The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Kolkata violence

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Saturday, Nov 24, 2007
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Kolkata violence

The editorial “Behind the Kolkata violence” (Nov. 23) rightly says that the real intention of the protesters who went on the rampage on Wednesday was to provoke the security forces and transform Kolkata into a battlefield. The West Bengal government deserves praise for calling in the Army to defuse the situation. Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen should be protected against fanatical elements. I hope the secular values of our great nation will be preserved, no matter what.

B.V. Siva Prasad,

Vijayawada

The editorial rightly concludes that it will be a shame if India turns Taslima away under pressure from religious bigots. She has every right to be in India because we have a composite culture which respects all human beings. Taslima is a symbol of courage.

E.P. Menon,

Bangalore

Muslim fundamentalists of Bangladesh being angered by Taslima’s novel Lajja is understandable as they are the ones who stand exposed. But there is no reason why Indian Muslims should indulge in violence against her. Those who attacked her in Hyderabad in August and now in Kolkata, I am sure, have not gone through her novel. As a writer and as a Muslim, I feel Taslima deserves hospitality, not brickbats.

A.A.H.K. Ghori,

Chennai
The violence in Kolkata was for two reasons: the AIMF’s unhappiness over the extension of visa to Taslima and the Nandigram issue. The inclusion of Nandigram in the protest agenda, as pointed out in the editorial, appears to have been an afterthought.

The West Bengal government should be congratulated for tackling the situation successfully. Ms Nasreen should be given adequate protection.

J. Dorai Raj,

Chennai
It is unfortunate that a woman is being ostracised for speaking her mind. Taslima has only pointed out to what she believes is a wrong interpretation of religion. Why should the fundamentalists raise a hue and cry over the matter? One wonders whether those who are opposing her have read any of her books.

Yama Ranjan,

Patna
Taslima Nasreen is not a fugitive or criminal. We must show the world that we respect freedom more than anything else and give her a permanent visa or, better still, citizenship. The victim of religious bigotry has pathetically pleaded “I have no place to go. India is my home.” The government’s humanitarian gesture will only strengthen the secular fabric of our country. The fringe elements which are out to eliminate Taslima should be dealt with firmly.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),

Palakkad
It is clear that the mob that unleashed violence in Kolkata on two unrelated issues came well prepared. Intelligence failure is certainly a matter of concern as the police failed to anticipate the scale of violence and the army had to be called in to contain the escalating situation. The West Bengal government should seriously start making efforts to regain people’s confidence.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bangalore

It is a matter of shame that a literary figure who was forced to flee Bangladesh for highlighting the suffering of the weaker sections has met a similar fate in secular India. Taslima has done nothing during her stay here to disturb either public order or communal harmony. The Left Front government of West Bengal must ensure that she is allowed to return and lead a normal and secure life.

J.M. Manchanda,

New Delhi
The situation in Kolkata in particular and our country in general makes me wonder why we are increasingly resorting to violence and destruction to put forth our point of view. Is there no better way of protesting than damaging public property and throwing normal life out of gear? Whether it is the question of Ramar Sethu, minimum support price for paddy or Nandigram, the opposition just seems to need an opportunity to disrupt normal life. Is not the floor of Parliament the right place to debate the issues in the right perspective?

N.V. Girija,

The Hindu deserves all praise for selecting this as the front-page photograph.

Parangot Abraham,

Vellore

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