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

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Saturday, Nov 15, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Student violence

The brutal incident in the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai, in which a group of students almost killed a college-mate has completely shaken me. Every time I see the image on television, a chill runs through my spine. It is shocking that students can turn this violent. As for the policemen, they behaved as if they are paid salary for being good spectators. And their explanation — they were waiting for the principal’s permission to act.

So, the next time you call the police, if ever you do, make sure to tell them when they show up on your doorstep — while you are struggling or getting beaten up — ‘sir, you are welcome … you can take action.’

S. Sharmila,

Chennai

* * *

The ugly incident in Chennai and the violence that followed in the Coimbatore law college are pointers to the deep-rooted caste prejudices and political affiliations plaguing the law colleges for long. The need of the hour is to probe the causes and remedy the situation. It is important to mould future lawyers as model citizens, imbued with good conduct.

Y.S. Kadakshamani,

Madurai

* * *

The police inaction is condemnable but so is the murderous behaviour of the students. Those involved in the violence should be sacked, and barred from joining any other educational institution.

M. Rasheed,

Chennai

* * *

It is saddening to note that the portals of the law college which have produced legal luminaries, politicians and statesmen of repute are now witnessing physical violence among students. Looking at the level of indiscipline, one shudders to think of the quality of future advocates and judges.

K.N. Ramani,

Coimbatore

* * *

Instead of entirely blaming the police and the college administration, let us ask ourselves whether we, as citizens, are not responsible for such incidents. As parents, are we not responsible for bringing up such hot-headed youngsters? A word about the mediapersons who covered the incident; their endeavour was to shoot the incident in all available angles, not to prevent it.

R. Murugesan,

Vellore

* * *

Wednesday’s incident in the law college offers a glimpse into India’s future. How can anyone expect students who brutally beat up fellow students to safeguard the law? Not only every student but also every parent should hang his/her head in shame.

M. Chidanand,

Bangalore

* * *

I am shocked that educated human beings could turn so violent. I am shocked too that the protectors of law could just stand by and watch with not one of them realising that his duty was to protect. I am shocked that mediapersons filmed the incident and did nothing to help a fellow human.

Will the police deal with the attackers to restore the people’s confidence in them? Will politicians give a caste colour to the ugly episode to suit their ends?

Koshy C. George,

Vellore

* * *

That the law and order machinery remained a mute spectator despite possessing intelligence on the impending violence is shocking. Accountability needs to go up the chain of command. The government must issue a stern public statement and declare a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ to such violence on college campuses.

Navin Muralidharan,

Chennai

* * *

The government can make laws to prevent crime but it cannot compel good behaviour. This is where the family comes into the picture. Parents should keep an eye on their children’s activities. As for politicians, they have tremendous reservations about condemning lawlessness when it involves dominant caste factions. A tighter code of conduct should be enforced in all educational institutions.

Raman Narayanan,

Singapore

* * *

On seeing the TV images, which showed the police watching the violence as if it was a cinema shooting, I wondered whether we were living in a civilised society. While it is true that the media should observe restraint, it is to be noted that but for the media the people would not have come to know the facts. The coverage led to quick action.

T. Swaminathan,

Chennai

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