhi

I am sure not many Biharis feel any different from Mayank Rasu. But it is the politicians who are responsible for the present state of affairs. They have reduced Bihar and Biharis to objects of fun and jokes. But things are changing, and one hopes that with time the people will realise that they have a mistaken impression of Biharis.

Vivek Bhardvaj,

New Delhi

The article deserves praise for making a special mention of the Maithali language and script, which represents a revered shade of Indian culture. Bihar is one of the few States from where outsiders have fought and won elections but today anti-Bihari sentiment runs across the nation. Is it because the non-Biharis are scared of the potential of Biharis?

Dhanakar Thakur,

Bangalore

I spent 11 years of my life in Bihar and can vouch for the innate goodness of Biharis. As an academician, I too was a target of snide remarks at seminars and workshops held outside Bihar. While I took such ‘criticism’ in my stride I never let go of an opportunity to tell my colleagues that a Bihari is as good or bad as a Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi or Maharashtrian. It is no secret that successive Chief Ministers are squarely responsible for the lack of development in the State. It is unfortunate that Bihar’s abundant natural resources have not been adequately exploited by dedicated and visionary leadership.

R.M.V.N. Ramakantha Rao,

Visakhapatnam