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In search of an enemy

Your editorial “In search of an enemy” (September 17) shows that religion should get no more attention than it deserves. The reprehensible attacks on Christian prayer halls in Karnataka by some communal outfits convey unmistakably the erosion of secular values. But our politicians view them purely from a vote bank angle. George Bernard Shaw once said, “No party tells the truth at the time of elections.”

K.S.Thampi,

Chennai

When the country is faced with a serious law and order situation arising from serial bomb blasts, some parties are busy creating another problem by targeting Christians in Karnataka. All this shows the sense of responsibility and commitment of a political party “with a difference” to the security of the country. Short-sighted policies for shortcuts to political power are fraught with the danger of dismembering the secular fabric of our country, leading to chaos in civil society. In case the Prevention of Terrorism Act is revived as demanded by the BJP, it should be applied on all communal outfits without exception and bias.

Satwant Kaur,

Mahilpur

The events in Karnataka are merely the tip of the iceberg. If “forced conversions” were trotted out as a reason for violence in Davanagere last week, the Mangalore violence is blamed on the publication of a book alleged to contain matter critical of Hindu gods by a fringe Christian group. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Yeddyurappa, has been given a chance to prove his leadership, and the electorate will expect a more robust and positive stance from him in the run-up to the elections. Demonising the minorities to win elections does not give this impression. It is clearly a flawed strategy, especially as Karnataka’s electorate — seasoned after years of dealing with Machiavellian politicians — is very different from Gujarat’s.

Cynthia Stephen

Bangalore

Your editorial has a therapeutic healing power on those who had been anguished by the hate campaign unleashed in Orissa and Mangalore and elsewhere in the country in the recent months.

Hinduism is not the monopoly of a few politicians with vested interests. It is an age-old, noble religion known for its tolerance and harmonious outlook. We have sages and learned people who teach to love and live in harmony. Another Gandhiji seems to be the need of the hour.

Leela Kallarackal,

Chennai

The violence in Orissa and Karnataka are highly regrettable and should be put down with stern measures. But when the respected head of a world religious organisation says that the people of Asia — and India in particular — are “under darkness,” naturally his followers take the task of conversion as their life’s mission and go to all corners of India to convert the innocent and the poor. The reactions are inevitable. Leaders from different religions should undertake not to cross into one another’s boundary. They should also undertake to lead their followers right.

K.Venkataraman,

Mumbai

Secularists should introspect and practise straightforward secularism.

N.R. Sathyamurty,

Cuddalore

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