The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Disturbing

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Friday, Feb 15, 2008
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Disturbing

The dramatic arrest of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray and his immediate release on bail on Wednesday sent the message that anyone with muscle power and political clout can get away after committing anti-social activities. The government has set a dangerous precedent. There can be similar violence in other States as retaliation or from people seeking political mileage.

U. Ahalyan,

Bangalore

* * *

The arrest of — and instant bail for — Raj Thackeray was a big joke played by the Maharashtra government. The delay in arresting him was a failure on part of the government. It was media pressure that forced it to act. The law cannot remain a mute spectator to acts committed by those taking the law into their own hands. Besides punishing the guilty, the government must impose a hefty fine on the MNS for the loss of property its activists caused.

Krishna Kumar,

Ahmedabad

* * *

After all the damage caused to the morale and property of north Indians in Mumbai, and after about 5000 of them fled Nashik in the past few days, the Maharashtra government decided to act against those responsible for instigating violence.

After a week-long trauma, the settlers in Mumbai can heave a sigh of relief at least for the time being. Let our nation be saved from narrow-minded politicians who revel in stoking the fire of ill-will and creating divisions among the vulnerable people.

B. Gurumurthy,

Madurai

* * *

Our politicians think nothing of exploiting casteism and regionalism to create hatred among communities. The people should remove Raj Thackeray and his ilk from the political scene as soon as possible.

Rashmi Sharma,

Dhenkanal

* * *

Raj Thackeray is a demagogue who desperately wants to gain power by exploiting the emotions and prejudices of the people. In India, where unity in diversity is upheld and revered by all citizens, such divisive manoeuvres should be strongly resisted.

A. Lathika Venugopal,

Thrissur

* * *

Leaders like Raj Thackeray will rise every now and then. The onus is on enlightened institutions and society to counter attacks by them on our social fabric. The media can set an example by resolving that they will not air or print anything associated with such leaders.

Shanky Kothari,

Indore

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