The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Hindu Taliban

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Monday, Feb 09, 2009
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Hindu Taliban

The editorial “Hindu Taliban” (Feb. 7) on the threat issued by the Sri Ram Sene leader, Pramod Muthalik, to disrupt Valentine Day’s celebrations in Karnataka rightly points to the dangers of the emergence of the Indian version of the Taliban. Self-proclaimed saviours of our culture such as Mr. Muthalik have damaged India’s image as a free society. It is time to act tough and prevent them from holding the country to ransom.

Tarun Kumar Pithode,

Mumbai

* * *

The editorial is right in deploring the ease with which leaders like Mr. Muthalik get away after issuing public threats in the saffron-infested Karnataka. Any celebration is right as long as it does not disturb others. Nobody has the moral right to decide what is good for others.

G.B. Sivanandam,

Coimbatore

* * *

It is reprehensible that an individual, in the guise of a leader, is able to dictate behavioural rules to society at large. Can the government at the Centre and in Karnataka be absolved of complicity in the expression of such medieval tendencies? The government should initiate immediate action to treat such inciting acts and the resultant vandalism on a par with acts of terrorism. We should draw suitable lessons from Pakistan where even a democratically elected government is helpless against the dictates of clerics.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

* * *

The hard-hitting editorial is justified but the description of the Sri Ram Sene as “Hindu” Taliban is inappropriate. How can the name of a religion be tagged on to the misdeeds of an organisation like the Sene?

S.R. Srivatsan,

Ahmedabad

* * *

The practice of subjugating the people by issuing threats is on the increase. It is obvious that the organisations which indulge in such methods are backed by the ruling parties.

Fr. Sebastian Adappacheril,

Kottayam

* * *

We should thank B.S. Yeddyurappa and his government for showing us what to expect if we re-elect the Hindutva brigade to power. We get what we deserve. Our governments reflect the quality of our choice of representatives.

S. Srinivas,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Who has given Mr. Muthalik and his followers the right to interfere in someone’s personal life? Who are they to get couples married off? Mr. Muthalik, a person who hardly knows the meaning of love, has no business to tell us what to do. Can’t a boy and girl be good friends? What does he plan to do next? Ban boys and girls from talking to each other?

Ruchi Rohatgi,

Manipal

* * *

The Sri Ram Sene seems to have been inspired by the MNS, which got cheap publicity in a short time by using violence and creating a feeling of discrimination among the people of Mumbai. Thanks to the MNS, the Sri Ram Sene has learnt that the best way to become known quickly is to use violence against the common people.

Manish Kumar,

Udupi

* * *

The chaos in Karnataka reminds me of the famous lines “…Have I not reason to lament what man has made of man?” from William Wordsworth’s poem Lines Written in Early Spring.

Rohit Gupta,

Shimla

* * *

The proposed action plan of Sri Ram Sene activists to marry off couples found dating on Valentine’s Day and force the girls who resist marriage to tie a rakhi on the wrist of the boys accompanying them does not augur well for democratic Indian culture. But I too feel anguished over the fact that the Indian family culture is being ruined by the advent of western values. First, let us learn to treat all communities and religions equally. We can then allow lovers to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

R. Rathnasamy,

Annamalainagar

* * *

I agree that the beating up of young women at a Mangalore pub was a shameful act. At the same time, I see nothing wrong in Mr. Muthalik’s respect for Indian cultural values. I support him and the action plan he proposes to implement on Valentine’s Day.

Many youngsters who claim to be lovers behave in an obscene manner in public. The men who truly love their companions should have no problem in tying a mangalsutra on demand. It will not only help cut down their marriage expenses but will also put an end to their fear while roaming around with their loved ones.

D. Swathi,

Chennai

* * *

The wide publicity given to groups such as the Sri Ram Sene will only help to polarise public opinion, rather than distance them from the mainstream. The Karnataka government’s guarded reaction to the Mangalore incidents cannot be construed as soft-pedalling of the issue, as any ban on unruly groups will only lead to their functioning in clandestine ways.

This is not to suggest that wrongful activities should be ignored. The reaction should not be disproportionate.

S. Arunachalam,

Chennai

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