Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Orissa violence

In all the reports, analyses, statements of political leaders, and public comments that have followed the communal violence in Orissa, the assumption — among those who see the problem as triggered by the killing of the VHP leader and those who blame the communal forces — is that the basic problem lies in the religious conversion of tribals.

I am yet to see an analysis of what the tribal people themselves think about conversions, the communal violence, and re-conversions. It seems to be implicitly assumed that they are easily influenced by inducements and threats, and are unable to take independent decisions. Unless we try to understand their perspective, we will be unable to say anything about the real nature of the problems they face and the reasons which guide their action.

S. Joseph,

Bangalore

Whether it is Orissa, Madhya Pradesh or Jharkhand, one finds that it is usually those belonging to the lower strata — who have little access to medical facilities, education and, even, daily bread — who convert to Christianity. If the self-proclaimed protectors of Hinduism work for the uplift of the oppressed rather than resort to violence against the missionaries, they will be doing a greater service to their religion.

Lenin Ligu,

Varanasi

The Centre, which came to power on the secular platform, cannot remain a silent spectator to the terrorising spree by right-wing Hindu elements. It needs to do whatever it takes to break the backbone of the fundamentalist structure.

The growth of religious intolerance in the last two decades necessitates the creation of an internal version of RAW which should be dedicated to the monitoring and elimination of elements that thrive on hatred and a divisive agenda. In Orissa, a strong message to the extremist elements can be sent by resorting to immediate arrests and prosecution of the local goondas.

J.C. Narasimhan,

Lexington, Kentucky

I am disturbed by the way the Orissa government has handled the communal frenzy that continues unabated in the State. Even before the police could establish who killed the VHP leader Swami Lakshmanananda, VHP and Bajrang Dal activists indulged in a spree of violence against Christians.

Is it not really shameful for a party that hopes to come to power at the Centre after the next general election to be seen as supporting such senseless acts?

M.S. Khaleel,

Bangalore

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

The way forward in J&K
Re-conceptualising poverty
New light on global poverty?
Hurricanes: natural, political (& electoral?)
Building model campus communities
Corrections and clarifications
Sorrow of Bihar
Singur stalemate
Orissa violence

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu