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Friday, Aug 29, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Orissa violence

The killing of VHP leader Swami Lakshmanananda and four others point to the failure of the Orissa police in protecting them. But the violence that followed in different parts of the State, perpetrated by sangh parivar radicals, targeting Christians and their institutions, was indefensible. To blame the VHP leader’s murder on the minorities, even when it appeared to be the handiwork of Maoists, is ironical and illogical. The violence was clearly well planned, and waiting to happen.

Cynthia Stephen,

Bangalore

The communal violence in Orissa is a grim pointer to how a situation can get out of control when parochial sentiments are left unchecked. It bears testimony to the communally surcharged atmosphere in the State. While the VHP’s outrage over the murder of its leader is understandable, the use of violence to settle scores is unacceptable in a civilised society. The State government failed to quell the violence on a war-footing. Besides the government and the police, intellectuals and distinguished persons from different walks of life should play a prominent role in bringing back normality to the strife-torn State. It is time to redeem the pledge that we are Indians first and Indians last.

B. Suresh Kumar,

Coimbatore

It is interesting to see how the state becomes assertive in matters of opening up markets and reforming pension schemes, while being unable to protect its minorities from violence. And it is unfortunate to see a colonial police force being used to enforce law and order, rather than being asked to be more enabling to provide protection.

Ammel Sharon,

Mumbai

It is really alarming to see the state of affairs in Orissa. The State government needs to take more effective and strong action to tackle the situation. The violence could have been avoided had adequate security been provided to Swami Lakshmanananda.

Raghvendra Singh,

New Delhi

The VHP’s claim that there is Christian missionary involvement in the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda is absurd. The suspicion of Maoist involvement in the killing proves that the claim is baseless. Yet VHP and Bajrang Dal activists attack churches, prayer houses, orphanages and other institutions run by Christians. How can a democratic country remain a mere spectator to this? Such incidents tarnish the secular image of the nation. It is time the minorities were given protection and such planned violence prevented. The people’s attitude towards fundamentalists should also change. They should ensure that fundamentalists do not come to power.

J. Joe Anand Kumar,

Puducherry

Our democracy stands discredited every time an innocent person is killed. The Orissa government has utterly failed to protect the interests of the minorities. The violence has nothing to do with the so-called missionary involvement in the VHP leader’s murder. It has more to do with the impending elections at the Centre and in some States. The aim of the sangh parivar is to polarise the gullible public.

Manish Manglani,

New Delhi

The gruesome murder of Swami Lakshmanananda and his associates, and the senseless violence that followed deserve to be condemned. However, a mere condemnation is not the panacea for the communal and social violence. In order to restore peace and communal harmony, it is imperative that the government resolve the root causes of such violence, which lie in religious conversion.

J.N. Mahanty,

Puri

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